Page 39 of Festive

I pull back slightly, looking at her through my tear-blurred vision. “Thank you, Ave. I don’t think I could do this without you.”

She smiles, her own eyes glistening with tears. “You’ll never have to find out. We’re family, Thay. And family doesn’t let each other go through the hard stuff alone. Now, how about we get you out of this room? You can’t stay cooped up in here forever. Come on, let’s go spend some time with everyone. They’ve missed you.”

I take a deep, shaky breath, nodding. “Okay. One day at a time, right?”

Avery nods, her smile widening. “Exactly... one day at a time.”

I hesitate, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I’m scared to face everyone, scared to admit that I left Houston, that I’m struggling. But Avery is right. I can’t stay hidden away in this room forever. I need my family. I need the people who love me. And maybe, just maybe, I need a little bit of this place—this home—to help me find my way again.

I blow out a heavy breath, nodding. “Okay. Let’s go.”

Avery stands, holding out her hand to help me up. I take it, and she pulls me to my feet, her smile warm and reassuring. We head out of the room together, and as we walk down the hallway, the sounds of the clubhouse grow louder. The laughter, the music, the clatter of dishes—it all fills the air, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.

We step into the main clubroom, and the second I’m spotted,there’s a chorus of cheers and greetings. Kennedy rushes over, wrapping me in a tight hug, her face lighting up with joy. “Thay! It’s so good to see you.”

I hug her back, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. “It’s good to see you, too, Kennedy.”

The rest of the club gathers around, each of them taking turns hugging me to tell me how glad they are that I’m here.

It’s overwhelming—but in the best possible way.

It’s like a weight has been lifted off my chest. Like I can finally breathe again.

Shotgun steps up, his eyes soft as he looks at me. “You okay, kid?”

I nod, my voice thick with emotion. “I think I will be.”

He pulls me into a hug, his arms strong and steady around me. “Good. You’re home now. And we’re not letting you go anywhere.”

I laugh through my tears, holding onto him tightly. “I’m not going anywhere, Shotgun. Not for a while, at least.”

He pulls back, giving me a nod. “That’s what I like to hear. Now, come on. We’ve got food, we’ve got drinks, and we’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

I glance around the room, taking in the faces of the people I love, the people who have always been there for me. There’s something comforting about being back here, about being surrounded by the people who know me better than anyone else.

It’s not Houston.

It’s not the life I’ve built with Koda and the girls.

But it ishome.

And right now, that’sexactlywhat I need.

I finally feel a smile tugging at my lips as I follow Shotgun and Avery farther into the room. The chatter resumes, the laughter picking up again, and it’s like I never left. I know there’s still so much to figure out and to work through. But for now, I’m here.And I’m surrounded by love.

The evening goes on, the club filling the room with warmth and joy. Kenna and Kinzley eventually come back from their naps, their little faces lighting up when they see me. Kenna runs straight for me, her arms wrapping around my legs. “Mama!”

I scoop her up, holding her close, my heart aching with love for this little girl. “Hey, firefly. Did you have a good nap?”

She nods, her eyes wide with excitement. “Uh-huh! And Pops said we can have cookies.”

I laugh, glancing over at Shotgun, who’s standing nearby, a guilty smile crossing his face. “Oh, did he now?”

Shotgun shrugs, raising his hands in mock surrender. “What can I say? She’s hard to say no to.”

I shake my head, smiling as I set Kenna down. “All right, all right. You can have your cookies, but only one, okay?”

Kenna’s eyes light up, bouncing up and down on the spot, her laughter echoing through the room with her excitement. Kinzley toddles over, her little arms reaching up for me, and I lift her, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

---