Forever Meant for You.

Chapter 63 Strength and Second Chances

Matt's POV

The training field was alive with noise — recruits shouting cadence, boots thudding against the dirt, and Cody standing tall at the front, his voice carrying across the air. I walked beside him, clipboard in hand, watching as he barked out orders with the kind of authority that reminded me of my younger days.

Cody: grinning slightly "You still got it, old man."

Matt: chuckling "Watch it, kid. I could still out-run half these cadets."

Cody: laughing "I believe it. Thanks for coming, though. With Trevor in rehab, it's been tough keeping up."

Matt: nodding, eyes softening "He'll get there. He's got a good heart — just lost his way a bit. We all have."

Cody: "Yeah. I just hope Kat's doing okay without him."

Matt: pausing "She's stronger than she knows. Sky and I are trying to keep her busy — and Nick's taken a liking to her. Keeps her smiling."

Cody: smiling "That's good to hear. Family's what keeps us grounded. Plus he's our brother and he always keeps us laughing old man."

Matt: quietly, almost to himself "Yeah... it is."

Later That Evening – At Home

Skylar sat on the floor with Nick, Jordan, and Annie scattered around with coloring books. The house smelled like spaghetti — dinner just finished — and the warmth of home filled the air.

Nick: holding up his picture proudly "Mommy! Otay?"

Skylar: smiling brightly "Perfect, baby! You said it so well."

Nick: trying again, slower "Mo...mmy."

Matt: kneeling down beside them, smiling wide "That's it, Nick! You got it, buddy."

Nick: grinning ear to ear "Mommy!"

Skylar: eyes filling with happy tears "That's the best word I've ever heard."

Annie: giggling "He's getting so big!"

Jordan: smiling softly "I think we're finally a real family again. Pops I'm sorry I want to join a the cadets with Cody and Trevor."

Matt: pulling them all into a hug "We always were. We just forgot for a while."

Ava's POV – Later That Night

The twins were asleep. The house was quiet except for the sound of the crickets outside and Alex's soft breathing beside me. My phone buzzed — a video message from Matt.

I played it.
Nick's face filled the screen, messy hair and a wide grin.

Nick: waving "Hi Mommy Ava! I say Mommy now! Otay?"

I felt my breath catch — my eyes filled with tears.

Ava: whispering "Oh, sweetheart... you did it."

Alex: rubbing my shoulder gently "He's doing so good, Ava."

Ava: smiling through tears "Yeah... he really is. They all are."

Alex: pulling her close "You should be proud. You helped build all this — the love, the strength, the family."

Ava: resting her head against his chest "I am. Even with everything that's happened... maybe we're finally all finding our way home."