Page 83 of Fight For Her
“Son, is that you?” My mama’s voice came out in a whisper, and she began to stir.
“I’ll go to the nurses’ station. I’m sure they’ll want to know,” Kendahl said.
“Thank you.”
Her lips brushed over my cheek so fucking sweetly that I nearly cried.
“Mama, it’s Coby. I’m right here.” I cupped her cheek and she rested her face against my hand. “You took a fall and scared the heck out of everyone. Are you in any pain?”
She shook her head gently. “Just a headache is all.” Blinking awake, her hazel eyes met mine. They looked browner in the dim light. “She’s lovely. Is this the one you told me about?”
“Kendahl,” I said through the lump in my throat.
“Beautiful. She loves you. I can tell. I'm glad you took my advice.” Her fragile hand reached out and held mine. “Do you love her?”
“Mama, we can talk about it later. Let’s get you better.”
Her eyes blazed, and for a moment, I saw a spark of who she used to be before my father beat her down. She raised a brow, challenging me.
“Yes. I love her very much.”
“Then don’t let her go,” she said.
Clyde ruined our moment a few minutes later by barreling into the room and getting combative with the doctor. Mama’s test results were in. She would be okay. They didn’t see any brain bleeds just a slight concussion and some bruising on her knees. They’d keep her another day for observation and then she’d be free to go back to her place.
The doctor had barely left the room before Clyde said, “Mama, I think you should come home with me. Daisy can take care of you, and you’ll have the whole town behind you.” He glared at me with his arms crossed.
“The town that turned a blind eye to your father’s problem, you mean?” She spoke with such clarity that I was taken aback. “No. I’ll be going back to my new home. Your brother will see to it.”
“Of course,” I said. Kendahl smiled up at me with pride in her eyes.
“You should go home, Clyde,” Mama said.
“You sure he’ll have time for you? Looks like he’s too busy with his new whore,” Clyde spit.
My mother gasped.
“Don’t speak about me or Coby that way. I think you need to leave. Now. Before I really get mad.” Kendahl said as she stood up and stared daggers at my brother.
“Why should I listen to you? You’re nothing but a little—”
In a split second Kendahl slammed Clyde in the balls so hard that he slid to the floor moaning like a wounded animal.
“Listen to your mother. Get out or I’ll call security.” She came to my side and squeezed my hand.
Clyde looked up with his eyes narrowed and slowly got to his feet. He looked from my mama and back to me.
“Fine. Don’t ask me for shit. I’m done with you all.”
He left, still doubled over.
“What a dick,” Kendahl sighed. “Sorry for my language, Mrs. Barnes.”
“It’s fine, sadly he became just like his father.” Her head drooped. “Maybe he’ll come around one day. I only hope him and Daisy don’t have children though, no child needs to go through what my boys went through.”
“Rest, mama. You’re taken care of and safe,” I said as I adjusted her blanket.
“Thank you. You’re a good boy.” Her eyes closed and her lips tipped up in a serene smile. “No wonder why she loves you so much.”
