Page 97 of Jonny’s Redemption

“They’d be proud of you,” Mandy argued.

“Mandy—”

“They’d be proud.”

I glanced back down at the last family photo we’d all taken together. Sadness crept in like it always did on days like today. Special occasions, milestones, holidays, they would be missing. Days when I knew they’d be beaming with pride and excitement. Days like today hurt just a little more than normal.

“They’d be proud,” I conceded.

I placed the photo back on the mantel and looked around the room.

“Where’s Holly?”

Mandy rolled her pretty green eyes and shook her head.

“Where do you think she is? Zack took her out to see Goat.”

“Seriously, she’s dressed for the party.”

“Like Zack would care if she was dressed to meet the Queen. He never says no to her.” That was true, my brother loved his niece. “Besides, it’s Zack’s graduation party, if he doesn’t care about smelling like Goat what do you care?”

“When’d you get so smart?”

Mandy shrugged then smiled. “Nix taught me.”

“Whatever,” I mumbled.

“Micky?”

My eyes drifted closed. I knew that tone. I’d heard it a lot over the years.

“Right here, Mandy.”

“Yeah, you are. Always there. Always cheering us on. Always proud. Always giving us more. Being a mom, a sister, a friend, whatever we needed. You and Nixon.”

I was not going to cry. I was not going to break down when my house would be overrun with friends and family any minute.

“Thank you, big sister.”

Okay, so I was going to break down and that was how my husband found me. Nixon didn’t ask what was wrong, he didn’t ask Mandy why I was crying, he simply pulled me into his arms and held on tight.

That was Nixon Swagger.

My forever.

My partner in all things.

He waited until I was done then kissed the top of my head.

“You good?”

“Better than good.”

“Glad to hear that, because Holly’s dress is toast.”

I felt my blood pressure skyrocket.

“Baby, she’s having fun with her uncle who is shipping out in less than a week. Who the fuck cares if she’s filthy? Zack needs this time with her, with us, with his family and he should have it however he needs it.”