Page 51 of Moose

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.”

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