by Gigi Birtie
Nash and Lottie became close. They ended up dating and are still together. Nash was also drafted to the NFL, but was recently traded to a team in New York.
The last time they were at our house Lottie mentioned moving to be with Nash, but wants to wait to see if this trade sticks. I overheard Nash telling Asher that he plans on asking Lottie to marry him. My heart swelled for Lottie, she may be rough and tough, but she needs love like the rest of us. Nash helps her be less of an ice queen and for that we are all thankful.
Tonight, we’re all at Mona and Rivs’ house for our monthly get together. It’s also the anniversary of Reese’s passing. We’re all here to share stories and celebrate his life.
As I look around and see everyone catching up, I can’t help but be a bit emotional. We’ve all grown in life, gone our separate ways, but make it a point to be in each other’s lives.
Asher comes behind me wrapping his arms around my now protruding belly and gently caresses our baby.
“Can you believe how lucky we are to have everyone still in our lives Sloane?” I smile and turn slightly so I can see that Asher has the same expression as I do.
“Yeah I can believe it. We did good on forming our extended family.” I laugh as he turns me around so I’m facing him
“We really did. Our baby is going to be extremely lucky with all his aunts and uncles doting all over him and possibly Mintie.” He laughs at Mona and Rivs’ current baby name. “I wonder what her name will be next?” He asks absentmindedly.
“Whatever it is I’m sure we will love it as much as the little girl who gets it.” Before Asher can respond, Mona, Tala and Angel walk up to us.
“What are you two talking about?” Tala asks us.
“Baby Mintie.” Asher and I say in unison. We all laugh as Mona informs us that her and Riv have a new name.
“We’re now thinking on bringing back another classic and maybe name her Birtie.” She informs us as Riv walks up putting an arm around Mona’s waist and smiles to her.
“What made you chose Birtie?” Lux asks.
“It was Rivs grandmothers name.”
“That would be a beautiful honor to your grandma, Riv.” Asher remarks.
“We think so too.” Mona says beaming. I think they finally found a name that will stick.
“Okay everyone dinner is on the table and ready.” Dane calls out to us all. Dane wanted to cook for all of us and none of us argued with that since he can give and classically trained chief a run for their money.
We all make our way to the dinning room and take our seats.
It’s nights like this that make my heart whole. To be all together on an anniversary of such a tragic night, so many years ago, eases the pain. It also makes me know I was wrong. I had once said life would go on and I would be the only one to remember Reese as everyone all got to move on with their lives. Each and every one of these people here has proved me wrong year after year. They may not feel the loss as frequent as I do, but they loved my brother and continue to show their love for him.
Change is painful, but staying stuck in a hell with perpetual sadness is a guaranteed death. No one here will allow the other to have that as an outcome in life. We all stand and fight for each other, to simply live a fulfilling life.
When I look to Asher, I see the man who fought the hardest for me. He is truly my soul mate, a man who gave me his heart to mend my own so I can go through this life alongside of him and not without him.
This is why life will always be worth living for.
THE END
About the Author
Gigi Birtie is an author who wants to own the term lowbrow romance author! She wants to create novels that leave you saying “Damn that was different and had me from page one!” It’s important to her you feel her books are worth your time when you take the chance to read them.
Gigi loves reading romance novels of course, writing and the whole process involved with it! A few things Gigi loves is hanging out with her badass grunge rocker of a dude and fuzzy little hairy wiener puppy Bowie Brexlee Birtie.
She also has a love for classic cars and Harley motorcycles, owning both. When she’s not out running amuck, you can find her doing her day job in photography work or writing weird ass yet intriguing romance novels.
Gigi hopes you’ll join her on any of the social sites such as Facebook, IG or on Twitter, Goodreads or BookBub!! All under gigibirtie. She posts funny and interesting articles on her blog which happens to be on her website gigibirtie.com You can sign up for her newsletter on there and she’ll email when a new release is coming out.. It’s not spammy what so ever!!! She hates spam more than you so she respects that.
Also by GIGI BIRTIE
SIDE SHOW (LUST AND CHROME DUET)