of his eyes. She hated to see the toll his job took on him. Lifting her hand, she smoothed her fingertips over his face and smiled. “I’m always ready to go home with you.”
He tossed a wave toward Alex and then turned with her tucked into his side. Once in the elevator, she said, “By the way, Chauncey said that Hannah and Sharon will bring dinner over to your house. He managed to talk them out of making us go there.”
“Good man.”
“I don’t know what they’ll bring, but I thought we could stop by the store on the way home. I’m in the mood for whipped cream.”
It took a few seconds for her comment to sink in, but suddenly Kyle threw back his head and laughed. “Babe, anytime you want whipped cream, just say the word!”
With a much more light-hearted Kyle by her side, they walked out of the station, arm in arm.
30
One Week Later
Kimberly looked to the side as Kyle turned off the street and headed his SUV toward the Cardboard Cottages. She had told him she would drive her car so that he did not need to bring his new SUV, but she was not surprised when he immediately nixed that idea. He glanced her way, meeting her gaze, and they both smiled. Parking not too far from the tents, she looked out, her heart twinging as usual when she saw the conditions.
“Oh, my, to think this is right here in our town,” came the soft voice from the back seat.
Twisting around, Kimberly said, “I’m glad you came with me today, Sister Honoria.”
“I’m blessed you asked me to come, dear Kimberly.”
Kyle hopped out and rounded the front of his vehicle. First assisting Kimberly out, he then turned to the back seat and carefully made sure that Sister Honoria was steady on her feet. Kimberly moved to take the older woman’s arm, and they began walking toward the tents, met by Margo, Aleeta, and their children.
Sister Honoria had brought some food and clothing which Kyle carried over and she distributed to the women as well as a few games given to the children. Several other people walked over from the ragtag structures, each greeting the smiling nun, thanking her for what she brought.
Kimberly moved to the side, standing next to Aleeta. “Will you be moving soon?”
Aleeta's smile was wide as she nodded. “My brother made the deposit yesterday. I’ve got a surprise, though. Originally, we were only going to get a one-bedroom apartment, but he said the manager had a two-bedroom for about the same cost. Margo and her two kids are going to move in with us.”
Squealing with joy, Kimberly threw her arms around both women, hugging them. “What about furniture?”
“He found a deal on bunk beds for the kids. I don’t mind sleeping on the floor, just knowing we have a real place will be worth it.”
She glanced to the side and, receiving a nod from Kyle, turned back to the two women. “Well, as it turns out, I’ve got some furniture that I’m not going to need anymore. I have a bed, dresser, small table with chairs, and even a sofa to donate.”
Her curls bouncing as she shook her head, Aleeta said, “Oh, no! We can’t take that from you! That would be too much!”
Sister Honoria moved to them and overheard Aleeta’s objection. “My dear, in allowing someone to be generous, you offer a gift as well.”
Aleeta sucked in her lips, blinking back tears before grabbing on to Margo’s hand. “I can’t imagine. I can’t imagine being in a home again.”
Kyle stepped over and wrapped his arm around Kimberly. “Get the address to us, and I’ll round up some men to help move the furniture.”
A man walked over from the side and overheard Kyle’s offer. “Well, well, Mr. Dee-tective. Look at you, being all good-deed and shit.”
Turning quickly, Kimberly’s eyes widened but Sister Honoria just smiled.
“Manny,” Kyle growled, his eyes cutting toward the nun.
Manny had the good grace to blush and nodded toward Sister Honoria. “Sorry, Ma’am.”
Kimberly hugged Margo and Aleeta goodbye, sharing her phone number so that they would be able to let her know when to help move furniture. “Remember, you two are going to be featured in the Faces of Hope City. I think I’ll title it Perseverance and Resilience.” She took Sister Honoria’s arm and they began walking toward the SUV.
Knowing Kyle was close behind them, she overheard Manny say, “See you around, Mr. Dee-tective.”