“Eventually, you would’ve hit rock bottom,” she said, matter-of-fact but not unkind.
I nodded slowly. Maybe she was right. Maybe one day I would’ve spiraled far enough down that I’d have had no choice but to claw my way out. It wouldn’t have been the same.
“Maybe,” I said, pausing. “But I didn’t go to rehab to get clean for you. I did it for me. Still... without that push, without realizing what I needed to do to be better, to find this...” Igestured to the family in front of us. “I have so much to thank you for.”
Nova squeezed my shoulder gently. “I have so much to thank you for too, Austin. I have Scarlette. I have Ollie. I was in a dark place after my mom died and everything happened, but Scarlette... she was my light.”
We were two people who had once been so broken, yet found love and healing in ways neither of us could’ve imagined.
“Thank you for everything, Nova.”
“Thank you for everything, Austin,” Nova said softly, giving me one last quick hug before stepping back.
The door clicked open again, and before I could process it, a chorus of excited voices filled the room.
“Oh my god, it’s happening!” Jennie, Charlie’s friend from work, burst in, followed by Sara and Maura, their arms overflowing with flowers and gifts.
Charlie squealed, her face lighting up as she ran toward them, throwing her arms around the group in a whirlwind of hugs and laughter. She quickly turned, grabbing Nova by the arm and pulling her toward the maelstrom.
“Come, Nova. You have to meet my friends from work.”
Nova smiled, letting herself be ushered into the circle of Charlie’s friends. Their laughter and chatter filled the room, adding to the already vibrant energy.
The front door opened again, and the house filled with a new wave of chaotic energy as Mom, Ledger, and Evie rushed in. Mom’s face was already streaked with happy tears, and before I could say a word, she wrapped me in a tight hug.
“Charlie called me earlier,” she sobbed, cupping my face as she pulled back to look at me. “Oh, Austin, I’m so happy for you. For both of you.”
Ledger clapped me on the shoulder, his grin wide and proud. “Congrats, son,” he said, pulling me into a hug.
When he pulled back, he looked me in the eye, his hands still gripping my shoulders. “You know,” he said, his tone lighter now, “you’re the best son I’ve ever had.”
I laughed, the emotion welling in my chest despite the joke. “I’m your only.”
“That’s why you’re the best,” he quipped, his smirk softening into something more meaningful as he stood beside me, one arm still draped around my shoulders.
Evie buzzed past, heading straight for Charlie with a bag of something sweet smelling in her hands. “I’m going to be an aunt,” she squealed, her excitement filling the room.
I leaned back slightly, watching as Charlie glowed, surrounded by love and joy.
“Got room for one more?” a deep, familiar voice said from behind me.
I turned sharply, my chest tightening as I saw Jeremy standing in the doorway.
I took a step toward him, my fists clenching at my sides, ready to push him away, when Dirks appeared beside me, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder.
“He’s back from rehab, Hart,” Dirks said evenly. “Hear him out.”
I shook my head, my heart pounding. “You shouldn’t be here.”
It wasn’t anger, not entirely. It was fear. Jeremy being here was bad for my sobriety. It was bad for my peace of mind. It was just a bad idea all around.
Jeremy’s smile faltered slightly, his confidence dimming, but he didn’t shrink away. His face sharper but healthier, his eyes clearer. He looked... better.
“It’s been a long road,” Jeremy said, his tone almost resigned. His gaze flicked to Luna for a moment, and I knew thiswasn’t just about me. It was about her. It had to be. “I just came to say congrats. Luna invited me.”
“Not today,” Ledger chimed in.
Nova stepped forward, her eyes darting between us, and her expression hardened. “You should go, Jeremy,” she said firmly.
