Page 75 of No One But You

“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.

Epilogue

6 Months Later-Kora

“What the hell was I thinking?” I felt like a frazzled mess, and driving Matilda didn’t make me feel much better. I had to use Matilda for an emergency trip to the vet for Percy. He ate something and hadn’t been his usual pain in the ass self. But of course, as soon as I made the appointment and got him all the way there, he was fine. So fine, he chewed on everything he could get his mouth on in the vet’s office and caused all kinds of chaos. I called Tonya on my drive home. I had to vent to someone. She said that was just like a baby. Not that I would know anything about that. But maybe one day.

I stopped at home and dropped off Percy and had to pick up Kai.

I finally turned into his driveway, and the gravel bounced me around. I hated driving his truck, but he had to talk with his crew about the construction and couldn’t take time away.

The house came into view and so did Kai’s sexy body. He stood with his hands in his back pockets as he talked with a few of the men. My lips curled up and butterflies fluttered in my stomach. I hoped he would always have this effect on me.

I looked in awe at the structure going up across the field. The walls were complete, and it finally started to look like a house.

I pulled to a stop and was wrapped in Kai’s arms as soon as I climbed out of his truck.

“Was Matilda good to you?” he asked when we stopped our kiss.

“Matilda was fine. Percy on the other hand.” I laid my head on his chest and felt it vibrate as he laughed.

“He’s a goat. How bad could it have been?”

I lifted my head, and my eyebrows shot up. “Do you really want to know?”

“Nope. Not now.” He shook his head. “I want to give you a tour.” His eyes gleamed like a child’s on Christmas morning, and he pulled me through the front door.

“Okay, now use your imagination.” He gestured around.

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