Chapter 91

When Taren walked into the living room, it had already been cleaned and the wrapping paper stowed in bags and left by the door for him to take out. He made a silent promise to do it in the morning. Prissy was once again lying by the fireplace in what was quickly becoming her spot.

Hearing the musical peals of laughter coming from the other side of the house, he followed the sound. He peeked around the corner into the family room from the kitchen. A fire already burned in the fireplace, and Kiki and his mother were sitting on the couch with steaming mugs.

"Hey! We're in here." Kiki waved to Taren when she saw him walk in.

"What are you two ladies doing?" Taren asked from the kitchen, amused that Kiki and his mother were getting along so well. He poured himself a cup of coffee, and then headed into the family room and sat on an armchair, kitty corner from the couch.

They looked at each other and giggled. "Oh, just having a bit of girl talk," his mother replied and then looked back at