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“Thank you, Kinley Care Bear.” She drew me into a tight hug, and I melted into her embrace.
I’d lost count of how many nights I’d wished she was around to hold me, hug me, make me feel like she loved me. She held me close to her chest, closer than I’d felt in a long time. I could feel the tears forming in my eyes.
Her warmth.
Her scent.
Her love.
It was comforting and afflicting all at once.
The second she pulled away, I felt the loss of her touch. For a split second, I was scared I’d never see her again.
As if reading my mind, she vowed, “I promise I’m not going anywhere this time.”
I nodded, needing to hear that.
She turned around and left. It was only then I realized Jax was now standing next to Christian.
“Jax, can I talk to Chr—”
“Fuck no. I’ve known you longer than him, and I’m not leaving until you come to your senses.”
“Not you too.”
“What did you think I was going to be like? Why are you letting her back in so easily?”
“I’m not.”
“Jax is right, Kinley.”
“Wow,” I breathed out. “I never thought I’d hear you say those words. What is this? Two against one?”
“Baby, you’re just forgiving her like all the bullshit she put you through didn’t happen.”
“People make mistakes.”
“How many does she have to make until you cut her off?”
“What do you think I’ve been doing for the past six years? Christian, you didn’t have to treat her like that.”
Jax intervened, “The fuck he didn’t. Kinley, come on. I know you miss her, but you need to keep your guard up with her. You don’t know if she’s—”
“No! You don’t know! You have no idea what it feels like to not have a mom.”
“Actually, I do.”
“Jax, your parents are still in your house. You still see them every day. You still know they’re there. It’s not the same.”
“Jax isn’t saying anything that isn’t true.”
“Don’t give me that bullshit! You”—I pointed to him—“of all people have no idea what it’s like to grow up without a mother. I’ve never seen her look the way she does right now. She’s sober and on her meds. I can tell. She was a great mom when she was clean and taking her medication. I can’t just turn my back on her.”
“Why not?” Christian spewed. “She did to you.”
“She’s sick! It’s not her fault her brain isn’t wired like yours. I have to give her a chance to be in my life, and it’s completely unfair that you expect me not to.”
“Sweetness, I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
