Teacup Novellas 02 - Strike the Match Read Online Free Page B

fat biscuit.
     “How are the girls these days? I haven’t seen them yet.”
    “Oh my goodness, they’re ornery as ever. Which is why I love them so much. Peas in a pod and all that. Stop by Chandlers on your way to the office and say hello, okay? They’re all dying to hug your neck.”
    Keri took a bite of the enormous fluffy biscuit. “Mmmm . . . oh Aunt Nita, this is so good. I didn’t know I was so hungry.”
    “Of course you are. You eat like a bird if I’m not around. You’ve lost weight, missy, and I aim to fatten you up while you’re home. I’ll send you back to New York absolutely waddling.” Nita laughed in the warm, boisterous way Keri had always loved. How could the sound of someone’s laughter bring so much comfort?
    “Like I’m going to let that happen?” But she knew it would be a battle. “Then again, these eggs are to die for. No one makes them better.”
    They chatted over the rest of their meal and Keri even succumbed to Nita’s offer of a second biscuit. Dawn was just breaking, so there was no need to rush to the office yet. Dad wouldn’t be home for several more hours. After they cleaned the kitchen, they settled into the den over another cup of coffee. Muffy scampered into Nita’s lap and settled in for a nap as rumble of thunder gently shook the house.
    “I was wondering when that storm would arrive,” Nita mused, sipping her coffee.
    “Wouldn’t be Oregon if it didn’t storm everyday.” Keri lifted the framed picture from the table beside the sofa. “Oh Nita, I miss Uncle Rafe so much.”
    Nita smiled, setting her mug on the coffee table. “I know, sweetie. I do too. Not a day goes by that I don’t talk to him, laugh with him. He’s still my best friend. After all these years.”
    Keri caressed the pictured face of her uncle. It was Rafe Sanders who first sparked a love for journalism in Keri’s heart. A war correspondent for the Associated Press, Rave had traveled all over the world covering some of the biggest stories of his time. His lively tales of daring adventures in far-off lands like Vietnam, South Africa, Iraq, and Israel had planted a burning desire in her to follow in his footsteps. She was only thirteen when he was killed in a bombing in Bosnia. The pain of his loss still haunted her, but it was also the driving force in her quest to carry on the work he loved so much.
     “And oh, how he loved you, Keri.” Nita’s smiling eyes misted. “You were the daughter he never had. He would have given you the moon had you asked.”
    Keri smiled. “And didn’t I know it? He spoiled me rotten. Remember that Christmas when I asked for a Belle doll from Beauty & the Beast ?”
    “How could I forget? He was in Europe and once he heard his Keri wanted that doll, there was nothing doing, but he had to get you an authentic Belle from Paris. Nothing was too good for his Keri.”
    “I was so proud of that doll! All my other friends got theirs from Wal-Mart, but not me. My Uncle Rafe made sure I had the real Belle. I was convinced he bought that doll in Belle’s little village, the same one in the movie.”
    Keri fingered the tiny heart-shaped necklace against her skin. It was Rafe’s last gift to her, on her thirteenth birthday. You’re a teenager now, princess. And a princess must have diamonds! I didn’t think you’d wear a tiara to school, so I thought this would do instead.
    She’d never taken it off.
    With a deep breath, she stood up, carrying her mug to the kitchen. “I’ve got to get moving before I fall asleep. I need to meet Carson at the office in another hour and call the insurance company.”
    Nita followed her, stifling a yawn. “Are you sure you don’t want to take a nap first? It’s going to be a long day, honey.”
    Keri snuggled into the arms of her aunt. “Can’t. If I lie down, I’ll never get up.” She pecked her on the cheek, and headed for the laundry room.
    Nita followed. “I’ll be at the Christmas tree lot this afternoon. The