28. Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Kai
A fter a lot of prodding, Kora got me out of bed early the next morning. Waking up with her wrapped in my arms was something I could totally get used to. Getting out of the house with her and into the truck was even better. My smile seemed to be a permanent fixture, and I wasn’t going to complain. Kora sat close to me. A major plus of an older truck. There was no console in the middle of the front seat.
Matilda roared to life, and we headed down the driveway and to the diner to meet Tonya for brunch. I had no clue there was going to be brunch. Hell, I didn’t even know what brunch really was, but if it meant I got to spend more time with Kora, I was all for it.
“What the hell? I thought it would be just the three of us,” I said as we walked to the back of the small restaurant which must have served an amazing weekend brunch if the number of people here was any indication. The table held the entire book club and their husbands, including Terry. Not that he was a husband, but I was surprised when I didn’t get a stone lodged in my stomach at the sight of him.
“Good morning, you two. Looks like someone had a good night,” Kaye greeted us.
“Shit. It looks like they both had a good night.” Tonya wrapped Kora in a hug. “Orgasms do a woman wonders.”
“Seriously?” Kora’s face was hot, and a blush appeared on her cheeks. “In front of the book club at Shear Perfection is one thing. But in front of all the husbands, and Terry also? And in public?”
I chuckled. I couldn’t help it. “It’s all good.” I squeezed her shoulder and pulled out her chair. “It’s not like we’re the only ones at this table who ever had amazing sex in our life.”
Kora’s eyes went wide as cheers and a toast with mimosas went around the table.
I chuckled. These women were great. I turned to my father. “Terry, I’m surprised to see you,” I said. “I didn’t think you had your car back yet. Isn’t it still at the lot where it was towed after your arrest?”
“Well, after my court appearance, and with Trevor dropping all the charges, I paid the tow fee and got my car back yesterday. I need a way to get to work and AA meetings after all.”
Charles stepped in. “And after our game last night, he fit in perfectly, so we invited him along this morning.”
“Now I’m not the fifth wheel,” Tonya added. “So I don’t feel left out.”
“Like we’ve ever left you out,” Diane retorted.
“Seriously. What are you talking about?” Kaye replied.
The book club group bickered for a bit. “Okay, whatever. It doesn’t matter.” Tonya turned to us. “You two look happy, and that was our goal.”
“Yes, it was,” Kaye agreed.
“Looks like the book club does more than read books and drink wine,” Diane said.
“Okay, now I’m confused,” Kora said. “What are y’all talking about?”
“We planned for y'all to be at my house last night. If it wasn’t for us, y’all two may never have talked again,” Tonya said.
“So true, and y'all are the cutest couple,” Diane agreed.
“We always had hope for you to find an amazing guy, Kora,” Kaye said. “And it seems to have finally happened.”
My arm went around Kora’s chair. “Look, I have to say, I don’t know if we fixed things because of y’all, but thanks for whatever you did.” I kissed Kora’s cheek. “My life wasn’t the best, and I made some really stupid decisions in my past, but driving into Orlinda Valley seems to be the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Kora’s face became one big smile that caused her to look more beautiful, and I didn’t even know that was possible.
“I agree. Driving into Orlinda Valley was the best thing you’ve ever done. And me getting a flat tire wasn’t that bad a day after all. It was the day I met you. Sometimes what feels like a negative can turn out to be a positive,” Kora said.
“Kai, we’re going to tell you what we told Terry last night. We are so glad you’re a part of our little town, and Kora has never seemed happier than when you’re together,” Tonya said.
Kaye jumped right in. “I absolutely agree with T. Welcome to our little family, Kai.”
“We’re glad to have you,” Diane agreed.
I looked around the table at the men and women who, along with their grown kids, were an extended family of Kora’s. My gaze went to Terry. I might not have had any of this when I grew up, but I couldn’t live in the past.
I had no clue what would come of my relationship with Terry, but he already looked cleaner and better kept than I ever remember him looking, and now he seemed to have friends. One day at a time was all I could give him.
Kora’s hand squeezed my leg, and I turned to her. Her big brown eyes grabbed a hold of mine and held on. “I’m really glad to have you,” she said in her soft voice that always raised my pulse a notch.
A smile filled my face and my gaze took in this beautiful woman next to me. “I’m glad I have you, and am so glad to be here. To be a part of this. I feel like I finally found a home.” I placed my hand on her cheek. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.” I held her gaze until the pull between us became too much and our lips met.
Our kiss was warm and sweet, and I knew without a doubt that these were the last lips I would ever kiss.
The day I met Kora changed my life for the better. I was a part of an extended family now. Yes, they were a bit crazy, yet were a lot of fun, and filled with love for each other. And that’s all that mattered.