Page 130 of Carter

Carter has considered reaching out to his parents, but he isn’t there yet. He holds a lot of resentment toward them for a lot of things, but he’ll do what he needs to do in his own time. Only he knows what he wants and can handle.

The truck is like an oven, and I blast the AC and open the windows to let out some of the hot air while the AC gets cold.

The drive takes about thirty minutes. Carter takes my hand as we walk from the truck to group, which takes another five minutes or so. He only lets go once we find our seats.

There are plenty of familiar faces around the room. No one that is exactly a friend, but people who understand me and that means something.

At exactly six o’clock, Tim starts, asking who wants to start. It’s always someone different, but every time I’m here, Carter always has something to say. He likes to talk about where he was and where he is now. Especially when there are new people here. And he always gives the best advice when he relates to someone sharing their stories. He’s grown so much since we met, realized how strong he really is, and used that to push forward and make a good life together.

And I am so grateful that his life is with me.

Chapter forty-four

Carter

One Year Later…

“Are you sure you want me to put these out in the cooler?” I lift up the case of beer.

“Hollis is a grown adult. He said he was fine if we drink around him, and I don’t want him getting pissed and thinking that I don’t trust him,” Nash explains.

“Do you trust him?” I ask carefully.

“Yeah, to some extent. He’s been clean for over a year, which isn’t the longest he’s been clean, but there’s something different about him this time. I think he really wants to stay this way.”

I sigh. “Okay, you’re right. I’ll put them out there, butpleasekeep an eye on him.”

“Do you know who you’re talking to?”

Laughing, I say, “Yes, actually. Sorry. I don’t know why I said that. When will Jericho andpartybe here?”

“Should be here any minute now.”

And just like that, the door swings wide open and in steps a man that looks like a sharper version of Nash, like he’s the same person but born in an earlier decade.

Jericho walks in with Miles right behind him. They’re both very attractive in very different ways. Jericho is dark-haired like Nash, tall and with a bigger build. Miles is smaller than Jericho, and blond like his sister that walks in right behind him, with her son attached to her hip—henceparty.

Nash walks right to his brother and gives him a big hug. It makes me so happy to see them together, and judging by the look on Miles’ face, he’s thinking the same thing.

When they part, Jericho turns to me. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

“Likewise.”

He gives me a hug, we go through official introductions, and I show Audrey and Noah to their room, and Miles to his and Jericho’s, while Jericho helps Nash figure out something with the grill.

“Thank you,” Miles says. “For hosting all of us. I’m so glad my sister and Noah could come.”

“Of course, you’re all family,” I say.

“Is Hollis still coming?” he asks softly.

“Yeah, as far as I know. Why? Do you know something?”

He shakes his head, looking a little worried.

“No, I’m just wondering. Jericho kept saying he wasn’t sure if he would show.”

“Nash is confident he will.” I shrug.