She stood up and smiled as she said, “Just remember that smile, and you’ll be fine.”
Cass got up, and I followed her into the bathroom. After we took a not-so-quick shower together, we both got dressed. Cass still needed to go to her room to finish getting ready, and when she opened my door to leave, my mother was standing on the other side. She smiled and said, “When you didn’t come out to the bar, I thought I’d come check on you.”
“Um hmm,” I mumbled. “About to head that way now.”
Cass looked over to me, her cheeks blushing with embarrassment, and said, “I better go finish getting ready, so I can go help the girls in the kitchen.”
“I just need a quick minute with Cotton, and then I’ll be there to help out,” my mother told her.
“Ok, I’ll see you in a bit,” Cass said as she stepped into the hall. She’d only taken a few steps when she turned back and asked, “Did you bring your famous potato casserole?”
“Of course, I did. I know how you love it,” mom smiled. “And I also brought one of my turtle pies.”
“Awesome! I can’t wait,” Cass told her as she headed toward her room.
Mom walked over to me and wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly as she said, “You had me so worried.”
“I know, Mom. I hated to know you were so upset.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’m fine, but I would like to talk to you about something,” she told me as she released me from her embrace and walked into my room. She sat down at my desk chair and watched me as I shut the door. Once I sat down on the edge of the bed, she looked at me intently, like she was searching her thoughts for the right words to say. Then she said, “You are so much like your father, Cotton. In so many ways.”
“I’d say that’s a good thing.”
“Of course, it is. He was a good man, and I loved him with all of my heart. You know that losing him almost destroyed me. He’d always done everything for us, and I didn’t know what to do without him. I was completely lost, but you made me realize we could make it without him. You had this strength and determination like I’d never seen in a child. You never gave up. You saved our family.”
“It wasn’t just me. Uncle Saul helped us a lot, Mom.”
“Yes. Your Uncle helped us, but nothing like you did. The way you were there for your brothers…” Tears began to stream down her face as she continued, “When I heard you’d been shot, I was beside myself. I didn’t know if I was going to lose you… I couldn’t take it if I lost you, Cotton. I just couldn’t do it. I wanted to come and see you, but I understood why you didn’t want me to come. No man needs their meddling mother hovering over them, especially when they’re the president of an MC. I get that. But I was afraid I wouldn’t get a chance to tell you…” she cried. She took a deep breath, swallowing her tears as she said, “I just wanted you to know that I think you are a good man and a wonderful son. You’re always looking out for us, and I love you so much for that. But now that you are back and you’re okay, I want you to look after yourself.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Mom. I know I scared you, but I’m fine.”
She wiped the tears from her face and said, “You did scare me, but I can see you’re alright now. I’m so glad you are home and doing so well… I noticed that when I saw that sweet Cassidy in here, looking like I just caught her with her hand in the cookie jar.”
“Mom,” I groaned.
“I like her. I think you should make an honest woman out of her,” she smirked.
“Planning on that.”
Her eyes lit up as she said, “Ah… she has beautiful eyes and her skin is flawless. Can you imagine what beautiful children you two would have?”
I knew it. She couldn’t make it through one conversation without bringing up grandchildren. I stood up as I said, “We’ll see soon enough.”
She looked like someone had just told her she’d won the fucking lottery as she walked out of my room, clapping her hands quietly as she pranced down the hall. Trying my best to ignore her, I closed my door and headed to the bar. All of the brothers were already there, talking amongst themselves and drinking when I walked in. I took the stool next to Guardrail and motioned over to Tristan, letting her know I needed a beer. She immediately brought one over, and as she sat it on the counter, she said, “Good to have you back.”
I nodded then turned to Guardrail and said, “Everything set for the run?”
“Yeah. We’re all set, and they’re calling for good weather next weekend. Should be a good turnout.”
“Appreciate you taking care of it,” I told him.
“Maverick did most of the work. I just tied up some loose ends.” He took a drink of his beer, then said, “Nitro has a new shipment coming in and needs our order.”