AllFreeNovel
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“We’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store in your future.” He lifts his Solo cup higher. “To you, you badass.”
We cheer in accord and tip back our drinks.
Phoenix hugs Jenna close and rests her head on my shoulder. “Thank you for all your support. I don’t know where I’d be without each of you helping me along the way.”
I press a kiss to the top of her head. “You’d be exactly where you are right now because you are strong, and you can do anything you put your mind to.”
She tilts her head up and brings her lips to mine. “I love you.”
“I love you, beautiful.”
Phil wipes the corner of his mouth with his napkin. “Nix, have you seen Cory at all lately?”
She nods, her smile diminishing like it always does when she thinks about Cory. “I visited him last week.”
“How’s he doing?” Dad asks.
“He’s making progress since they got his meds regulated.” She looks at Drew. “He’s lonely there though. You know how it was in the beginning.”
“He has you, Nixie.” Leo rubs her back in small circles. “He’ll be okay.”
Tyler shakes his head. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t press charges. The kid almost killed you. He would’ve killed James if you didn’t—”
“Drop it, Ty.” Gabby holds up her hand. “We’ve been over this so many times. Phoenix doesn’t have to explain herself again. She wants to help him instead of putting him through the system, and I agree with her. It’ll give him a better chance at rehabilitation. Putting him in juvie wouldn’t help his mental health.”
Phoenix flashes her sister-in-law a grateful smile. “Everyone deserves a second chance, and I’m going to do everything I can to try to help him.”
Tyler and Phil exchange a glance, but I shake my head at them.Not here.
My first instinct as a cop is to put someone like Cory behind bars. But after listening to how Phoenix feels and realizing that Leo could’ve ended up in the same situation had he not given up drugs, I had to try something different. Clearview helped Phoenix, as well as Drew and many others struggling. Cory deserved a chance too.
Phoenix perks up again. “What about you, little bro? How has your EMT course been going? I feel like I barely see you without your nose in a book anymore.”
“It’s going great. There’s a hot chick in my class.” He waggles his eyebrows. “She’s totally into me, of course.”
Dad grimaces. “It’s a miracle you haven’t gotten anyone pregnant.”
“I’m safe, Dad. I use protection. You taught me how, remember?”
“I try to forget that time in my life. You were so inquisitive.”
Sadie presses her palm to her cheek. “I’m dreading that part of parenting.”
“Now, being a grandparent, on the other hand…” Dad swings his gaze in my direction, eyes bouncing between me and Phoenix. “That I’m looking forward to.”
Phoenix chokes on her water, and Leo slaps her back.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Dad, we told you, we’re not having kids. You can cut the guilt trip.”
“Don’t worry.” Leo puffs out his chest. “I want at least five kids, so I’ll make up for all the kids James doesn’t have and carry on the Russo name.”
Dad looks up to the sky. “God help us all.”
As if she understood the entire conversation, Jenna lurches off Phoenix’s lap and dive-bombs into my arms.
I chuckle and scoop her up. “You want to come to your uncle James, don’t you, baby girl?” I stand with her and walk over to the edge of the deck, letting everyone enjoy their meals.
I press my lips against her soft, wispy hair and breathe in deep as I gaze out at the calm lagoon. It’s incredible how much different life is now than it was last year.
