Page 23 of Kian's Devotio
Chapter 4
Karalee
Pulling into Silver Springs and knowing that this was the place to start a fresh new life was like a dream.
She immediately fell in love with the tiny picturesque town.
There was a main square, with a large open area. It had a gazebo in the middle.
A freaking gazebo! What? Businesses lined the street and they all seemed so welcoming.
She spotted a diner and knew she found the place to apply for a job.
She finished her drive to Granny’s house and when she pulled in the driveway, Gran was there.
She smiled at her and Karalee ran to her as soon as her car was parked.
Gran pulled her into a tight hug. “Oh, sweet girl. I have missed you so much.”
Gran cupped her cheeks, “How have you been?”
Karalee shrugged, “I am better now. Being here, it feels like freedom. Like I can be a new me.”
Gran grinned, “That it does. It’s why I picked this place at the start. And even though what I went through was traumatic, and what Emery and Reid just went through, it’s something that we can endure for this little slice of paradise.”
Karalee smiled, “I can’t wait.”
Gran showed her into the house, “This is or was, Emery’s room. She was only here for a day before she met her man. Don’t be surprised if you too get swept off your feet.”
Karalee shook her head, “Nope. No thank you. Love is not for me.”
Gran put her hands on her hips and Karalee sighed, “You know I have only seen love between a few select people. Ailith and Ken, and you and Greg were the only love I saw that wasn’t tainted. I am terrified of love.”
Gran reached out a hand and Karalee took it, “Don’t turn love away when it finds you. You would regret it more than words.”
Karalee nodded, “I won’t. But I am not looking.”
Gran snorted, “I need to meet Ailith at the hospital. When you get settled, come to see Emery. She would love to see you.”
Karalee nodded, “I sure will. I just wanted to get the few boxes I have put away. Thank you for letting me stay here. As soon as I can manage it, I will be finding an apartment.”
Gran leaned forward and kissed her cheek softly, “You are as much my granddaughter as Emery is. You are welcome here for as long as you need it. Plus, it will be quite lonely now without Emery around as much.”
Karalee laughed, “I didn’t know that they could find love that quickly. Is he a good guy? I know Emery says he is, I just worry. She is my best friend. I don’t want anything to happen to her.”
Gran smiled, “I think he is a great man. He is kind and willing to do anything he can for her. Truly. I will send him to pick you up, okay?”
Karalee bit her lip and nodded. Then Gran left and she was left alone.
She looked around the house some and fell in love with the layout. The house was long, and the main floor had a simple layout.
The kitchen and dining room connected to the living room and it felt cozy and warm.
There was a set of stairs off the kitchen that led to a basement that had three additional rooms as well as a family room.
And there was a tiny bathroom that had a shower, toilet and sink.
It was lovely. She was upstairs with Emery. They had a middle-sized room with a large window.
