Both kids changed into their pajamas and begged Lily to tuck them in. She carefully pulled the blankets over Nova and then made her way into Maddox’s room.
I sat on the edge of the bed and kissed Nova on the head.
“Goodnight my pretty princess.”
“Goodnight, daddy. I love you.”
I smiled down at her. “I love you too, baby.”
Moving into Maddox’s room, I leaned over his bed and kissed his head as well.
“Goodnight, buddy. Sweet dreams. Love you.”
“Night, dad! Love you more.”
I walked down the hall and peeked into Lily’s room, but she wasn’t there. Pulling my phone out, I checked the cameras and saw that she was outside with a glass of wine.
I headed down to the kitchen and grabbed another bottle to bring outside. Opening the glass doors, I stepped out to find her on the bench swing.
She smiled as I walked closer to her and held out the bottle.
“You know me so well already.”
I sat next to her as she popped the cork and poured herself another glass.
“You okay, princess?”
Lily sighed. “I will be. It’s just been a tough couple of days. Wine helps though.”
“Do you drink every night…?”
She side eyed me before putting her glass down.
“I have a glass at night. I’m not an alcoholic, Moose.”
“I didn’t mean it like that! I just...you can be yourself around me. You don’t have to hide anything.”
Lily turned to me. “You already know my past. A glass of wine at night helps me fight those demons. I don’t get drunk and if I don’t have wine, I’m fine. I’ve been through withdrawal before and I never want to experience that again.”
Her eyes went big as she realized what she had just said.
“Tell me, Lily.”
She shook her head. “I struggled with addiction for a long time.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. You’re clean now.”
Lily sighed. “I know. I let the women I work with know. I want them to see that anybody can get clean and escape a poor life.”
“I struggled as well.”
“Really?”
I nodded. “Yeah. Mama Crawford and her late husband, Charlie, helped me get clean. He brought me into the Devil’s Highwaymen and gave me a purpose. Hawk struggled as well, and I helped him by bringing him into the club.”
“Wow. Did you do any programs?”
“Nope. Cold turkey and tough love from the guys.”
