Page 100 of Homecoming

When Judith turned to face her, Kara noted that every blonde hair was in place, her makeup had been artfully applied to shave ten years off her face, and she wore the latest in fitness attire that put her perfect body on full display. Her mother took one look at Kara’s disheveled appearance and frowned. “Were you still in bed?”

“I was. I had a rough night.” She placed a hand on the baby bump. “The heartburn is brutal.”

“Oh it is. I had the worst time with that, too.”

“I still can’t imagine doing this eleven times.”

Judith’s smile had a brittleness to it that was new. “Is Dan here?”

“Yes, he’s resting, though. He was up with me during the night.”

“I’m sorry to disturb you. I just wanted…” Holding her coffee mug, she leaned back against the counter and sighed. “I need someone to tell me this is going to work out. My sons didn’t kill that woman. They couldn’t have.”

“Dan is doing everything he can for Kirby. He’s hoping for a dismissal of the charges or at least another bail hearing.”

“I’m so worried about Kirby. Keith knows how to handle himself in tough situations, but Kirby…” She shook her head. “I can’t picture him in jail.”

Kara’s heart went out to Judith, which was an odd feeling since she was usually inclined to keep her distance from her remote, emotionally unavailable mother. “I’m sure he’s hanging in there. He’s a survivor.”

“Is he, though? What if someone hurts him…”

“He’s in the town jail, not the state prison. He’ll be okay. Hopefully, Dan will get him out of there sooner rather than later.”

“We’re very thankful for all he’s doing.”

“We’re glad he could help. I know it’s hard not to worry, but from what Dan says, the case against them is flimsy at best. He thinks it was a massive rush to judgment before a full investigation could take place.”

“Daddy said that detestable Jonah Brown is their so-called eyewitness. He’s cost us a fortune fending off his ridiculous lawsuit.”

“According to Dan, the police didn’t know about the lawsuit until he told them. That’s included in the motion he filed.”

“Listen to you,” Judith said with a warm smile. “Talking like a lawyer.”

“He’s taught me well.”

“I want you to know…”

Kara waited, eager to hear what her mother had to say, which was also a first.

Judith took a deep breath and looked up at her, seeming more emotional than Kara had ever seen her. “I’m just thrilled that you’re so happy with Dan. He’s a remarkable guy andobviously head over heels in love with you. You deserve that, Kara.”

“Thank you. He’s made me very happy indeed.”

“I also want you to know that I’m… I’m sorry about what happened with Kelly and Matt. We never should’ve supported her the way we did. They hurt you,wehurt you, and I deeply regret that.”

Kara stared at her in amazement after hearing the words she’d never expected to hear. “Oh. Well. Thank you.”

“Being a mother is difficult, as you’ll soon learn, but there’re times when you have to take sides. I should’ve taken your side, and I’ll always regret that I didn’t. I wanted you to know that.”

Kara went to her aloof, untouchable mother and hugged her. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

“I hate this terrible rift between you girls, but I understand why you’ll never forgive her.”

“I forgave her a long time ago. I couldn’t hold on to that level of outrage and live a healthy life. But I’m never letting her fully into my life again. I hope you understand. When someone shows you who they really are…”

“You have to believe them.”

“Exactly.”

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