Corra narrowed her eyes. If they weren’t standing in the middle of the mall, Corra would have smacked Chris.
“We’ve had this discussion. He’s around for his kids, that’s all.”
Chris ran a hand across the top of his head in frustration, and took a deep breath. “I know. I’m sorry. Come on, let’s go.”
He walked away, but Corra didn’t move. His dislike for Eric ran deep, and if they were going to continue their relationship she needed to know what it was about.
Chris stopped when he realized she wasn’t following him. He turned around and came back. “What’s wrong?”
“You tell me? I’ve never seen you this upset before.”
He took a deep breath. “I don’t like that his presence does this to us.”
Corra’s head snapped back. “His presence infuriates you, and I need to know why.”
Chris looked around as several people had given them more than a moment’s notice. Corra didn’t care. If Chris had a violent streak, she wanted to know now.
He put his arm around her shoulder and said softly, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let him get to me. The last thing I want to do is fight with you.” He kissed her on the lips.
They stood there as the crowd walked around them.
“I don’t want to fight with you either, especially about Eric. So, let’s forget about him and go home.” She wrapped an arm around his waist and they continued through the mall. She still planned to find out what had happened between them two.
Chapter 22
After breakfast Friday morning, Corra and Tayler agreed to help Kyla test her research project for her Ph.D. She’d prepared a program to teach students about organic farming. Her nonprofit program started with a summer camp, then a school-year educational program she hoped to have in place next year. Rollin’s farm hands had helped build her an open-air-style classroom setting. All around her were organic plants and flowers from the gardens. Currently, the only staff she had were the farm’s two interns from the University of Kentucky.
Corra and Tayler chatted while Kyla prepared to start.
“The big day is less than a month away now, how do you feel?” Corra asked Tayler.
Tayler took a deep breath. “Excited, elated. Nicole’s flying down with her fiancé, who I can’t wait to meet. My family’s traveling from Chicago, and we’ll all be staying under one roof. I’m excited about them seeing the place.”
“Yeah, I’m pretty stoked myself. I’m so happy for you and Rollin.”
“What are you so happy about?” Rollin asked, as he walked up behind them.
“Oh, I’ve got that.” Kyla dropped what she was doing and ran over to help Rollin with two large pails full of flowers.
“I’m happy you guys are getting married in a few weeks and I’ll have a sister-in-law.”
Rollin set the flowers down and walked over to Corra and Tayler. “That’s right, in a few more weeks you’ll be Mrs. Rollin Coleman,” he said, as he leaned over and planted a kiss on Tayler’s lips. “I’ve got you now. There’s no getting away.”
Corra smiled watching her brother and Tayler’s touching display of affection. Tayler held his face in the palms of her hands and kissed him. They were so perfect for one another. Their wedding was going to be beautiful and she would probably cry from the beginning until the end.
“If you need anything else just come find me,” Rollin told Kyla. “Oh, I almost forgot Reverend Daniels has us scheduled for a rehearsal this Sunday after church.”
“Sunday! But what about Jamie’s game?” Corra said.
Rollin shrugged. “Will it hurt to miss one?”
“Let Chris take him,” Tayler suggested.
“Chris?” Corra hadn’t thought about him.
“Yeah, why not. You said they’ve been bonding. What better way than to bond over a game of baseball. I hate to miss the game too, but this is the only time Reverend Daniels has.”
Corra had to admit it was a good idea. Her kids loved Chris. Every time he came around they did something fun. Be it a movie night, or an ice cream run, they enjoyed his attention.
“You know, that is a great idea. I’ll give him a call to see if he’s free. Or, brave enough.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Rollin said before he kissed Tayler again, and went back to work.
“You guys are beautiful together. I’m so glad you came to stay here when you did,” Corra shared with Tayler.
Tayler smiled. “You and Chris are beautiful together as well. I think you’re going to be next.”
Corra laughed. “Huh! I don’t know about that. Yesterday, we ran into Eric in Lexington at the mall. Chris looked at him like he wanted to kill him. I don’t know what transpired between them two but I can’t have that. What if Jamie or Katie were around?”