Chapter 89

After dinner was over and the dishes put away, they headed into the living room where the Christmas tree took center stage. During the course of the meal, Taren had excused himself and had placed presents under the tree. And from the look of it, Kiki had, too.

"Wow! Presents!" Abby clapped her hands excitedly.

"Kiki, would you like some hot cocoa before we get started?" Evelyn asked, smiling.

Kiki chuckled. "I couldn't eat another bite if I tried. But thank you." She placed a hand on her stomach and sat down on the end of the couch, slipped off her high heels, and curled her feet under her. Prissy quickly made her way to her and curled up on her lap. Kiki started petting her, both appearing content.

The room was aglow, bathed in candlelight and the colorful lights from the tree. Taren slid a wooden chair over beside the tree and Abby sat down on her legs in front of the tree, bouncing on her knees, and Evelyn perched on the loveseat, smiling.

"Look! Presents!" Abby clapped her han