It was a good little speech, if I do say so myself. The applause was deafening as people were swept up with the idea of being the hub of innovation. The world was changing, renegades like Lexi were going to lead the way, and this was the moment when the powers that be needed to get with it or get out of the way. I led Lexi around the podium, and we stood side by side, the Daire children, together again. I held out my other hand to Elijah. He leapt forward to take it.

His mother and sister were in the crowd, and I’d return him to them soon, but I wanted to give Elijah what I had never gotten as a child. I wanted him to know that he belonged wherever he damn well decided he belonged in the world. And even more important, he wasn’t alone. I was always going to look out for him and his sister just like I had Lexi.

When the applause died down, Sophie Vasquez came back on stage and invited everyone to mingle, take pictures, and ask questions.

While she spoke, Lexi, Elijah, and I made our way off the stage. Elijah pushed my wheelchair down the ramp, and Lexi and I followed. I glanced at her. She had a sparkle in her eyes, and the color had returned to her face. She leaned against me and said, “Thanks. You saved me again.”

“Yeah, well, sorry I was late.”

She looked at me, and her eyes were filled with confusion. “Why didn’t you tell me about the stroke? I would have understood.”

“I was in a very dark place, Lex,” I said. “I was consumed with anxiety and fear. It made me selfish and stupid, but a certain someone has challenged my negative outlook.”

“Annabelle?” she guessed.

I started in surprise and she grinned. “You can’t keep your eyes off her.”

“Yeah, well, I might have screwed that all up,” I said. “I have amends to make there, too. I’m actually seeing a professional who’s helping me sort through my issues.” I paused. The next part was the hardest bit. “Actually, I was wondering if you’d go with me to a session sometime.”

I held my breath, waiting for her answer.

“Oh, Nicky, of course,” she said. “You know I’d do anything for you.”

Then she hugged me. It was the same full-tilt, hug-the-stuffing-out-of-you stranglehold she used to hit me with when we were kids, and it made me laugh just as it had back then. For the first time in forever, I felt like things might be okay.

“Did you see me, Mom? Did you?” Elijah asked.