Read The Ranger's Passionate Love Online

Authors: Nicole Jordan

The Ranger's Passionate Love (18 page)

Kyara floated in the dark, warm for the first time in what felt like forever. In time, a face formed in the darkness, followed by the rest of a body. It was a man, gray curls framing a light caramel face. The face was kind, eyes full of both wisdom and kindness. Her stood straight and tall, his brown suit falling in perfect, crisp lines.

“Papa?” asked Kyara.

“Yeah, baby, I'm here.” His voice was everything she remembered, soothing and powerful.

“I've missed you.”

“I know, Baby. I've missed you, too.”

She ran to him, feeling his arms around her again.

“Do I need to go with you, now?” she asked her father.

He draw back, looking into her eyes.

“No, Baby. Not yet. You need to stay.” His voice was rough with emotion.

“But I love you. I miss you so much.” Kyara was being tugged now, getting pulled away from the comforting arms of her father. He seemed to be growing smaller moment by moment, fading into the distance.

“I miss you, too. And I love you, too. But that's why I need you to wake up now.”

“No, Papa, don't make me.”

He was just a faint form now, and a voice in the darkness.

“Yes, Kyara. You have to wake up.” The voice was changing, still low and rough, but younger, more urgent.

“Kyara. Kyara. Wake up, Kyara. Stay with me. I can't lose you. I can't. I miss you too much. I couldn't stand to lose you forever. I'll even leave you alone forever. I'll never bother you again. Just, please, Kyara, don't die. Kyara, please, Kyara, I need to know you're alive, somewhere. I need to know you're smile is there. And your eyes. And your heart. Kyara. Kyara. Kyara.

She opened her eyes.

Jason lay next to her, jammed into the sleeping bag along her side. His arms worked frantically, rubbing her whole body, trying to warm her. Nearby, a fire crackled fiercely, holding back the cold of the night. Jason's eyes were red, his face pinched like he'd lost everything in the whole world. His words poured from his mouth without thought or direction. Every part of him was focused purely on keeping her warm and alive.

Kyara turned her head toward him, groggy but alive.

He froze, staring down at her in shock. Relief filled every inch of his face.

Shaking, she strained her head towards his ear. He moved closer, holding her tighter than he'd ever held her before.

He voice croaking, Kyara spoke.

“I can't lose you, either,” she whispered up to him.

Shaking, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. And she held him in return.

Epilogue

Kyara stood in front of her restaurant for the first time in weeks, relieved to be home. The warm spring breeze, so much cooler than back in Georgia, was a welcome relief. Soon summer would be in full swing, but for now the windows in front were wide open, inviting in the breezes.

Kyara pushed inside, surprised to see so many customers seated for lunch. Familiar faces nodded at her, smiling, but allowing her to see to her own business, New England polite. Kyara didn't recognize the new waitress, but she remembered giving Crystal permission to hire a friend or two while she was away, just to keep things moving in her absence.

She made straight for the kitchen, pushing her way into the heart of Main Street Soul.

Crystal stood in the center of the Kitchen, directing her friends through making lunch.

“Watch your timing, Will. The key to a decent meatloaf is all in the timing. Well, that, and the spices, but that's my job. Where are we on table 26?” Mid-directions, Crystal turned and saw Kyara, squealing when she did so.

Before she knew it, Kyara was caught up in a giant hug.

“Welcome back! We didn't expect you until tomorrow. Is everything OK? How is everything?” babbled Crystal.

Kyara smiled, excited to be home.

“I'll fill you in as we work,” she said. “I haven't had a chance to cook in way too long. Where are we?”

They settled in, Taylor relinquishing his chef apron and declaring loudly that they were both insane to like this amount of work. As they found their stride, Kyara filled her young accomplice in on the last several weeks.

“Well, you know they needed my testimony to prosecute the whole gang for my father's murder,” she said. “They had Devante's testimony from his plea bargain, and they finally found the body of that killer who died in the storm. With the gun he brought to kill me matching some of the bullets used in other cases, they had a pretty good case. They needed, me, though, to connect that one guy to the gang and my dad.”

“So was there already a trial and stuff?” asked Crystal, fascinated.

“Not yet,” said Kyara. “Right now they're just building their case. Still, most of that gang is locked up.”

“That's got to feel good,” said Crystal.

“It's a relief,” admitted Kyara. “What's been going on up here?”

“Not a lot. Restaurant is doing OK, but a lot of people say I can't quite get the ox tail right, so I want you to show me again when you can. Your brother even turned up to give pointers, but turns out he's pretty useless in the kitchen.”

“Marcus is still staying with Ashley?” Kyara asked.

“Yeah,” confirmed Crystal. “It's pretty much looking like he might come work up here. That, or he's taking, like, the longest vacation ever. Which, come to think of it, Caitlin seems to be doing to go down and visit your other brother.”

Kyara bobbed her head, acknowledging that both brothers seemed to have found themselves enthusiastic partners.

“Oh, and Marsh is in huge trouble for not investigating those guys who tried to kill you.” Crystal continued. “Turns out Jason tried to get his help that night and he refused to come help. Hey, how did Jason know you needed help, anyway? I never remember to ask you.”

Kyara blushed.

“He says it's because I told him that I wasn't worried. Apparently I only ever say that when I'm lying. He'd turned around to check up on my again when he saw the guy come out of my house.”

“I'm glad he managed to get everyone up,” said Crystal. “This town wouldn't be the same without you.”

Kyara smiled.

“As I understand it, it was mostly Jan yelling at everyone over the phone, but yeah, I'm pretty glad he did, too.” Kyara felt a warm glow as she remembered learning how many people had turned out to search for her in the night.

“Speaking of which,” pushed Crystal, “How was it being with him down there for so long? You didn't kill him or anything?

Kyara couldn't hold back a grin.

“No. We're working it out. He can still be pushy, but he's a lot better about trusting me now that, well...”

“His meddling almost got you killed?” supplied Crystal.

“That,” agreed Kyara. “Still, I've agreed not to use my lifetime of “I told you so” if he can work on it, and so far it's working out pretty well. Speaking of which, I need to talk to you.”

Crystal turned to her, one eyebrow cocked inquisitively.

“How would you feel about becoming a full time partner here once you graduate?” Kyara asked her.

“Really?” Crystal responded.

“Sure. You've obviously done a great job while I was gone. You haven't seemed that interested in leaving for school, but I know you don't want to live with your mom forever. Why not become my partner here for a bit, fair and even?”

“Yes! Absolutely! That would be amazing!” gushed Crystal. “Maybe we could even do breakfasts that way. I mean, trading out shifts or whatever. You know people have been asking for that.”

Kyara nodded.

“It's a good idea, though it may have to wait,” Kyara said. “I'm going to have to take some time off six months from now.” She rested her hand gently on the tiny swell of her belly.

Crystal's squeal of delight and Kyara's elated laugh echoed throughout the restaurant, bringing a smile to all who heard it.

Stay tuned for a bonus story from Nicole Jordan!

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Published in the United States of America

Second US Edition.

Previously Published as:

Kyara’s Soul