Chance lifts his middle finger in the air, showing off his black nail polish.
“Who knew you were so good at painting nails,” I muse.
Chance arches a brow. “I have lots of skills you haven’t seen yet.”
I bite my bottom lip, and goosebumps fly across my skin. “Can’t wait to see these skills.”
Stephen grins from his spot on the couch beside Avery. “Your skills are nothing like little man over here. I don’t know how you can make strokes with a pencil and turn it into a masterpiece like this.”
Avery’s face reddens as he continues sketching. “And I don’t know how you don’t bust your ass on the ice when you play.”
Alyssa grins, handing Chance a yellow crayon. “Ooo, Avery cursed.”
He glances up at me. “Sorry.”
I roll my eyes. “Assis the least of my worries with this one in the house.” I jerk my thumb toward Stephen.
Stephen holds a hand to his chest, feigning innocence. “I don’t know what you’re insinuating, Ms. King.”
My heart feels like it’s overflowing with joy as I watch these men with my niece and nephew. I used to love wild nights out, dancing and drinking, and then having loud, wild sex after. Now, I’m completely content with lying on the couch with my family while they color.
Plus, I still get to have wild sex.
“How’s the nonprofit research coming along?” Chance asks.
I scribble another idea down onto my notepad. “Good. Tell me what you think of these names:NextGen Unity; Safe Space Allies; Inclusive Hearts.”
“Inclusive Hearts,” he says without looking up from his nails.
“I vote for that one too,” Avery says.
I nod. “That one’s my favorite of the few I’ve come up with.”
When the girls were over earlier, we made a checklist of the things I needed to do to form a nonprofit organization. Once I come up with a name, I can get started on all the legal forms. It seems daunting, but I’m excited to do this.
Not everyone thinks like Miserable Molly, and I want to create something beautiful to make a difference in our community.
“Avery, I was thinking maybe you could design a logo for me.”
His head jerks up. “Really?”
“Yep. Something that symbolizesInclusive Hearts.”
His eyes light up as he turns the page in his sketchbook. “I’m on it.”
I chuckle. “It doesn’t have to be right now. I know you’re excited to sketch out your ideas for the mural.”
“I want a new room,” Alyssa says. “Can Avery paint something on my wall too?”
Stephen laughs. “We’re going to have to get you an assistant to keep your art bookings organized. You’re about to become a very busy man.”
Seeing the proud look on Avery’s brings hot tears to my eyes. After everything he’s been through, he’s finally getting to spread his wings and become the talented, smart, sweet man I’ve always known him to be—only this time, he believes it.
I love this diverse little family we’re turning out to be.
Junior Year
The sun streamsthrough the window, casting soft, hazy beams of light across the room.
