Chapter 46
Chapter Forty-Six
Ryan
“ Y ou ready?” Knox asks, helping me out of his truck.
“No?”
A smile ghosts his lips. “You’ve known my mom your entire life.”
“I know, but this is different.”
“She loves you, and just wants to say hello.”
When we got back to the barn, there was a note from his mom asking us to stop by on our way out. I’ve been a nervous wreck since he pulled the pink Post-it note off his truck window five minutes ago. He’s right. I’ve met Sharon hundreds of times, but never on the arm of one of her sons.
Regardless, he leads me up the walkway, opening the front door to the home where I’ve posed for prom pictures and had countless sleepovers. He walks into the house with my hand in his as if it’s the most natural thing he’s ever done .
“Mom, we’re here.”
“I’m in the kitchen,” she calls from the room I’ve enjoyed many meals in.
Reluctantly, I pull on his hand, stopping our progress down the hallway. “What are we doing?”
“Everything, remember?”
“Right. Meeting the parents is part of everything.”
He bends his knees, so we’re eye to eye. “You aren’t meeting my mom. You already know her. She thinks you’re the shit and warned me not to miss this up.”
“Wait, she already knows about us?”
“She does. I came back with her after the service. We spent the afternoon prepping the horses and packing our little picnic.” He stands to his full height. “Come on, she can’t wait to see you.”
Ten steps later, we reach the kitchen where Sharon McKinnon is making her famous pancakes. I should have known. Of course, she wanted to make me pancakes on a day like today. Her batter is full of love made to celebrate the good times and soothe the soul during the heartbreaking times.
“Oh, sweet girl. How are you?” Her arms are outstretched as she meets me in the middle of the kitchen.
“I know I gave my condolences at the service today, but since you’re here at the ranch, pancakes are in order.
” Releasing me, she moves back to the stove.
“I know you heard it a thousand times today, but your grandfather was a wonderful man, and the heart of this community, and I’m truly sorry for your loss. ”
“Thank you. And thanks for being there today. It meant a lot to the family. ”
“Of course, dear. Here.” She pats the kitchen island. “Sit.”
Following her instructions, I perch on a stool. Two plates, butter, and syrup are already waiting for us. Knox sits beside me, leaning in to press his lips against my temple as Sharon sets down a plate of pancakes.
Her face lights up when she catches us. “Aren’t you two adorable?”
My face flames with embarrassment while Knox beams from ear to ear.
Ignoring her comment, I thank her for the pancakes.
She and Knox talk about the horses. I stuff my mouth full of pancakes, listening to their conversation while watching the way Sharon’s face lights up to have her eldest boy home.
Even if for a funeral and only for a day or two.
It’s obvious she misses having him home.
I’m glad she won’t have to miss him for much longer.
Finished with my pancakes, I rest my knife and fork on my plate. As soon as my hand is free, Knox steals it away in his while his mom looks on.
“You know, I read your article.”
“Wasn’t it great, Mom?”
“It was beautiful. A real love letter to the band.”
My heart soars to hear them praise my work. “Thank you, Mrs. McKinnon. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“Please, call me Sharon, sweetheart.”
I nod.
“Your family is so proud of you,” Sharon goes on. “You’re a beautiful writer.”
Knox squeezes my hand.
“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’m gonna 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.