Page 90 of The Only Thing That's Real
“Thank you.”
“Rebecca let it slip that you were paying for your grandfather’s stay. That was very kind of you, Ryan. She said you might have taken the job with the band to cover the expense.”
Knox stiffens beside me. “Really?”
“It’s not like that,” I say, still looking at Sharon. “It’s not that I didn’t want the Hollow Knocks assignment. But when the opportunity first came my way, I had just vowed to stay home and not travel for a while, and I didn’t need the money. Then the family realized Pops needed assistance, and it was a win-win. I got the chance to go on tour with my hometown band, and I used my advance from the magazine to move him into the facility. They offered enough to pay for the year.”
“A happy coincidence then,” Sharon says, patting my hand.
“The happiest,” I say, smiling up at Knox.
“I had no clue,” Knox says quietly.
“Why would you? I had it under control.”
“I wish I had known about your extra financial burden.”
“It wasn’t a burden. Pops is my favorite person.”
“Where have you been?” he asks in wonder.
“I’ve been right here all these years. But you’re so old you were long gone by the time you would have noticed me. Not that I was your type.”
“Oh, sweetheart, you’ve always been a beauty,” Sharon says. “You would have had him wrapped around your finger all those years ago, but he wouldn’t have been ready for you.”
“Uh, Mom. I’m right here.”
“I know, dear.” She winks at her son. “And I’m glad you are, but the truth is the truth.”
Sharon is the best.
“You’re probably right on both counts, Mom, but I’mgonna change the subject real quick and ask a favor then get this one to bed.” He nudges my shoulder with his own. “She’s had a long day.”
Sharon leans against the island, giving Knox her full attention. “What’s up, honey?”
“If it’s okay with you, I’m gonna meet Mia and Sawyer here tomorrow? I thought maybe the barn with the animals was a safe neutral space.”
Sharon’s eyes turn glossy as she rounds the island and takes his face in her hands. “That sounds perfect.” She drops her hands from his face to pull him into a hug.
Slipping off my chair, I take our dishes to the sink so they can have their moment. When she hears me turn on the faucet to rinse our plates, she shoos me away and walks us out of the room.
When we reach the door and hug goodbye, she whispers, “Thank you for making him so happy.”
The emotion of the day catches up to me and my eyes burn with unshed tears. “Thank you for bringing him into the world. He’s pretty special.”
And despite Knox’s reassurances, I’m still worried I’ll lose him once he realizes what he’s truly giving up to be with me.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Knox
The truck’s AC is cranked up as high as it will go, but I’m still sweating. Not from the heat of the day though. Because I’m scared shitless. I have been since we walked out of Mom’s house last night.
The entire drive back to the cabin I was in my head. Before we climbed in the truck, there had been other things to do to keep my brain preoccupied. But then Mom’s reaction right before we left opened the floodgates of the warring emotions I’d been pushing down deep. This resulted in a sleepless night. And not because Ryan and I were up screwing all night.
She could tell I was anxious and asked if there was anything she could do. I assured her there wasn’t, and she didn’t press further. When we got to the cabin, she showered, and I poured a glass of wine and had it waiting for her whenshe got out. She thanked me with a small kiss before heading out to the porch swing while I took my turn in the shower.
When I finished, I joined her in my favorite spot. She cuddled into my side, and we star gazed in silence. I didn’t tell her how scared I was. I didn’t need to. She knew.
