Recognizing that voice anywhere, Kimber jerked and felt a combination of alarm and happiness. “Get ready, you two. The hospital called my parents.”
Traci turned to the doorway and then her face went slack.
On her other side, Gunnar sucked in a breath.
“Kimber, look at you!” her mother exclaimed as she strode to her like a steam engine. After kissing her brow, she moved aside for her dad to enfold her in a bear hug.
“Kimber Jean,” he murmured.
Even though she’d often felt like she’d disappointed them, in the past, Kimber knew they loved her and she loved them back. She took a moment to appreciate their presence.
When they stepped away with another couple of pats, she smiled at them. “Hi, Mom. Hey, Dad. I can’t believe you both came.”
“I can’t believe you’d think we’d be anyplace else,” her father said. “You’re my sweet girl.”
“Thank you, Dad.”
She wasn’t sure if he heard her or not, because he’d already turned to stare at the other two occupants in the room. “Now, who are you two?”
“I don’t think we’ve met. Have we?” her mother asked on her dad’s heels.
Taking a deep breath, Kimber performed the introductions—all while silently praying that everything wasn’t about to get even weirder. “Mom, Dad, this is Traci, my sister. And, this is Gunnar Law, my boyfriend.” And she wouldn’t have guessed it, but calling him that was feeling almost easy. Easier than introducing Traci as her sister to her parents.
“Your sister?” her mother gasped.
She looked kind of spellbound. Worried for Traci, Kimber said, “I know I’ve mentioned Traci and Shannon, Mom.”
Traci held out a hand. And yes, it was awkward. “Hi—”
“I can’t believe it. Look at you!” she exclaimed as she hurried to Traci’s side and embraced her in a fierce hug. Seconds later, she stepped back, smiled wider, then hugged her again.
When her mom released Traci at last, Traci reached for the edge of the bed to steady herself.
Kimber didn’t blame their reactions one bit. Her parents were larger than life and seemed to suck the life out of any room.
“Dad?” Kimber prodded. He was currently eyeing Gunnar like he didn’t trust him and Traci like he couldn’t believe she was real.
“Real glad to know you,” he said quietly to Gunnar.
“You too, sir,” Gunnar said as they shook hands.
“When did you two arrive?”
“A couple of hours ago,” Gunnar replied. “We got the first flight out of Cincinnati.”
“Shannon wanted to come but we decided that the two of us might be enough,” Traci added.
“You are a sight for sore eyes, girl,” Dad said to Traci as he reached for her hands. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you. You’re the sister who’s a cop, right?”
“Right.” After sneaking a glance at Kimber, Traci smiled at Kimber’s dad. “It’s real good to meet you, Mr. Klein.”
“It’s Charlie and that’s Jennifer. We’re Charlie and Jennifer to you.”
“All right. Thank you,” Traci said quietly.
While Kimber’s parents had been scaring poor Traci to death, Gunnar had been edging his way back to Kimber’s side. She reached out and took hold of his hand. He steadied her and she was so grateful for it.
“You hanging in there?” he whispered.
“I am. I might even be doing better than that,” she added. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
Leaning down, he brushed a kiss on her cheek. “Me too, sweetheart.”
Just then she realized that her parents and Traci were all staring at them. Though part of her felt like she was fourteen and getting caught holding a boy’s hand, Kimber kept ahold of Gunnar. She might be lying in a bed, but he was helping to center her, and that was the truth.
“Maybe we should bring in some more chairs so we can get caught up,” her dad said. “It looks like we’ve got a lot of things to discuss.”
“I don’t know if now is the best time, Dad.”
Eying their linked hands, her father shook his head. “Actually, I can’t think of a better time than right this second. Gunnar, how about you and I go find two more chairs?”
“I’d be happy to.” He squeezed Kimber’s hand lightly. “I’ll be right back. I promise.”
Even though she hurt, looked awful, and was a nervous wreck, she smiled. She knew Gunnar wasn’t going to go back on that promise. Not a chance.
CHAPTER 28
“At Christmas, all roads lead home.”
—Marjorie Holmes
Jeremy hadn’t been worried about spending the night at Ace’s house. Despite the guy looking like he was part of a motorcycle gang or something, Gunnar’s boss was easygoing and really nice. His wife, Meredith, was sweet and kind of shy, and their son, Finn, was pretty much the most popular kid at Bridgeport High.
He was the star quarterback on the football team, had a dog and a girlfriend, and also happened to be one of the coolest guys Jeremy had ever met. Finn Vance was laid back and never acted like he was anything special.
Jeremy had worried that he’d have to share a room with Finn, but Meredith had their spare room all tricked out with a queen-size inflatable bed and a TV on a cart. She was worried that he would be upset about the bed, but Jeremy assured her he was just fine. He was glad she had no idea about some of the rooms and beds he’d had to sleep in over the years.
Now, though, Jeremy was sitting with Henry, Finn’s dog, on the couch watching the family’s big television in their basement. He was also staring at the screen of his cell phone. He’d just texted Gunnar, to see what was going on in New York, and Bethany, because that was what they did now.
Finn came in and sat down on the opposite side of the couch. Henry inched closer to him, obviously pleased to be by his favorite person. “What are you watching, Jeremy?” he asked.
“Nothing really. I’ve been flipping channels.” He handed Finn the remote. “Here.”
“Thanks.” He clicked on ESPN. “I’m hoping to get my fantasy football lineup set for the week. Do you have a team?”
“Nah.” He not only didn’t have the money for it, but it wasn’t like a kid in foster care had gotten a lot of chances to watch cable or follow players and teams. He wouldn’t know who to put on his team.