Page 127 of Homecoming

“We don’t have to go there if it’s too much for you.”

“I want to show it to you. It was a big part of my life here. It’s definitely something you should see.”

“Not if it causes you pain.”

“I’m okay. I promise, and I’d like to see everyone there. It’s been a minute.”

“If you’re sure.” He kissed her and tucked a strand of silky hair behind her ear. “I’m going to grab a shower while you have something to eat. Bertha left you an egg sandwich if you feel up to it.”

“That sounds good. I can’t believe how much better I’ve felt since I had that IV.”

“I’m so glad about that. I hate to see you suffering.”

“It’s a small price to pay for our little miracle.”

“I hope she looks just like her gorgeous mama.”

“I think he is going to look just like his handsome daddy, and he’s going to talk as much as you do, if not more. In fact, I may need to invest in earplugs to survive you two.”

“You really think we’re having a boy?”

“I honestly don’t know, but it’s just a feeling I have. And the desire for earplugs has been growing along with the baby.”

“You think you’re so funny with that, don’t you?”

“I only speak the truth, my love.”

Dan smiled. “If my son is one-tenth the orator that I am, he’ll have a very successful life.”

Kara rolled her eyes. “God help me.”

Chapter

Twenty-Six

Kara thoughtshe was prepared to see Kirby in jail. She was dead wrong about that. The sight of him in an orange jumpsuit broke her heart and had tears rolling down her face. “Can I hug him?” she asked the guard.

“For a second.”

Kara went to her brother and held on tight for as long as she could, until the guard said, “That’s enough.”

She wiped her face as she sat next to Dan, across a table from Kirby. “I’m sorry to be so emotional.”

“It’s all right. I’m glad to see you, even if I hate that it’s happening here.” He looked exhausted and hadn’t shaved in days, which was jarring. She’d never seen him with stubble or a beard, as he was always meticulously groomed when he wasn’t at work.

Kara reached across the table for hands roughened by hard work. “Everyone knows you had nothing to do with this. It’s all anyone is talking about.”

“Keith didn’t either. I was there when we drove away from her. I dropped him off at home. He said he was exhausted andheading straight to bed. I might’ve checked his location a little later to make sure he stayed put. He did.”

“That’s good info, Kirby,” Dan said. “I’ll be sure to mention it at the hearing.”

“How do you think that’ll go?”

“I’m cautiously optimistic. We’ve got a few things to introduce that’ll take the prosecution by surprise and should give the judge enough reason to dismiss the charges, but that’s never a guarantee.”

“I’m going crazy in here. You’ve got to get me out.”

“I’m doing everything in my power to make that happen. You have to stay strong, no matter how this goes. The truth is on your side.”

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