Chapter 91

When Taren walked into the living room, it had already been cleaned and the wrapping paper stowed in bags and left by the door for him to take out. He made a silent promise to do it in the morning. Prissy was once again lying by the fireplace in what was quickly becoming her spot.
Hearing the musical peals of laughter coming from the other side of the house, he followed the sound. He peeked around the corner into the family room from the kitchen. A fire already burned in the fireplace, and Kiki and his mother were sitting on the couch with steaming mugs.
"Hey! We're in here." Kiki waved to Taren when she saw him walk in.
"What are you two ladies doing?" Taren asked from the kitchen, amused that Kiki and his mother were getting along so well. He poured himself a cup of coffee, and then headed into the family room and sat on an armchair, kitty corner from the couch.
They looked at each other and giggled. "Oh, just having a bit of girl talk," his mother replied and then looked back at Kiki. They both burst out laughing.
"That's what I'm afraid of." Taren blew across his coffee cup, watching as the steam trailed away. He took a sip and the hot liquid warmed his chest as it traveled down. "Yum. Good coffee, Mom."
"Thanks," his mother replied, a knowing smile curling the corner of her lips. "Did you know that Kiki met Abby on Christmas Eve at the Children's Home?"
"Yes; she told me." Taren took another sip of his coffee.
Kiki glanced over at him and smiled. "Did you know that your daughter is a chess master- at six years old?"
Taren laughed. "She's good, but I wouldn't call her a master."
"I would!" Kiki laughed. "Case and I were playing and then Abby just walked up and started telling Case not to make certain moves."
Taren chuckled, shaking his head. "I told her time and again not to show off- or interfere in other people's games."
Kiki laughed. "No, she wasn't showing off or interfering. She just said it matter of fact. I was blown away." Her tone suddenly turned serious. "Have you ever had her tested for the Gifted program at her school yet?"
He shook his head. "No, not yet."
"Well, you should," his mother interjected. "She's very smart and needs to be challenged."
Taren sighed. "I just want her to grow up like a normal child."
"Yes, she's a normal child, but she's also gifted, I can tell you that." Kiki took a sip of her coffee. "That's why I bought her the art set. If she's good with chess, that means she's analytical. I'd love to see if she's gifted in creativity, too."
He shrugged. "She's a six-year-old--"
"Who can read," his mother finished. "Listen to Kiki and have your daughter tested."
"I'll think about it." He took another sip of his coffee, hoping to end the conversation. He wanted his daughter to be challenged, but he didn't want her stressed out and overwhelmed, either. But then again, if she was bored-
"Taren-." his mother warned.
"Okay! I'll talk to her teacher when she goes back to school." He took another sip of his coffee and swallowed. Abby was on holiday break until after New Year's. "Now, can we talk about something else please?"
"I think we've ganged up on him enough." Evelyn stood and Kiki laughed. "Well, don't stay up too late, kiddos." Then she lowered her voice conspiratorially, leaning close to her son. "I'll leave Santa to you." She gave him a kiss on the top of his head. "Night, son. Love you."
"Love you, too." He looked up and smiled. "Mom, thanks for everything. You really outdid yourself tonight."
She patted his arm. "It was my pleasure. Love you to the moon--"
"And back," he finished. It was something they did since he was a child and they never stopped. And after he had a child of his own, he knew the depth of love a parent had for his or her child. "Night, Mom."
Evelyn gave one last wave over her shoulder and then headed off to bed.
Taren rose to his feet and took his mother's place on the sofa. "So, did you have fun tonight?"
Kiki nodded. "I really did. Thank you so much for inviting me. I had a wonderful time."
"Thanks for coming." He thought of something and then asked, "Are you sure you feel comfortable staying here tonight? In the spare room, I mean."
Kiki smiled. "Yes. Of course." She reached over and patted his hand. "I'd trust you with my life- and I have."
Taren smiled. "I hope that one day we can get past me pulling you--"
"Ssshhh-." She placed a finger to his lips. "I was only joking." She paused for a moment, as if weighing her words. "Taren, I'm not here tonight because you saved my life. I'm here because I want to be here- with you."
He nodded and set his cup on the coffee table. Then he draped his arm over the back of the couch. "Kiki, may I ask you something?"
A crease formed between her eyes. "Yes, of course. What is it?"
He bit his lower lip and then released it. "Does it bother you- that I have a child with another woman?"
Kiki smiled as she shook her head. "No. Not at all. Abby's great."
Taren nodded. "So- hypothetically- if things progressed with us, would you be able to accept her as my child- and love her as your own?"
She placed a hand softly on his cheek and smiled. "I already have."
Overwhelmed with relief and love, he leaned over and brushed his lips gingerly across hers, looking into her eyes. Finding acceptance, he crushed his lips to hers and pulled her into his arms, as passion overtook them both.
A moment later, she pulled back. "Has anyone ever told you that you're a good kisser?"
He laughed, the spell of the moment broken. "A few times," he teased, sliding closer to her. "So are you." He pressed his lips to hers again, gently this time. His lips moved with hers as if they had been made for each other. He didn't know why he never saw it in high school. But one thing was sure: The more time he spent with her, the more he craved. Soon, he pulled back, breathless.
"I think Santa might be coming soon," Kiki whispered against his lips.
He nodded and gave her one last sweet kiss. "I think you're right." He rose from beside her and pulled her to her feet. "Want to help?"
She smiled. "Yes. If that's okay."
Taren's lips curled into a smile. "Of course. Let's do this." He took her hand and led her into the living room where the Christmas tree set, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight and tree lights.
As they set up everything for Santa, he couldn't help but feel that she was already a part of his family- and a part of him. He just hoped that she felt the same way, too.