There’s a knock on the door, and I grab a towel to cover myself. Also ridiculous. Knox has seen me naked plenty of times.
“Will you be ready soon?” he asks.
“Uh, no. You didn’t even tell me where we’re going. So I’m standing here naked, about to have a full-blown panic attack because I don’t know what to wear.”
I can hear his laughter through the door. “That’s easy. Stay naked.” He jiggles the door handle. “Can I come in?”
I sigh and open it.
“Damn. You’re gorgeous, you know that?” He moves in close and wraps his arms around me.
“I feel gorgeous when I’m with you,” I tell him.
“Then it’s a good thing you live here now.”
“It is, but I’m freezing my gorgeous ass off right now, so kindly tell me what we’re doing tonight so I can get dressed.”
“We’re going to eat the best food in town. But you can wear anything you want, including just that towel. See you downstairs in five,” he says cryptically before walking out of the bathroom.
“That wasn’t helpful at all,” I call after him. “And it takes way longer than five minutes for my hair to dry!”
He just laughs so I quickly braid my wet tresses and throw on some light makeup. I still have no idea what his plans are, but I figure jeans and a sweater are always a good bet. At the last second, I change into a skirt. Maybe it’s silly of me, but I wouldn’t mind another Ferris wheel moment, so it’s best to be prepared.
I walk down the stairs to see the dining room totally transformed. There are white linens on the table instead of clutter, and two candlesticks light the space. Knox is standing in the kitchen entryway in jeans and a t-shirt, looking good enough to eat.
“Did you cook?” I ask, breathing in the scent of something delicious.
“Of course not. I love you too much for that. But Whit did.”
Knox takes two plates out of the oven, and we enjoy our dinner. I miss my baby, but it’s nice to eat hot food for a change, and the chicken parm Whit made is amazing.
“You excited to start school?” he asks, since I got my acceptance letter the other day.
“I am. It’ll be different, but I’m excited. And while I love the coffee shop, I’m ok with cutting back my hours to focus on school, then eventually getting a job in my field.”
“I’m really proud of you. God, I hope that doesn’t sound lame or condescending. I mean it sincerely, Willa. You’re amazing. Raising a baby? Going to school? You’re phenomenal, and I—”
I stop him, afraid he’s about to say the words I’m equal parts excited and afraid to hear. “How’s Ronin? Will he be able to come for Christmas Eve?” My subject change is awkward, but Knox loves talking about his brother, so he takes the bait.
“Nope. They're going skiing. It sucks. She’s doing this on purpose. She knows it and I know it, but maybe it’s good? I still have no idea how I’m going to face my mother, knowing what she did. But I’m going to have to, eventually. Our birthdays—Ronin’s and mine—are back-to-back, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. And we always spend them together. According to Keith, they’ll be back in town by then and I can spend the day with Ronin.” He shrugs. “At least that’s something.”
My heart breaks for Knox. I wish I could make his hurt go away, but only time can heal that.
“I hope this is ok,” he says, gesturing to the table. “I thought about taking you somewhere. Maybe I should have, but I figured this might be more relaxing?”
“This is definitely better than a crowded restaurant. And Whit should be in culinary school, no joke. This food is amazing.”
“Cooking is his love language. And just wait until I show you what’s for dessert.”
I quirk my eyebrow. “Is there a dirty joke in there somewhere?”
“Nope, and don’t give me any ideas or we’ll skip dessert and go right to the good stuff.”
“Suddenly, I’m not hungry anymore,” I say pushing back from the table.
“Willa, you’re killing me. I’m trying to be a gentleman.”
“Why?” I laugh. “That’s not a word I’d typically associate with you.”
