A Forever Thing: A Contemporary Christian Romance NOVELLA by Debra Ullrick Page B

didn’t know how to stop hurting. I didn’t know it wasn’t my fault that Daddy died until you explained it to me. Thanks, Mom.” Angie threw her arms around Kelly’s neck and squeezed her. When she let go, Kelly lost the battle to her tears.
    “Oh, Angie. I’m so glad that you’ve finally stopped blaming yourself. That you understand it wasn’t your fault.”
    “Me too.” Her hazel eyes bounced open.
    Kelly chuckled.
    “So. You going to go with Officer Baker or not?”
    “We’ll see. I just don’t want you getting your hopes up. What if Tate…Officer Baker and I don’t get together.”
    “That ain’t going to happen cuz I prayed about it for real this time.”
    Kelly’s heart soared. Not only had her daughter been freed from guilt, but she was ready to let a man into their lives. Not just any man, but Tate. Both of those things were amazing, but even better than them, Angie had prayed again. For real, as she put it. And not just going through the motions of prayer.
    God, please don’t let her down. Help me to win Tate’s heart. Not just for Angie’s sake, but for mine too. I’m tired of being alone. And being with Tate feels right. I know that even Brad would approve of him as my husband and Angie’s father. Excitement flowed through her. “Okay. I’ll do it.”
    “Yay!” Angie threw her arms around her again.
    This time, Kelly lost her balance and fell backward. Angie landed on top of her. Lying there on the Christmas throw rug, she wrapped her arms around Angie and held her tight. “I love you, cupcake.”
    “Cupcake? That’s what Officer Baker calls me.”
    “I know. On a count of your so sweet and all.”
    “Yeah.” Angie raised her chin, pursed her lip, and nodded. “He’s a smart man.” She stood and offered Kelly a hand. Angie stuck one leg behind her to balance herself and Kelly pretended to use her daughter’s strength to stand up. The second she did, Angie jerked her head toward the door. “Now go get him, Mom.”
    Kelly stood at attention and saluted her. “Yes, ma’am. But not until we finish these dishes.”
    Angie rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”
     
    ♥ ♥ ♥
     
    Cinnamon and spice scents, along with baking goods filled Tate’s nostrils when he stepped inside Kelly’s front door. He peered around Kelly. “Where’s Angie?”
    “She’s not here. She’s spending the night at a friend’s house.”
    Tate’s ears perked up. Not because he didn’t want to see Angie because he did. She’d stolen his heart the first day when she pleaded with him to not take her mother to jail. “Does this mean we aren’t going sledding?”
    “Not exactly. Angie insisted we go without her.”
    “Oh, she did, huh?” Angie trusted him. A huge victory. Not just for him, but for the little girl. “Well, let’s go then. What are we waiting for?”
    “For you.” She smiled.
    “Wait no longer.” He studied her attire, jeans and a sweater. “Uh, you need something warmer than that.” He eyed her up and down.
    “My gloves, hat, boots…” She ticked the items using her fingers. “Ski pants, jacket, and a thermos of hot caramel vanilla coffee, are in my bag.” She dipped a pointed finger toward a black duffle bag on the floor next to the door.
    “You thought of everything.”
    She shook back her blond mane. “There’s even a thermos of plain black coffee for you in there. And a variety of homemade cookies too.”
    “Well, let’s get this show on the road then.” He hoisted the black duffle bag over his shoulder and swung the door open. “How long do I have to wait to taste those cookies?”
    Kelly laughed as she followed him out the door and locked it securely behind her. “If you’re a good boy, you can have some on the way.”
    “I’m always a good boy.”
    “Uh, huh? I grew up with you, remember?”
    “Well, I’m always a good boy now.”
    “I’ll be the judge of that.”
    “Can I have the cookies before you judge me?”
    Kelly laughed. He always loved