Chapter 45
Chapter Forty-Five
Angus
M ia and I have kept the Knox news to ourselves for the past few days, figuring family dinner would be the best time to tell everyone. Today is the day Mia’s secret is no longer hers. After today, everything will change for her.
Sure, my life is about to change, but only for the better. I’m getting Mia and Sawyer out of all of this. Mia will get a label. A reputation.
Will the family judge her? Treat her differently? Accept us together? Will they judge me for being with her instead of Knox?
Those are the questions I ask myself as I watch each of my siblings, waiting for their reactions. We’ve just shared that not only is Knox Sawyer’s father, but that we’re in love and moving in together. Mia explained her reasons for keeping the information to herself, reminding them of the conversation that took place that night. I’ve shared the timeline of our relationship.
Now, the house is silent as the news sets in. It’s a lot.
Even Owen, who always has something to say, seems dumbstruck. We didn’t plan on him being here tonight, but he’s family and his presence changed nothing.
“Who wants pie?” Mom asks, breaking the silence, then dashing into the kitchen before anyone answers.
“Whoa,” Cal says as soon as she’s out of earshot.
But it’s Daisy who sounds more than shocked. Narrowing her eyes at Mia, she says, “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn't have kept this from everyone.”
“No, you shouldn’t have kept it from me! Or Knox! How could you?” She throws her napkin on her plate.
“Daisy, come on. We were all there that night. I heard what he said. It makes sense.” Cal turns his attention from my sister to the love of my life. “I just hate that you've had to go through this on your own. You’ve always been like family, but now, well, shit. There’s no getting rid of us.”
He takes Sawyer from Charlotte’s arms. Cal’s taking this in stride. He already knew I was in love with her. I guess Mom did too. Heck, Mom knew Knox was Sawyer’s father. So, there was less to share than we might have thought, but my brother will never know how much his acceptance means to me.
“I always knew you were special,” he says, rubbing noses with his nephew.
Daisy isn’t ready to let it go. “I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me. How did I not see it?”
Mia scoffs. “Who would have ever thought I would be with Knox? Pretty sure this was the one and only time I was ever alone with him.”
My dinner nearly comes up at the repulsive thought of the two of them together.
“I should have told you, but for more reasons than you’ll ever know, I couldn’t.”
Mom is back with pie. Clearly, she didn’t miss a word while she was in the kitchen. “What reasons, other than my oldest son and his blathering on like a fool, about not wanting a family?”
Mia clears her throat and I take her shaking hand under the table, so she knows she’s not alone.
“I was afraid he and the world would think I was just some groupie who got knocked up for his fame and money. I don’t want to be famous, and I certainly don’t want Sawyer to grow up in the public eye. I don’t want his privacy compromised. You rarely hear good things about the children of famous people? Forget about the rest of the world. I didn’t want to have to walk around Goose Hollow with a scarlet letter on my chest. I don’t want anyone to look at Sawyer as anything other than the loved child he is. He deserves better than just being seen as Knox McKinnon’s son.”
She takes a big breath, and then, speaking to everyone, looks at me. “The day I found out, the thought of Angus knowing broke my heart.”
“What?” My question quiet. Just for her.
“I was so ashamed. I didn’t want you to know. I’m so sorry.”
Tears fill her eyes and my soul fractures. I’ve dried too many tears from her cheeks and seeing them on the verge of falling kills me.
“You never have to feel ashamed, Mia,” Mom says, taking her other hand. “Never. I wish you had told us, I do. But luckily, you didn’t keep him from us, and we’ve been a part of his life since the day he was born. But it would sure mean a lot for him to know me as grandma.”
Mia covers her face with her hands as her sobs break free. Mom stands and approaches Mia, bringing her to her feet so she can take her in her arms. Mia cries in Mom's arms and the rest of us watch on with tears in our eyes.
“What did Knox say when you told him?” Callen asks.
I step in and answer for her. “Um... he was shocked. He didn’t show any interest in Sawyer, and he gave us his blessing.”
Whispered curses float around the table.
“But a couple days later, he emailed Mia and said he was sorry for his reaction and offered to be in Sawyer's life as much as she wants him to be. He offered money and said if she refuses, he’ll open a trust for him. The only thing he asked was to be the one to teach Sawyer to ride a horse.”
As I take in the shocked faces of my family, I wonder if I've overestimated how cool they would be about the two of us being together. Daisy’s mouth is still hanging open. Owen is staring at Daisy as if she’s a bomb he’s afraid is about to detonate. Charlotte is all smiles while Callen furrows his brow. Mom is still holding Mia with tears in her eyes. She loves us all unconditionally and is going to support me no matter what. That’s enough for now.
We’re gonna be okay.
“So, like we said. I’m moving back into the house, and Mia and I are gonna make a real go of this. Not that it matters, but do any of you have anything to say about that?”
“Of course, not. We’re happy for the both of you,” my mom says.
“What she said,” Owen declares. “Let me know if you need any help with the move.”
“Thanks, Owen. I appreciate it.”
But I don’t need any help. She’s living in my house, and I’ve already got my things packed and in the back of my truck, ready to go home with them tonight after dinner.
“Daisy, are we okay?” I ask my sister.
“I really don’t know. It feels like I’m in an alternate universe. I need some time. It’s one thing to keep your crush on Angus from me, but to keep the fact that Sawyer is my nephew from me, from my entire family, I’m sorry, but I can’t just forgive you with open arms this time.”
After aiming all her vitriol at Mia my little sister gets up and leaves the room. When the front door slams shut, Mia gasps, another small sob escaping. My heart twists for her.
Owen rushes after Daisy and Mom wraps Mia up again. “She’ll come around, honey. She’ll come around.”