Battle

After a round of congratulations, Evelyn, James, and Erinn leave. The rest of us share a toast to Cooper and Katie. My phone rings while I’m inside gathering desserts. I see it’s my father again. With a long sigh, I answer it.

Before I can say any more than hello, he delivers news that brings me to my knees. “Honey, Wyatt and Gunner were in a car accident … It’s bad.”

My lips tremble as I ask, “How bad?”

“Wyatt’s unconscious. They’re not sure he’s gonna make it. I think you should come to the hospital.”

I agree and end the call. The room spins slightly as I try to stand. I clutch the edge of the counter, but I can’t walk, my legs weighted down with fear. Memories of losing my gram haunt my thoughts. How am I going to go back to that hospital, and under similar circumstances?

“Faye, what’s wrong?” Battle asks, his words clouded.

My head falls forward as the possibly of Wyatt dying crashes into me. I hear Marty and Ginger talking before they’re at my side.

The warm droplets streaking down my cheeks remind me I loved Wyatt most my life. We may not be together, and I may be angry with him, but I can’t imagine him being gone. The last words we shared were hurtful and cruel, spoken by both of us. He can’t die. He just can’t.

“Wyatt’s been in a car accident. I need to go to the hospital.”

“I’ll go with you,” Marty says.

I can’t look at Marty and say it. She and Gunner were close while Wyatt and I were dating. “Mar, he was with Gunner.”

“Oh, God,” her expression turns frantic. “Let’s go.”

I look up, expecting Battle to be hurt, but he pulls me close, holding me firm to his chest. His free hand moves over my hair, his heartbeat soothing me. I don’t want him to let go. “I’m comin’ with you. Let me get my keys. I’ll drive.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I say, but I honestly want him to come. I need him. “

You have friends over.”

He pulls back, stroking my cheek. “Friends I can trust in my home so I can be there for my girlfriend when she needs me,” he says and leaves.

His referral to me as his girlfriend makes me happy, but his wanting to be there for me has my heart singing.

Mine and Wyatt’s parents pace the waiting room. Gunner’s mother is there as well. I notice Marty’s sad expression. Her and Gunner maintained a friendship after I left Wyatt, and I know she cares a great deal for him.

“What happened?” I ask, hugging my mother.

Mrs. Daughtrey lets out a loud sob.

“We’re not sure,” my mother says, guiding me away from the noisy waiting room and down a hall. My father follows us, as does Battle. “Gunner was drivin’ and lost control somehow. They flipped and hit a utility pole.”

My hands shake as I cover my mouth. I try to ask if he’s going to be okay, but I choke down the words before they come out.

“What’s he doin’ here, Faye?” my father asks rudely, as his eyes appraise Battle.

Anger bubbles up inside at how my father looks at Battle like he’s trash.

“I’m here for Faye,” Battle answers politely.

“This is a family matter, and we don’t want you here.”

“Daddy,” I scold, appalled by what he’s said, by how he’s behaving.

Battle takes a confident step toward my father.

“No disrespect, Mr. Callahan, but I’m not concerned with what you want. I care about Faye and her friend and the gentlemanly thing to do was to drive them here. Your daughter is upset, and I’ll be stayin’ as long as she needs me here.”

My eyes widen. No one ever challenges my father. He’s a large man with an imposing presence who’s accustomed to people bowing out at his request, but Battle isn’t about to cower.