Page 135 of Addiction

“Bubs.” Ava points.

“I know, there are lots of bubbles aren’t there?” Nora says “And what does Ava do?”

She claps her hands together, telling us that she pops the bubbles when they are near.

I adore the relationship me and Ava have, but I love the one she has with her mother the most. The two of them are like best friends, always looking out for each other and sharing the same love for Marine life and the ocean. Ava loves the water, so I can imagine that when she’s old enough, she will be either riding the waves or diving below them to see the life under the sea.

“Gray, can you take Ava for a second while I dance with Nora?”

“Of course.”

I take my sister’s hand and bring her closer, swaying to the music as anxiety hits my stomach because of what I have planned.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look?”

“You told me this morning when you first saw me in my dress.”

It’s a white, snug-fitting lace dress with a train that is covered in sparkles and pearls. She looks elegant and beautiful, and her little bump makes me so proud to be an uncle to the son or daughter she is carrying.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m good. I’m starting to get a little tired now, though.”

“So is Mom; I think she might head off early.”

“Where is she, I haven’t seen her.”

“She went outside with Wade for some fresh air.”

“Okay. So what do you want?”

I screw my face up, knowing I’ve been rumbled. “What makes you think I want anything?”

“Because you have that look in your eye. The one that tells me you have something on your mind, and you wouldn’t have asked Gray to take Ava if there wasn’t something.”

I sigh. “Well—”

“Actually, wait. I need to give you something before I forget and before tonight changes into a different celebration.”

“A different celebration for what?”

Her eyes widen a little as if she’s done wrong but then she waves it off. “Never mind. Stay here.”

She collects something from behind the bar and brings back the small gift box. “I wanted to give you this. I spoke with Theo, and he gave me this so I could have it engraved.”

My breath catches when I see a silver sobriety chip resting on a little white cushion. But it’s the words, that bring a lump to my throat.

Your sobriety is a big deal. We see you and we’re proud of you.

“Nora…”

“I know I tell you all the time, but sometimes I don’t think I tell you enough. I am so proud of everything you have achieved and everything that you are, Asher. We may have started in life with our differences and our difficulties, but I love you so much and I am proud to have you as a brother.”

I’m speechless. Overcome with love at her small yet meaningful gift. I’ve been sober now for over two years, and I feel better than ever. I still go to the odd meeting, but my therapy has stopped. “Nora, this is beautiful, Thank you so much.”

I give her a cuddle, squeezing her a little tighter.

When I see Wade walking back with Mom, the damn nerves return as what I’m about to do could change everything.