Page 104 of One Kind Soul

After more touching than washing, Stage Two led to Stage Three, which involved diving into the food Landon and Aliza had stocked in the refrigerator. Once their stomachs were full, Christian led her back to the couch for Stage Four where the pack cats had taken up various positions. Roxie and Pebbles each had an armrest to themselves. Nina and Leaf were huddled in one corner, forming a circle of fur.

Tibbs, of course, was perched on the back of the couch, doing his own thing.

“They’ve made themselves right at home in here, haven’t they?” Nicole ran her hand along Roxie’s gray fur when she sat next to that armrest.

Christian lowered beside her and made room on his lap for Tibbs who had come down to investigate. “They have and I hope you’ll do the same.” He took her hand and brought it up to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “I’ve been working on this house for a while now, always knowing I wanted someone to share it with. I’m overjoyed to be sharing it with you, Nixen.” He brushed his lips against hers. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Chrissy.” She snuggled up next to him, loving Stage Four. “I can’t believe one night together in Boston led to all this.”

“And we have many more nights together.” He put his arm around her and pulled her closer.

More nights with the kindest soul she’d ever met sounded like a dream come true.

Chapter Eighteen

Christian had enjoyed seeing Kauai with Nicole, their week together on the island full of beach fun, drinking fun, dancing fun, and beach house bedroom fun. That last part had been his favorite. They’d made quick work of packing Nicole’s belongings and shipping them to Vermont earlier in the week. All they had to take back with them on their flight tomorrow were a few items of clothing and some toiletries. Nicole had sold her car and the owner of the beach house had someone lined up to rent it after they left. The Nalu Resort hired her replacement as well. Nicole was finishing training him today—on her last day of work.

He’d loved seeing a place that was so different from Vermont, however, Christian couldn’t wait to get back to Maplehaven. He was eager to dive back into his farm and orchard work. He wanted to see his family and friends.

He needed to start his life with his perfect soul mate.

Nicole had experienced a few nights at the beginning of their week on Kauai where she’d awakened, covered in sweat and panting in horror. She’d had terrible nightmares about Lynda, but Christian had been there to reassure her. To remind her Lynda was in a maximum-security prison now. To tell her he loved her. She’d settled and by mid-week the nightmares were gone. He’d given Miller a call, however, when Nicole had been at work, and asked for therapist names. Nicole had called one of them as soon as Christian had given her the information and she had an appointment set up for when they got back to Vermont. He hoped that between his support, the support of his family and friends, and the help of a trained therapist, Nicole could heal from the wounds her sister had cut into her with her harsh words and cruel, nearly deadly actions.

Rada, Ben, and Jared had sent him updates throughout the week, keeping him from worrying about the farm, the pack cats, and his horses. He’d known he could trust them all to make sure they stayed on schedule for the summer and fall harvest. Christian was particularly excited to have Nicole be a part of everything that happened on the farm. They’d discussed it a bit over this week on Kauai and her eagerness to learn and participate delighted him. She’d given him a ton of new ideas he couldn’t wait to see become realities.

But he had something important to do first. Something he’d been thinking about all week. Something that would ensure all their plans happened.

Christian surveyed the work he’d done on the beach house’s back deck. He’d left the twinkle lights that were already wrapped around the railings, but he’d added white candles in glass globes every few feet with orchid wreaths around the base of each one. He’d put a flowing white tablecloth on the small iron table that was also already back there. The centerpiece was a larger glass globe-candle-orchid combo and the two place settings were comprised of white dishware, wineglasses, silverware, and purple linen napkins with a seashell napkin ring on each. An ice bucket with wine chilling in it stood beside the table. He loved the way the draped fabric of the tablecloth swayed in the gentle sea breeze.

Soft ukulele music mixed with the ocean lapping at the nearby shore and Christian pulled out his phone to snap a few photos of the scene around him. He texted them to Tessa, encouraged when she replied.

OMG! Fantastic, Christian! Your decorator’s eye is serving you well tonight!

He hoped so. The success of tonight’s dinner had a lot riding on it. His entire future to be exact.

Going back into the house, he opened the oven and peeked at the grilled salmon and vegetable kabobs he was keeping warm in there. He gave the white rice on the stovetop a quick fluff. Nicole would be home from work in about ten minutes and he wanted everything to be ready to wine and dine her.

Heading to the bathroom next, he gave himself a final once-over. He almost didn’t recognize himself in the tux he’d rented for the evening. He’d gone with the classic black one—though a bright green one was super tempting—and Aliza had told him he looked very 007 when he’d texted a picture yesterday. He supposed that was sufficient approval although he could have used a haircut. Raking his hands through the strands now, he did the best he could. He’d neatened his short beard earlier and checked that his armpits didn’t stink, but he couldn’t promise that as the night progressed he wouldn’t totally sweat through his white dress shirt and tux jacket.

Christian walked back out into the kitchen, not sure what to do with himself while he waited for Nicole to arrive. She’d be tired from working all day and she’d texted him asking why he hadn’t made an appearance at the resort. He’d basically stalked her all week while she worked so her question was a fair one.

Cooking you dinner, he’d texted back. She’d replied with a heart emoji and he was glad she hadn’t asked for any more details. Now he needed her to show up.

His phone vibrated in his pocket and he groaned. If Nicole was going to be late, the food would be ruined, but fortunately his youngest brother’s name came up on the screen instead.

“Jackson, my man. What’s up?” He sat on one of the kitchen stools, consciously trying not to wrinkle his perfectly pressed tux pants.

“Hey, Christian,” Jackson said. “Why . . . why do I hear ukulele music?”

Christian chuckled. “Because I’m in Hawaii, bro.”

“What are you doing there?”

“I’m with Nicole, Tessa’s friend. Remember you met her during the five-point-four seconds you were at Donovan’s wedding?”

“Oh, yeah. Long black hair. She was hot.” Jackson laughed when Christian growled. “Am I not allowed to say that?”

“No. It’s certainly true, but it makes me want to punch you when you say that.” Christian literally had to uncurl his fist resting on his thigh as he talked. Now he understood how Donovan had felt when Christian flirted with Tessa. “Good thing you’re not local long enough for me to indulge in punching you.”