Free Something Worth Fighting For by Lena Matthews Page A

she did, it’s for the court to decide. Not a nine-year-old.”
    “I think she should have some say.”
    “I don’t think you’d want to hear what she’d have to say.” Jonah was more than convinced Cami would want to live with him. For the life of him though, he couldn’t understand why ReShaunda didn’t see that.
    “Maybe I’d prefer to hear what a new judge has to say.”
    “There isn’t—” Jonah let out a deep breath, willing himself to calm down. This was going to do no good. ReShaunda heard what ReShaunda wanted to hear. “Cami, get your stuff. We’re leaving.”
    Cami must have been prepared because she ran to the steps and back again in seconds, suitcase now in hand.
    Moving quickly, ReShaunda blocked the doorway and gave him a hostile glare. “You know I’m well within my legal rights to insist she stays.”
    “You could try.”
    “But legally…”
    “You could try,” he repeated with contempt. “But I’m walking out this door with Cami. Whether I have to step over you to do it is entirely up to you.”
    “Are you threatening me?”
    “I’m stating a fact.”
    “I’m going to call my lawyer.”
    Jonah thrust his hand in his pocket and felt around for some change. He pulled out the largest coin he had and slapped it on the hall table. “The phone call is on me. We’ll see you in court. Now move. Please.” He added the courtesy for Cami’s sake, biting back the word “bitch” in the process.
    Furious, ReShaunda moved from in front of the door. Jonah didn’t wait for her to open it. He did it himself, taking Cami’s hand in his to ensure ReShaunda wouldn’t try anything stupid. He wasn’t in the mood for stupid right now.
    To her credit, ReShaunda didn’t say a word, allowing him to bypass her and take Cami out of the house. Once outside, Jonah took the suitcase from his niece’s hand then bent and whispered in Cami’s ear, “Go get in the car. I’ll be right there.” The little girl ran straight for the car, not looking back to say goodbye.
    When Tisha saw Cami coming, she quickly opened the door and embraced the little girl before helping her into the backseat.
    “Who’s that?” ReShaunda questioned, stepping out behind him.
    “No one you need to worry about.”
    “You know, you could have made this a lot easier for both of us if you’d made her stay.”
    “And you could have made it a lot easier for all of us if you would just let it go. She’s mine, ReShaunda. She’s where she’s supposed to be.”
    “It will be a cold day in hell before I accept that.”
    “Then buy a coat, sweetie, because you’re in for a long winter.” Shaking his head in disgust, Jonah turned and headed after Cami.
    “This isn’t the end of this, Jonah,” ReShaunda called after him.
    “I didn’t think it was for a second.”

Chapter Seven
     
    After locking up downstairs, Tisha headed upstairs to shower and get ready to go to sleep. It had been a very long day. Parts good and parts bad, and it was time to put both parts to bed.
    Tisha had barely settled in bed when the phone rang. Picking it up, she glanced at the caller ID and smiled. “Hey.”
    “Did I wake you?” Jonah asked. He sounded tired and weary, much to her dismay.
    “No, I’m still awake.” Tisha took a moment to prop two pillows behind her so she could get comfortable before asking him, “Are you okay?”
    “No,” he laughed bitterly.
    “Is there anything I can do?” She wanted to be there to wrap her arms around him, but she knew he had to be with Cami right now.
    “You’re doing it.”
    “What?”
    “Talking to me. Being here for me.”
    Tisha wanted to say “always” but she bit it back at the last second. “That’s what friends are for,” she said instead, instantly rolling her eyes at the cheesiness of her words.
    “Friends.” There was a long pause before he continued. “Is that what we are?”
    She wasn’t really sure where he was going with this so she decided to try to keep it light.