Page 92 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
“We’ve been so worried,” Becca said as she bent to hug Kaiah.
Sue touched her hand. “You gave us quite the scare, sweetheart. I’m so glad you’re okay. Piper and Astrid are worried sick. Blake is too.”
“I’m sorry for worrying you guys. How was the rest of the garden tour?” Kaiah asked.
Becca jammed her thumb toward her mom. “My mom won the trophy for the best garden. Itoldyou her roses were the cream of the crop.” She pulled her phone out and flashed a photo of Sue holding a huge trophy, with Piper and Astrid grinning on either side of her.
“I’m not surprised.” Reid leaned over to see the photo. “Good job, Mom.”
Becca’s expression became serious. “I’m so glad you were on duty today.”
“Me too.” He rubbed Kaiah’s arm. “I hate to leave, but I have to get back to work.”
“Don’t worry about it. Thanks for coming with me. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Kaiah said.
He pulled her in for a hug, and she held on to him while inhaling his comforting scent. “Take good care of yourself, Ky,” he whispered in her ear, and his deep, smooth voice sent a delicious chill shimmying down her spine.
“I will,” she promised. She wanted to hold on to him forever.
Reid stood and divided a look between Becca and Sue. “Watch out for her tonight, and get her back to the hospital if she needs to be seen again.”
“We will,” Becca said. “I’ll stay at your house and make sure she’s okay.”
Reid nodded. “Thanks. Give my love to Piper.” He sauntered out of the examination room.
A knowing look passed between Becca and her mother as Reid disappeared through the curtain.
“Thank you for taking such good care of me,” Kaiah told Becca later that evening as she relaxed on her boyfriend’s sofa. Sue and Becca had taken her back to Reid’s house, where Blake and the girls had brought takeout from a nearby sandwich shop. Sitting with these kind people at the kitchen table, cutting up and swapping stories, Kaiah was overwhelmed by how much she enjoyed being with Reid’s family. They were the kind of family she’d always wished for but never had: close enough to mess with each other, kind and considerate even in their differences. She was grateful they’d allowed her to be part of their little unit.
Kaiah covered her mouth to shield a yawn. “Sorry, guys. I think all of the excitement from today is taking a toll on me.” She stood and gathered up their empty plates.
“Oh no you don’t.” Becca jumped up and swatted her hands. “You get ready for bed. I’ll take care of the kitchen.”
Sue stood up. “Let me and your dad clean up the kitchen.” She eyed Kaiah. “You get ready for bed.” Then she focused on her daughter again. “And you take care of the girls.”
“I want Miss Kaiah to tuck me and Astrid into bed.” Piper pulled on Kaiah’s arm.
Kaiah faced Becca. “Is that all right? I think I can handle sitting during bathtime and reading a couple of bedtime stories.”
“Pleeeease, Auntie?” Piper begged. “Me and Astrid will be really good. Right, Astrid?”
“Uh-huh!” Astrid insisted.
Becca’s expression warmed. “Fine, fine. But you be gentle with Miss Kaiah. She’s had a long day.”
Blake set up a cot in Piper’s room for Astrid, and Kaiah sat with the girls while they took their bath. After they were dressed in their pajamas, the girls climbed into their beds. Ariel took her usual spot at Piper’s feet. After Sue and Blake kissed the girls and told them goodbye, Kaiah read themThe Littlest Mermaid.
“Now it’s time to go to sleep,” Kaiah said after finishing the story and tucking them in. “You have sweet dreams.” She kissed each of them on the head. “I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
“Miss Kaiah,” Piper called when Kaiah had reached the door. “Are you okay now?”
She smiled at the girl. “I feel much better.”
Piper’s big brown eyes brimmed with tears. “I was so scared,” she said as she started to sob.
“Hey, sweetie.” Kaiah rushed over to Piper’s bed. Her heart pinched as she rubbed Piper’s cheek. “I promise I’m okay.” She ripped a few tissues from a nearby box and wiped up the six-year-old’s tears. “You don’t have to cry, Piper. I’m all better.”
“It was so scary,” Astrid said, her voice shaking. “Your eyes were closed.”
