Page 144 of Freeing Denver

After tucking her torn underwear into my pocket, we leave the bedroom. The party is continuing as if we never left, exceptCharlie has fallen asleep sat up on the couch, Jessi snuggled up on his massive chest.

I pick her up and he opens an eye. “I’ve got her.”

“You’re getting old,” I say, and Jessi cuddles into my neck. Charlie gives me the finger, and then I notice his phone on the couch. His wallpaper is Quinn fucking Marshall. She’s grinning at the camera, clearly in bed, and I gape at him.

Charlie smirks at me wickedly and closes his eyes again. “I’m saying nothing.”

Jessi stirs, whining, and it is far too late in the day for gossip, so I go out onto the balcony. It’s empty, and beyond me is a city of lights.

So, life has changed, but parts of who we were remain. Maybe fragments of Ghost will always be inside of me, a habit I’ll never truly break. But he’s also the same man who kept my family safe and brought Denver back to me. He was the strength I used to get to where I am, so maybe fully closing the door on him wouldn’t be fair.

I run my hand across my daughter’s back as she sleeps, and I think about Callie, about Amy, about Wilder and Finn.

They feel closer when I’m here. Strawberry pancakes, Chanel No. 5, my brother’s loud laugh, and Finn's hand on my shoulder. I close my eyes and feel it all.

Then I return to the party, to my family, with a smile on my face.