Page 53 of Christmas on Ice
As I pulled up in front of the house, an older couple I assumed were his parents were loading their car. I waited on the street for them to vacate the driveway. The woman saw me and walked over to my driver’s-side window. I lowered it and waited.
She’d been crying, but she was smiling. “I imagine you’ve heard about our Christmas miracle! Sutton has woken up!”
“That’s wonderful news, ma’am.” I hadn’t heard. Kami hadn’t returned any of my calls or texts since yesterday. I still cared about her and Ryleigh. She had to know that. And I hoped she still cared about me.
“It’s the best news. Praise the Lord!” She leaned in, forcing me to look directly at her.
My nerves tingled, already on edge and in defense mode. “It sure is.” I glanced toward the house.
“Listen, Trask, right? I’m sure you’re a nice man. Kamryn wouldn’t befriend someone who wasn’t. But you must know that’s all you can have with her. A friendship. She and my Sutton were meant to be together. You shouldn’t try to break up this family.”
“Listen, ma’am, with all due respect—”
“No, you listen. You have a big career ahead of you. Go back to Colorado and let this family heal.”
I just stared at her. I was so angry, I couldn’t form words.
“Is that a gift for Ryleigh? I can take it in for you.”
Next to me on the seat was a robotic puppy gift-wrapped in fairy paper. How astute.
“I can give it to her myself.”
“I’m afraid you can’t. They’ve already left for the hospital.”
I was done with this woman. “Then I’ll go there. Merry Christmas.”
I rolled up my window before she could reply, put the car in reverse, and sped around her without looking back.
I texted Kami from the parking lot.I’m at the hospital.
The same woman was at the information desk. “He’s been moved to a regular room. You can go on up. Room 347.”
I peeked into the room. Ryleigh was in bed with Sutton in her Christmas dress, headphones on, sucking her thumb and watching something on the television. Kami and Sutton were talking. I was about to knock on the door when Sutton’s voice got louder. I froze.
“Please, Kam? I need you.”
“You don’t need me. You’ve never needed me.”
It was like watching a train wreck. He turned toward her and grabbed her hand in desperation. “Please, I want us to be a family again. I know I’ve messed up so many times. I’ll earn your forgiveness and your trust again, I promise.”
“Sutton—”
“Kami, I love you!”
I couldn’t hear anymore. Maybe I didn’t want to wait for her reply. I knocked on the door.
Loudly. Even Ryleigh heard it. Three heads turned my way.
“Mr. Tiggerman!” Ryleigh scrambled off the bed and ran toward me.
I put her gift on the counter by the door and crouched to catch her in my arms. “Merry Christmas, sweet girl.” I pulled her close and closed my eyes. I had the worst feeling this hug would have to last a long time. I couldn’t get choked up, at least not here.
She wiggled out of my grasp and pointed to the gift. “Is that for me?”
“It is. Ask your Mommy if you can open it.” I stood up tall and took in the scene before me. Sutton was definitely banged up. And definitely alive. He glared at me like any strong, healthy male would glare at his competition.
“Trask.” Kami stood up and walked over to me. Her eyes brightened and locked on mine. “Thanks for coming. I was going to call you when I left here.”
