by Tessa Teevan
She swallows hard, her body turning rigid. “Fine. You can stay. Not because I want you. Because Branson deserves to have his daddy around and I want to watch you change diapers.”
My laugh causes her to glare. Holding my hands up, I take a step back. “Okay, okay. You got it, babe. I’m here to change diapers, prepare bottles, do your bidding. Whatever it takes.”
She gives me a curt nod. “Now, we have guests.”
Without another word, she opens the door and disappears.
All I do is watch her go, a slow grin forming on my face.
I can take angry Amelia. It means there’s something still in there for us. It gives me hope that I can wear her down.
After a few beats, I follow behind her. I step into the room, and at seeing all the love around her, the genuine smile on her face as she opens their gifts, I realize that, while I wasn’t here, she was surrounded by family. Even if she doesn’t quite get it.
When Joe sees me, he holds Branson up, his expression questioning. I walk to him and take the baby into my arms before settling into the rocking chair Amelia’s parents used for her when she was a baby. I rock, kind of feeling like a voyeur as they all ooh and ahh over outfits and toys and books and noisy shit courtesy of Sam. It’s moronic, feeling like an outsider. These people were my crew last summer. I shouldn’t feel at odds. Then again, I didn’t have a son last summer. It may take time with them, too, but just like with Amelia, I plan on putting in the work.
For all of them.
I let the noise of the room fade away. Gazing down at my son as he sleeps nestled in my arms, as if the place was meant for him, I know that Elton John had it right.
Life is damn wonderful now that my son’s in the world.
Listening to Knox sing Elton John to our son shouldn’t affect me. It shouldn’t be so damn endearing. It shouldn’t make me fall in love all over again.
It kind of does. Not that I actually ever fell out of love with the big jerk.
I want to believe him. It’d be so easy to throw my arms around him, listen to him say those three little words I’ve desperately wanted to hear. I can’t. I can’t risk it. Not for me. Not for Branson. And certainly not for Knox.
How I can trust what he claims to feel? How can he trust it? Two days ago, he didn’t know that Branson existed. Two days ago, I resigned myself to being a single mother. Two days ago, he showed back up, completely turning my world on its axis, as well as finding his own flipped upside-down. I had seven months to get used to the idea of a baby. He’s had no time at all.
In one day, he’s gone from bachelor to dad like it was nothing. He’s thrown himself into fatherhood with an unexpected gusto that threatens to melt my heart. It’s evident on his face. He’s captivated by his son, and love radiates from him every time he takes Branson into his arms.
It’s wreaking havoc on my emotions. And my heart.
I want to push him away. Tell him I can do this all on my own, so he can go back to his big city job, become the hotshot he’s always dreamed of. I don’t. Not for me—for our son. I know how incredible it is to grow up with a loving father, how even more devastating it is to lose one. I won’t do that to my baby, so as long as Knox wants, I’ll let him stick around.
Not to mention he’s barely let me leave my comfy chair in the living room all day. Every time Branson makes a peep, Knox checks on him. He brings him to me for feedings, does all the diaper changes, and even delivers me food, often checking to see if I need my tea or water refilled. I never expected to be this pampered after getting home from the hospital, so I swallow my protests and enjoy it.
I’m pretending to watch some old movie on the television when Knox and Sunny go into the kitchen. While they’re in there, I strain to listen to their quiet conversation. She planned on staying with me for a while after Branson was born, but with Knox here, I have a feeling those plans will change. Not that I mind. She hovered enough in my last two months of pregnancy that I could use a break. And deep down, I want him here, even if I won’t admit it out loud.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, she comes out of the kitchen and takes Branson from my arms, cooing down at him.
“He’s such a beautiful baby, Amelia,” she whispers, trying not wake my little guy. Then she glances back to the kitchen, where Knox is leaning against the doorframe, watching us. She makes some kind of gesture to him, and he nods, turning around and leaving us alone. “Listen, I know I was going to stay here…before Knox showed up. Since he’s clearly not going anywhere, I think three’s a crowd. I’m going back to Joe’s. If you need anything, anything at all, give me a call.”
She gives my arm a squeeze. “For the record, I think it’s great he’s back. Hear him out, Meems. Give him a chance.”
“Sunny Mayfield, you were the one who told me to forget him in the first place.”
She smiles down at Branson. “That was before we found out about this cute little nugget.” Her eyes meet mine. “And that was before Knox, who didn’t even know about him, came back for you. And when he did find out, he dove in headfirst. I just think, after all this time, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if you decide to see where it goes.”
“Sunny, it’s not just about me anymore. I have a baby to think about.”
“Exactly, Amelia.”
She’s right. I know it. It’s not like Knox and I ended on bad terms.
We just…ended.
“I love him, Sunny,” I whisper like it’s a secret so great that the world would end if too many people knew.
“He loves you, too.”
I swallow hard, wishing it to be true. “Do you think so?”
“Don’t be a nitwit, Meems. Why else would he be here? He didn’t know about Branson. Hell, he practically bit my head off when I wouldn’t tell him where you were. The look on his face? It was the look of a guy in love with a girl he was desperate to find.”
“He went to Mickeys?”
“First, he came here. Grandma tried telling him off. According to her, all he did was scowl until she closed the door in his face. The woman swears he was going to break down her door. But you know her; she’s watched too many episodes of All My Children. All the scandal’s gone to her head. That and the blue hair dye.”
