Page 77 of Madness

As I walk to my car, I pull out my phone. There's a text from Lauren.

LAUREN: Hope the meeting went well. Roman and I are making spaghetti. See you soon. Love you.

I smile, typing out a quick reply:

ME: It was great. Can't wait to see you both. Love you too.

Driving to Lauren's - because it's become more of a home than my own place - I feel a sense of peace wash over me. Life isn't perfect. There are still challenges, still moments of doubt. But for the first time in a long fucking time, I feel equipped to handle whatever comes my way.

One day at a time, one step at a time. With Lauren and Roman by my side, I'm ready to face it all.

EPILOGUE 1

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Lauren – Three Years Later

The auditorium buzzes with excitement as I adjust my cap one last time. My palms are sweaty, but it's not from nerves. It's anticipation. Pride. Joy.

I scan the crowd, searching for the faces that matter most. There, in the third row - Dakota, Roman, and Shannon. My family, both chosen and born.

Dakota catches my eye and grins, giving me a thumbs up. Roman, now six and growing like a weed, waves enthusiastically. Shannon, who flew in from Seattle just for this, blows me a kiss. I wave back, my heart swelling with love.

Three years. Three intense years of late nights studying, of juggling clinicals and motherhood, of building a life with Dakota. It hasn't always been easy, but we've made it. Together.

As I wait for my name to be called, my mind drifts back to where we started. The broken pieces we've put back together. The trust we've rebuilt. The love that's grown stronger with every challenge we've faced.

Dakota's sobriety journey has mirrored my nursing school path - about three years now. It hasn't been perfect, but he's committed, attending meetings regularly and working hard every day. Chaos Fuel is thriving, too, finding a balance between touring and home life that works for all of us.

"Lauren Hudson," the dean calls.

I step forward, my gown swishing around my ankles. As I accept my diploma, I hear familiar voices rise above the applause.

"Way to go, Mom!" "You did it, Lauren!"

Then, clear as day, I hear it. A moment I'll cherish forever.

"Dad, did you see? Mom did it!"

Dad. Roman called Dakota 'Dad.'

My eyes find my little group again. Roman's standing on his chair, Dakota's hands on his shoulders to steady him, both of them beaming with pride. Dakota's eyes are wide with surprise and joy, glistening with unshed tears. Shannon's on her feet, cheering loudly, happy tears streaming down her face.

By the time I make it back to them, Dakota's composure is mostly back, but his eyes are still shining.

"Congratulations, Nurse Hudson," he says, pulling me into a hug. "We're so proud of you."

"Mom, you were awesome!" Roman chimes in, wrapping his arms around my waist.

Shannon engulfs us all in a hug. "I knew you could do it, girl. I'm so proud of you."

I kneel down to Roman's level, cupping his face in my hands. "Thank you, sweetheart. I couldn't have done it without all of you cheering me on."

Roman grins, then looks up at Dakota. "Can we have ice cream to celebrate? Please, Dad?"

There it is again. Dad. It sounds so right.

Dakota meets my gaze over Roman's head, love and wonder clear in his eyes. "What do you think? Ice cream sound good to you?"

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