Page 86 of Kian

“It was my dog Lobo who found him. He’s a Malamute and loves playing in the snow, so he was out running around. He’s such a smart dog. I knew something was wrong when he kept trying to lead me somewhere,” Gretchen shared with a grin. “My first thought was ‘he better not be taking me to see a dead animal’.”

Aileen laughed in response. “I can’t imagine what you thought when you saw Kian.”

“I hoped he wasn’t dead,” Gretchen admitted, shaking her head. “He was lucky that he hadn’t been out there too long or else he could have gotten hypothermia and frostbite. But my next thought was how handsome he was.”

Aileen joined in on the laughter before saying, “I felt so bad for him not being able to remember anything. It must be tough not knowing anything about yourself.”

“That would definitely be hard,” Gretchen agreed. “I’m justglad he got his memory back and that I could help take care of his wounds.”

“When I think about how close he came to dying...” Aileen trailed off with a sigh.

“But he didn’t,” Gretchen reassured her. “He was fortunate to be in good shape and rescued quickly. I couldn’t believe it when he told me that it was his third day of vacation, and he got bored.”

“Kian is just like Killian. They have a hard time letting go of work and relaxing. But now that Killian is with Celine, he’s learned to balance it out. Kian used to be the same way when he was dating... oh, I’m sorry,” Aileen apologized.

“It’s okay,” Gretchen replied calmly. “I know about Sheila and how she came to Clifton too. I may have jumped to conclusions when I saw her hugging him after he got back from being with me.”

“He doesn’t love her though,” Aileen clarified.

“I know. He told me that and that she didn’t love him either,” Gretchen acknowledged.

“She might love him in her own way, but she’s not in love with him like you are. Sheila is a nice woman, and we liked her, but even I knew their relationship wasn’t going to last.”

“But Kian did love her,” Gretchen interjected.

Aileen smiled knowingly. “He thought he did, but he never looked at her the way he looks at you. He’s very much in love with you.”

Gretchen couldn’t help but grin. “And I feel the same way about him.”

“I can see it,” Aileen agreed happily. “As long as our sons are happy, Connor and I are happy.”

“You raised both of them well. They both have such great manners,” Gretchen complimented sincerely.

“They’d better,” Aileen joked playfully.

Gretchen chuckled. “I’m excited for my parents to meet him.”

“Kian mentioned that you were divorced. I hope you don’t mind me mentioning it.”

“It’s okay. We got married right out of high school and it didn’t work out. But we’re still good friends, he’s a great guy.”

“That’s how Sheila and Kian feel about each other too. They know their breakup was for the best. I know Kian was upset at first, but Sheila knew it wasn’t going to work out. I hope Sheila finds someone just as amazing one day.”

“I really hope she does too.”

Aileen smiled. “She will.”

“Kian loves you and his father. He was so emotional the day I called you. He tried to speak, but he couldn’t. I knew he wanted to, but his emotions just took over,” Gretchen said. “I wasn’t sure what to say to you. I was hoping he’d pull himself together because I knew in my heart, that you wanted to hear his voice.”

“Oh, I did. Thank you so much for doing that for him. When he did get on the phone, I just broke down. I had proof he was alive.” Aileen shook her head.

“After he hung up from you, he just cried, and I did too.”

“I can never thank you enough for saving him.” Aileen smiled. “Now, let’s go join the guys and watch some TV. I know Kian probably wants to get home before dark so he can take care of his horses. I can’t wait to see his new house.”

“Oh, it’s beautiful. You’ll love it.”

They made their way into the living room where Aileen settled into the recliner next to her husband and Gretchen sat on the sofa next to Kian, smiling as he took her hand in his.

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