Page 136 of Shattering Nash

Hell, yeah, I was serious.A few days ago, her brother celebrated an anniversary of his own. Charley wanted to be there, but her incessant morning sickness had her bedridden with a garbage pail by its side. Nash had been adamant she stay home, but Charley was persistent. Until she walked out the door to the house and puked on the landing. It was then she waved her white flag and retreated back to her bed.

“Yes.”

He sighed, looking down the hallway. He lifted his hand pointing to the living room. “This is Tabby’s day, not mine. We’ll do this another time.” He stepped to the side to pass, but Charley matched his steps, pressing her hands against his chest.

“Please, Cody.”

He dropped his chin to his chest and reached into his jean pocket. She followed his hands and smiled when she caught a glimpse. He slid it between his thumb and forefinger and lifted his hand.

Charley covered her mouth with her hands and squealed. Not everyone would understand her excitement, her joy, and her pride. It didn’t matter. They didn’t have to. This wasn’t about anyone else but her brother, his struggles, and his strength toovercome. Strength wasn’t defined by failures, it was all about coming out on the other side. Cody did that. It was not an easy road.But he did it!

Charley leaned closer, the chip blurring through her tears. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Take it.” Her brother’s voice was soft, a mere whisper.

Charley glanced up and found him staring down at her. They’d been through a lot. For a while, it had been countless dark times. Yet, when she looked at him, she always saw the person he was, the one she’d lost for a time, and who he’d emerged as once again.

“What, no! This is yours. You earned it.”

He shook his head and grabbed her hand, placing it in her palm. “Take it.”

“Why are giving this to me? It’s yours, Cody.”

“Without you? I wouldn’t have gotten it.”

“Yes, you would. You…”

“Charley, take it,” he said. “Iwantyouto have it. Please.” He paused and cleared his throat and whispered. “Just take it, Charley.”

It was symbolic. Cody didn’t have to say the words. Charley felt it. This was his uphill battle. He’d done it. But not all on his own. There’d been an army holding his back when he stumbled. Steadying him through words and their presence.I’m part of that army.

She looked down at the round chip.Ten years sober.She’d been at all the milestones. This one was huge. She pressed it into her palm and fisted it.

Her brother took in a breath, veering his gaze anywhere but looking at her. His eyes were glassy, and he pointed to the living room.

“I’m starving. You got food in there?”

“Mmmm…” She didn’t trust herself to speak. This life with her brother had been an emotional roller coaster. But never once did she think of getting off.

Cody passed her, brushing his hand over her shoulder, and she watched him disappear into the living room.With the rest of my family.

She jumped when Nash circled his arms around her waist, placing his hands on her stomach. He did that a lot when she was pregnant with Tabitha. This baby was no different. Nash brushed his lips against her ear, and she curled into his chest.

“How much of that did you hear?” she muttered, holding tight to the chip.

“Everything,” Nash whispered.

Charley rested her hand over Nash’s. “Life is good.”

“Yes, it is.”

****

Nash sipped his scotch, surveying the children in the yard. His world had certainly changed in the last ten years. The Underground still ran strong under Oz, Rogue, and Trey, with Nash serving in his position. But it looked different.Better.

Everyone had had children, some more than others. Nash watched people mingle around the yard. Cody fisted a water bottle, kicking the soccer ball to one of Trey’s boys. He’d come a long way.

“You ever regret not killing that fucker?”

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