Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“It all sounds wonderful, not that you needed to sell me on it. I’m one hundred percent onboard.” Kit searched my eyes and asked, “But is there some reason in particular that made you want to stay there all month?”
“Maybe I don’t want to tempt fate,” I admitted. “I mean, I’ve made it this far. I’ve already outlived the last three generations of men in my family. Now I find myself wondering, what if I can break the curse? All I have to do is stay safe for the next five weeks and two days. That seems a lot more likely if I’m hunkered down in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, as opposed to driving across the country, facing a lot of unknowns, and potentially exposing myself to all sorts of risks.”
It seemed silly when I said it out loud, like I thought I could hide from the curse or something. But even if Kit thought I was ridiculous, he seemed perfectly sincere when he said, “Then that’s what we’ll do. I’m planning to call our housemates this afternoon to wish them a Merry Christmas, and I’ll let them know we’ll be gone an extra month.”
“Great. I’ll use a cash app to pay January’s rent for both of us, so we won’t have to think about that while we’re at the cabin.”
“You don’t have to pay my part.”
“I’m the reason you’re being delayed in going back home and finding a job, so I really want to do this for you. Please?”
“Well, okay. Thanks, Devon.”
I kissed his forehead and changed the subject with, “Mom and Ed are going to be home soon. Are you ready for a board game marathon? It’s kind of a tradition.”
“As long as it’s not Monopoly, I’m in.”
It was a great Christmas. We spent hours playing cards and board games, watching old movies, and eating a ton of good food. Kit seemed to genuinely enjoy himself, too. I loved the way he fit in so effortlessly with my family.
That night, I came back downstairs because Kit was craving one more Christmas cookie. When I found Ed raiding the cookie stash in the kitchen, I grinned and said, “We had the same idea.”
“Don’t tell your mother. She’s worried about my health, but I have every intention of improving my diet after the holidays.”
I turned to him and asked, “Is there something I should know?”
“No. I’m fit as a fiddle, according to my doctor. But I’m turning seventy this next year, and I guess that has your mom concerned.”
“You look like you’ve barely aged since I’ve known you.”
“That’s because I’ve always looked old. By the time I was forty, waiters were already offering me the senior discount when I went out to eat.” He leaned in like he was letting me in on a secret. “I always went ahead and took that discount, too. As long as they were offering, why not save a buck?”
That made me chuckle. He could be cheap in some ways, while also being stunningly generous. Which reminded me. “I wanted to thank you again for the cabin. Kit and I are excited to spend some time there, and it means a lot to me to get to share it with him.”
“I’m so glad you two are headed up there! Remind me to give you the number for the father and daughter who’ve been looking after it for me for the last few years. I sent them an email this afternoon to wish them a Merry Christmas, and to let them know you’re coming. They’ll go shopping before you arrive and make sure the fridge and pantry are fully stocked for your visit.”
“It’s okay, Kit and I can do that.”
“I know you can, but let them do it. I pay them extra for stuff like that, on top of their salary. They’re always eager for opportunities to earn some additional money.”
“Alright.”
“And if you need anything at all, while you’re there or in general, just let me know.”
I pulled a plate from the cabinet and paused before turning to Ed and saying, “You’ll look after Kit once I’m gone, won’t you? I love him, and I’d marry him if I lived long enough. He’d be a part of this family.”
“So, you’re still worried about the curse. Since you hadn’t brought it up, I thought maybe you’d let that go.”
“I didn’t bring it up because it upsets Mom.”
“I understand. And Kit’s already a part of this family. Your mother and I care about him, and we’ll always be there for him, no matter what.”
Tears stung my eyes as I gave him a hug and whispered, “Thanks, Dad.”
When I let go of him and stepped back, he seemed surprised. “You just called me Dad.”
“I know. It’s what I should have been calling you all along.”
His blue eyes looked a little brighter than usual behind his glasses, like maybe he was tearing up, too. “I never set out to replace your father. I know what he meant to you.”