Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Erin rolled her eyes. “Can you think about something other than your always empty stomach?”
Personally, Cara agreed with him. The delicious aroma of coffee brewing scented through the house, making her hope there was some kind of cake to go along with it. But she didn’t say anything, merely glanced at Sam, and they both laughed knowingly.
Mike, whose arm was around her shoulder, tightened his hold. Cara tried not to be too pleased by the unnecessary proprietary display. Instead, she focused on Kojak. The little dog had made himself at home in her lap, and she petted the fluffy white head, wishing she were able to get a dog of her own.
“What’s with that look?” Mike asked.
Cara couldn’t help but smile at how well he read her. “Kojak’s cute. I wouldn’t mind a pet, but my shifts are too long. It wouldn’t be fair for an animal to be alone all the time.”
He eyed her with a funny expression on his face, but before she could question him, Ella and Simon walked into the room, their arms linked together. Their show of unity wasn’t just an act. Anyone who’d grown up in Serendipity, who’d been to town events Simon had presided over as chief, who’d attended gatherings with this family, knew that Simon and Ella’s love was steady and real. Illness had only strengthened the bond, and Cara envied them the life they shared—sickness and all, she’d give anything for a love that enduring and real.
“What’s up?” Sam asked, leaning forward in his seat.
Erin stared at her parents, her eyes wide and her expression curious.
Mike feigned relaxation, but Cara felt the stiffness in his arms and knew whatever their pronouncement, it was as important to him as to his siblings.
Whether they were being deliberately dramatic or not, the next few moments of silence dragged on endlessly.
Simon and Ella smiled at one another with love, then turned that gaze on each of their children, causing Cara a moment of discomfort. “I should go and let you all talk,” she said, suddenly feeling like an outsider who didn’t belong.
She started to rise, but Mike held on tight while Simon stepped forward. “Nonsense. If anyone has a right to hear this news along with the family, it’s you.” He smiled warmly at Cara and she drank in his words, relaxing back beside Mike on the sofa.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“My pleasure.” He grinned, and Cara realized Simon looked happier than she’d seen him in a while; though he was still frail as a result of his treatments, there was a definite glint in his eye that she hadn’t noticed the last time she’d been here for dinner.
“Well, stop keeping us in suspense,” Sam said.
“He’s in remission!” Ella said, obviously unable to keep the news in any longer.
The next few minutes were a blur of happy hugs, kisses, and tears of joy as they celebrated the news. Cara gladly participated, knowing the family’s relief as well as her own. Simon was a wonderful man, dedicated not just to the family who adored him but to the town he loved. He’d been police chief of Serendipity for as long as Cara could remember, and before his illness, he’d been a great boss . . .
Her thoughts trailed off as the reality of the good news set in. Simon’s remission meant he’d be ready to resume the reins at the station again soon. Simon would come back to work, and Mike would step down. He’d be out of a job in Serendipity. Nothing compelling would keep him here, and he’d return to his solitary apartment in Manhattan, his undercover work, and his women. Like Lauren.
The ache in her chest hurt so badly she couldn’t breathe, making her wonder if this was what a heart attack felt like. While the family talked, Cara picked up Kojak again, finding comfort in the dog’s soft fur, and she buried her face in his fluffy body. If she were going to survive Mike’s leaving, maybe she’d have to get a dog after all.
What kind of person was she that she’d turn a wonderful celebration of life into a sad situation? She ought to be ashamed, Cara thought. She swallowed the pain in her throat and promised that she’d pull herself together. As long as she was in this house, she’d smile and be happy. She’d save the wallowing for when she was alone.
A status that was coming soon enough.
“Hey,” Mike said, sitting back down beside her, concerned by the pained, fragile look on her face. “You okay?” First Cara had tried to bolt before his parents’ news, and now she’d all but withdrawn into herself.
She nodded, her eyes watery. “It’s such great news. Overwhelming, actually.”
“Unexpected, too. I had no idea he was going for a scan or anything.”
“I’m sure they didn’t want to either worry you unnecessarily or get your hopes up just in case things were status quo.”