Free All I Want Is Forever by Lynn Emery Page A

here.” Mama Rose pointed to the oak table on rollers. It could be raised to different heights so she could eat in bed.
    â€œRight. Hey, baked fish with garlic-roasted potatoes, green beans, and pears for dessert. Maybe I’ll stick around.” Talia grinned at her. “Move over, and I’ll spend a few days.”
    â€œYou like it so much, you stay, and I’ll go home,” Mama Rose said in a dry tone.
    â€œAt least you’ve still got that sense of humor. Now settle down while I finish fixing this place up. My goodness, did every kid you ever taught send plants?”
    Talia shook her head when she looked into the small living room to find more plants had arrived. She set about making the room look as homelike as possible.Mama Rose gave directions from the bedroom despite Talia’s instructions that she should rest. Soon Talia heard the muted sound of the television. There was a strong knock on the door left ajar. Her brother Karl stood in the door with a vase of small sunflowers.
    â€œWhassup, sis? Just came by to see how Miz Rose is doin’.”
    At least six feet tall with a wide handsome face the color of caramel, he was thinner than she remembered. He also had a touch of gray in his hair. Though only thirty-five, he looked older. Talia did not smile back at him. She crossed her arms. Still, he kissed her on the cheek lightly.
    â€œShe’s doing just fine, and I plan to keep it that way,” Talia said, gazing at him through narrowed eyes.
    â€œPeace. I didn’t come to upset her or you.” Karl’s familiar charming smile flashed.
    â€œOkay.” Talia turned away and continued arranging family photos on a mantel over the fake fireplace. “So why did you come?”
    â€œAw c’mon. I care about Miz Rose. She was my foster mama, too.” Karl’s smile faltered. “Don’t be like that.”
    â€œUh-huh. Except you—”
    â€œWho is that?” Mama Rose came in using the walker. “Karl! Baby, I’m so glad to see you.” She smiled with genuine pleasure.
    â€œHad to come see my best girl,” Karl said. He hugged her gently. “You got no business movin’ around. Come over here and sit.”
    â€œNo, she should be in bed. That’s why it’s called ‘bed rest.’” Talia pursed her lips.
    â€œNonsense, I can rest just as well sitting in this chair.” Mama Rose lifted her nose.
    â€œYou know Talia is right. Don’t be hardheaded. Tellyou what, I’ll sit with you and tell you the latest gossip,” Karl said.
    â€œOh, you are such a scamp.” Mama Rose laughed as Karl led her back into the bedroom. He kept up a steady stream of banter all the while.
    Talia ground her teeth at the sound of their laughter. If the tough lady had one soft spot, it was Karl. Though she never hesitated to condemn his actions, Mama Rose never gave up on him. Karl had been more than a handful the brief time he’d been in Mama Rose’s care. Even though he’d been removed and placed in a group home, she continued to visit him.
    Fifteen minutes later Talia heard a mild debate through the open bedroom door.
    â€œI’m not tired,” Mama Rose said.
    â€œThen relax before you get all worn-out,” Karl replied. “I’ll come back on my day off and make sure you’re behavin’.”
    Mama Rose laughed. “That’s what I used to tell you.”
    â€œYeah, and remember what else you’d say? ‘Mind these folks and follow the rules.’ Bye, darlin’. I’ll see you soon.”
    Talia was in the compact kitchen when he came out and shut the door quietly. She looked at him as he walked toward her. He wore a frown.
    â€œShe’s lookin’ weak. I ain’t never seen her look that way before.” Karl rubbed his chin with one large hand.
    â€œMama Rose is sixty-nine years old with a heart condition. She’s worked hard all her