Page 47 of Hers to Love
Nearly twenty hours later, her connecting flight landed in Springfield, Missouri. Kori dragged her wheeled luggage through the airport. When she saw her sister Katrina’s signature puff hairstyle, Kori nearly collapsed. Forcing her legs to run, the sisters met in a fierce embrace, sobbing and laughing.
“You’re finally home,” Mary Kaye said behind Kat.
Kori wiped tears from her eyes so she could clearly see her mother. How long had it been? Nearly ten years since she had been able to come home and see the family? “Mom.” Kori hugged her mother for a long time, their tears soaking each other’s blouses.
“I have missed you, my girl.” Mary cupped her daughter’s face. “My beautiful girl. You look so…tired.” Her brows came together.
“And you look amazing!” Kori laughed. Her mother was wearing makeup! Her brown eyes were bright and she even had a flashy haircut that kept the ten years Kori had missed off her.
Mary batted her long lashes and playfully touched her hair. “Thank you. I do feel incredible. Now, you’re exhausted from your trip. Let’s get you home.”
Kori wanted nothing more than to sleep for hours, but she hated the thought of returning to her old room. Too many painful memories. “I’ve booked a hotel. I…” She trailed off. How could she explain without offending her mother?
“Oh, no!” Mary said. “We’ve done the room up for you so nicely.”
Kat looked at her sister with knowing eyes. “Mom’s moved out of that place. She bought the one I had for a little while, since I’ve moved out.”
Kori linked her arm with her sister’s. “That’s right. You’re married now, living in a big house on the lake. I can’t wait to see it.”
Kat giggled. “It’s an amazing home. I think you’ll love it.”
“Didn’t you and Drew used to say you were going to live on the lake? I remember the two of you ran away to make a little love nest so he wouldn’t have to leave town when you guys were kids.”
Kat ducked her head in embarrassment. She fingered her necklace—half of a heart. “Yeah, uh, we did.” She nodded.
“Dreams really do come true.” Kori grinned cheekily. “Must be some love nest.”
“Took some time, though,” Mary added. “He was engaged to Parker.”
“I remember,” Kori said. “When I heard that, I hated Drew. Glad to see he’s come to his senses and picked my sister.”
“Me too,” Kat said in dreamy voice.
“I hope you have some cupcakes in the car,” Kori said. “I can’t wait to try what you’ve been baking. I even caught that introductory segment of your new cooking show on YouTube. Kat, you’re amazing.” Kori put her arm around Kat’s shoulders and squeezed. “I’m so proud of you, sis.”
“I’m so happy, too. The segment is doing well enough in views that the studio has already green-lighted asecondseason. All my social media has exploded. Business at Susie’s is doing great, and we’re just about to open my own bakery downtown to coincide with the launch of the show.”
Kori stared at her sister with both awe and respect. “My sister…living her dreams. I knew you could do it. Both you and Keke!”
“There’s so much to tell you.”
Kori happily gorged herself on her sister’s desserts as she listened to all the stories of the town she’d been away from. Although she was happy for her sisters, the pangs of sadness and jealousy kept on with their irritating poking. All she could do was wait to hear back from her lawyer about her case and move forward with her new plans.
“What are you going to do now that you’re home?” her mother asked.
“Take some time to relax. I haven’t really had a break. I want to sleep for a week!”
“That’s why you’re tired, of course. You need to rest.”
“And I’m going to start my own virtual assistant business. Finally put my Masters to the test.”
“That’s amazing, Kori!” Kat turned around from her passenger seat in the front of the car. “You’d be perfect for that. You’re good with juggling a lot of tasks. Only now, you can work for yourself.”
“I might need some help with starting the business. Think you’ll be willing to give me some tips, Kat?”
“Why wouldn’t I? Although I’m sure it’ll be way easier than opening a restaurant. I’ll try to go easy on you.” She winked. “And then maybe you could help me with my homework.”
“Homework?”
