Page 25 of Under Fire

Matt held out his hand. “Matt Rainer.”

“Randy Holloway, Dee’s stepdaddy.”

“I’m sure you could use a break, Mr. Holloway. We’ll sit with your wife while you stretch your legs.”

“I might do that. Been stuck in this room for hours.”

Delilah frowned. “Where’s Zach? Isn’t he spelling you?”

Randy snorted. “He ain’t been by in two days. More interested in chasing skirts than he is in seeing to his dying mother.” He shoved his phone in his pocket and hitched his pants higher on his ample belly. “Be back in a few minutes.” He lumbered out.

Matt moved one of the chairs to the bedside and motioned for Delilah to sit. When she complied and reached for her mother’s hand, he turned to the whiteboard on the far wall and studied the notations by the medical staff.

“What can you tell me?” Delilah asked in a voice quiet.

“Your mother is on a high dosage of morphine.” His gaze shifted to hers. “They’re keeping her comfortable.”

The truth of his words hit her like a punch to the gut. Randy hadn’t exaggerated. Her mother was dying. Based on Matt’s solemn expression, Michelle Holloway would face eternity soon.

She sat in silence, holding her mother’s hand and willing the frail woman to breathe. Delilah wanted the chance to give Michelle peace of mind from knowing her daughter had come.

Matt sat in a second chair beside Delilah, wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and settled in to wait with her.

Twenty minutes passed with no sign of Randy’s return when her mother drew in a deep breath and moaned. Delilah stood and shifted closer. “Mom? Can you hear me?”

Michelle’s eyelids fluttered and lifted. She stared at Delilah a moment, her forehead furrowed. “Who . . .?” She stopped, her eyes widening. “Dee?”

“It’s me, Mom.”

“You look beautiful.”

For a few seconds, Delilah couldn’t speak, throat was too tight for speech. Of all the things she’d expected from her mother, this wasn’t even on the list of top ten things. “Thanks.” Her voice broke.

Matt laid his hand on her back. How had she caught the attention of Matt Rainer?

Michelle’s attention shifted to Matt. “Who is he?”

“Mom, this is Matt Rainer.”

Matt laid his hand over her mother’s. “I’m honored to meet you, Mrs. Holloway.”

“You and Dee are friends?”

“Yes, ma’am. We’re dating.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I’m glad. She’ll need someone when I’m gone.”

Distress filled Delilah. “Mom.”

“You don’t know what’s ahead. I don’t have much time.”

“The doctors can’t help?”

A slight head shake. “I know you hate me. I deserve it. Thanks for coming anyway.”

“I don’t hate you.”

“Terrible mother. No excuse.”

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