Page 115 of A Hurt So Good

We’ve talked about everything from work to prison and everything in between, but Arya stays tucked into his arms where she belongs right now.

“I can’t believe you’re back,” Dad says as he smiles at War.

“I know. I wasn’t sure they were being serious when they told me.”

“I can imagine not. That’s not something that usually happens,” he says. “Nevertheless, we’re glad to have you home.”

“I’m glad to be home,” he tells him as he leans down and presses his lips to Arya’s head. She smiles brightly and snuggles closer to him.

“What are we going to do now that I’m back?” War asks.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“What’s the plan? Work, housing, life.”

“Work is still yours. I do plan on traveling now that you’re back and everyone is safe,” Dad says. “As far as housing, you’re all more than welcome to stay here. It’s not like we don’t have the room. And we also need to celebrate Denz getting custody of Sasha.”

“You got it?” War asks him.

“Yeah. I did. Didn’t take much since dad helped,” Denz says.

“Fuck. That’s great news,” War says. “So you’re stuck with us now?” he says, turning toward Sasha.

“Looks that way. But as long as I have Arya, I’m good. There’s too many men in this family,” Sasha tells him. We all laugh as I take a pull from the bottle that’s being passed around before I pass it to War. He grabs it and takes a long pull before offering it to Arya. She grabs it and downs a big gulp as we laugh.

“Thirsty?” War asks her.

“I’m having a great time,” she responds as she passes the bottle to Denz.

While I sit back and look at everyone, I know this is what family is supposed to be. This is what everyone wants to have.

I watch as everyone talks and just has a good time. Dad excuses himself and heads inside while the rest of us laugh and talk. We keep drinking, passing the bottle around until there is nothing left. Then we start a new one.

Once that’s gone, we all head inside, and Sasha goes to bed. But not before hugging War for the longest time. I know everyone has missed him, including us.

Arya went to use the bathroom while the three of us dropped onto the couch.

“You good?” I ask War.

“Yeah. I’m better than good, Har. It was hell in there. It was fucked up being away from everyone and not knowing what thehell is going on. I’m so fucking tired, though. I barely slept in there.”

“You look tired,” Denz adds.

“Figured that much. I’m just glad to be home.”

“We’re glad you’re back too. How did it go?”

“Her dad?” I nod. “It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. You remember Mark? Met up with him in there, and he helped me out. We planned shit out, and it went smoothly. At first, I thought they were calling me into that office because they knew what I did,” he laughs a little. “I was trying to think of what it would be like to spend my life in that place. Not being with you guys or her. It fucking ripped me apart, man.”

“So they didn’t know shit?” Denz asks.

“Nope. They didn’t know shit. We were out in the yard one day, and I saw the opportunity, and I took it. Looked that motherfucker in the eyes and told him it was for Arya, and that was it.”

“I’m glad it’s over,” I say.

“Me too. She’s safe now. No one is going to touch her again,” War adds.

“That’s right,” Denz says. We finish our drink and wait for Arya to come back, and when she does, she’s tipsy and stumbling. She laughs to herself as she makes her way over to War and drops down in his lap.

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