After Scarlett left, he had to grow up fast. Forced to become both father and mother overnight made him grow up quickly of necessity. He was just lucky that his mother had helped him. He'd have no idea what he would have done if it hadn't been for her.

He pulled down the drive leading to The North Pole Lodge and evergreens dotted with snow lined both sides of the road. But as much as he tried, he couldn't push Kiki from his mind.

Taren pulled his Jeep Cherokee to a ...