Page 11 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
Reid’s lips curled up in a smile. “You’re encouraging my daughter’s bad behavior.”
“The kid’s got a point.” Kaiah shrugged. “Who doesn’t like pizza?”
Reid laughed. “Fine. I’ll order it.”
“Yay!” Piper exclaimed, and when Reid stepped out of the doorway, Piper yanked Kaiah along.
“See ya!” Kaiah sang while they moved down the hallway.
“Do you like pepperoni?” Reid called down the hallway.
“Yes!” Piper and Kaiah responded at the same time.
Piper led Kaiah into a bright pink room decorated with copious pictures of mermaids, along with piles of dolls, books, stuffed animals, and other toys. It was the perfect girl’s room with a cool beachy vibe.
“What a great room,” Kaiah said, stepping over piles of toys. She pointed to a fluffy calico cat curled up in the middle of Piper’s pink comforter. “And this must be the famous Ariel.”
Piper flopped onto the bed bedside the cat and began petting her. “Ariel, this is my new friend, Kaiah.”
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.” Kaiah also stroked the cat. “I assume she’s named after Ariel the mermaid?”
Piper seemed impressed. “How’d you know?”
“Lucky guess.” Kaiah gestured around at the mermaid murals, posters, dolls, and bedding.
Piper picked up a photo beside her bed and handed it to Kaiah. “This is my mommy and me. She went to heaven when I was two. I’m six now.”
Kaiah pushed against the anguish threading through her as she studied the photo of a beautiful young woman with golden-brown hair and sparkling brown eyes holding a baby in her arms. “Oh, Piper, I’m so sorry,” she whispered as she took in the girl’s sweet expression. She gave her small hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m sure you miss her.”
“Her name is Brynn Elizabeth Turner,” Piper said. “I’m named after her. My name is Piper Elizabeth Turner.”
“That’s so special, sweetheart.” Kaiah studied the photo, and her throat felt thick. “I lost my mom when I was eleven.” She met Piper’s surprised expression.
Piper gasped. “You did?” she asked, and Kaiah nodded. “What happened to her?”
“She was sick.”
“You miss your mom too,” Piper said.
Kaiah nodded. “Every day.” She set the framed photo down and took Piper’s hand in hers as she sat on the edge of the bed. “But I keep her here.” She touched her chest. “She’s always in my heart.” She gave Piper’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Your mom is always in your heart too.”
“Right,” the little girl whispered while nodding.
Just then, the cat stood up, yawned, squeaked, stretched, shook her head, and then sat back down.
Kaiah and Piper’s eyes met before they both started laughing at the silly feline. Shaking her head, Kaiah relaxed on the bed. Today had been an emotional ride, and she was grateful for the relief provided by her two new friends.
Chapter 3
Reid had definitely lost his mind. That was the only way to explain why he’d invited a stranger to stay in the garage apartment and why he was letting Piper drag her around the house to look for the cat.
Though, if he were being honest with himself, therealreason he was in this predicament was obvious. He’d found his gaze drifting toward Kaiah as she waited in line at the coffee shop. Her golden hair fell in waves past her shoulders, catching the morning light in a way that cast a glow around her. He liked the way the corners of her mouth curved up slightly as she pondered her order. He had even taken note of the way she’d walked around the shop, her vibrant blue eyes full of curiosity and warmth as she studied the art on the walls. It seemed he found everything about this woman captivating. His pulse quickened as he felt an unfamiliar spike of adrenaline. He’d been out of the dating game for too long to get back in now. Plus, as a single father with a demanding job, his life was already a careful balancing act.
But when his hand had closed around the wrong coffee cup—and he’d found himself standing before the beautiful stranger, stumbling over his own words as he tried to correct his mistake—he couldn’t deny he’d felt like he’d won the lottery.
And when he got the call for a ride from his part-time Uber job, he’d never in a million years expected Kaiah to be his passenger. Then, when she shared she needed a temporary place to stay? Well, once again he felt like someone was handing him a gift—a reason to talk to this woman and maybe get to know her.
But what are you doing?a quiet voice whispered inside his head. And what would Brynn say if she knew you’d invited a stranger to stay in your home? With your daughter here?They’d always put their child’s safety first, and he was committed to continue doing so. Piper was the center of Reid’s life.