“Knox would never break her door down. Mine? That’s pretty much a given.” I laugh for what feels like the first time in forever.
Sunny nods her agreement. “He came stormin’ into Mickey’s like the dogs of war were on his ass. I may have given him a bit of sass.”
My eyebrows narrow. While I may be conflicted about the future with Knox, she should have told him immediately where I was.
“Calm down! It took about two seconds for Joe to commandeer the conversation and spill the beans of where you were without telling him about the baby. That’s when Knox’s face went pale. If he hadn’t been so determined to get to you, I’m afraid he might’ve passed out right there on the bar floor. And it’s a good thing he didn’t. It’s Sam’s turn to mop the floors and you know how not thorough he can be.”
I bite my lower lip, remembering what Knox said in the hospital. Sunny’s right. He didn’t know about Branson, yet he came back to Crystal Cove looking for me. That had to mean something good, right?
Sunny takes my hand. “He’s here, Amelia. And he didn’t hightail it back to Nashville the moment he found out about Branson. From what I’ve seen? He was born for the role of proud papa. Give him a chance. Hear him out. Let. Him. In.”
Easier said than done.
“It’s not that simple, Sunny.”
She starts to protest, so I squeeze her hand.
“But I’ll try. For Branson.”
“And for you.”
My heart flutters at the thought.
I hope like hell she’s right.
Because if she’s not, I’m not sure I can handle the heartbreak of losing him a second time.
My conversation with Sunny took a bit of the edge off. She lost the attitude from the
night at the bar. I wasn’t bitter about it. She was just trying to protect her best friend, and for that, I can be grateful. A little. Okay, not really, but since I can’t wring her neck, I decided to forget about it. The chagrin in her expression probably helped.
“Knox, I’m so sorry. I can’t help but feel like this is partly my fault. When you gave me your info, I stored it in the drawer at Mickey’s. I had no idea Mickey would get a bug up his ass and decide to go on a fall cleaning spree and get rid of it.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Mickey did that?”
“Yeah. It happens every couple of years. Usually he gives us plenty of notice. Not this time. Guess he figured it was just some random phone number and address. Not to toot my horn or anything, but when Joe’s not in the bar—or when his back’s turned—I get a number every now and then.”
“Not surprised at all, Sunny. Makes sense why Mickey would just toss it.”
“Anyways, I felt like an absolute twit. I shouldn’t have left it there in the first place.” She let out a deep breath. “I guess… I just thought you’d come back. A lot sooner than now.”
I toyed with the label on my beer bottle. “I should have.”
She offered me a warm smile. “Don’t worry about that. You’re here now.” Then she gave my forearm a squeeze. “I just want you to know I’m rooting for you guys. We all are. Even Sam.” She chuckled as I puffed up my chest. “Calm down, killer. He sees her like a little sister and vice versa. She didn’t even look at another man after you left. Now, you’re pretty great to look at, but there’s a baby in the house and these arms are way too empty.”
“If she starts to get tired—”
Sunny interrupted me with a boisterous laugh. “Don’t worry, papa bear. I won’t wear her out.”
With that, she flounced out of the room, the echo of her coos floating down the hall as she got her hands on my son.
My son.
Wonder how long it’ll take to get used to that.
I rest my hips back against the counter, taking a swig of a cold one, which is not nearly strong enough for my taste. But with my newborn son under the same roof, the last thing I’m going to do it tie one on. He needs me. She needs me.
My chest heaves as I release a deep sigh. I listen for a few beats, the sounds of Sunny’s and Amelia’s low murmurs and soft giggles floating down the hall. With this being Amelia’s first night home, I decide to give them space. For now. Plus, I have something I have to do. Part of me is bursting. The other part? That part has no fucking clue what to expect. But it doesn’t matter. Time to rip the Band-Aid off.
I cross the kitchen to the phone on the wall. Before I can change my mind, I pick up the receiver and dial my parents’ home telephone number. It’s Saturday, and I’m hoping they’re home together so I only have to spill the news once. And only get an earful once.
Fat chance.
“Wellington residence. How many I help you?”
I blow out a breath for the brief reprieve. “Hey, Jaclyn. It’s Knox.”
Our housekeeper’s smile practically radiates through the phone. “Oh, Knox, it’s so good to hear from you!”
I can’t help the wry smile that crosses my lips. “I’ve only been gone for a couple of days.”
“Psh,” she replies.
She’s worked for my parents’ estate since before I was born. She’s more like an aunt than my parents’ employee, and the affection goes both ways.
“Are my parents in?”
“Of course. Your mother’s in the kitchen with Maria, preparing a salad and her famous German potato salad, enjoying a nice red. I believe your father and Clay are outside working the grill. Probably with bourbon.”
I grin at Jaclyn’s conspiratorial tone. It’s like she’s warning me that my parents are imbibing without even knowing why I might appreciate the alert.
“Thanks, Jaclyn. Can you put Mom on the phone and then go holler at Dad? I need to speak with them both.”
Silence fills the other side of the line.
“Jaclyn?”
Her throat clears. “Is everything okay, honey?”
“Oh, yeah.” I breathe. “Life’s never been better.”
And just uttering those four words sets everything back on track. All nerves of telling my parents dissipate. Either they’re in this or they’re not. Amelia and Branson are my life now, and nothing matters more than the two of them.
“Glad to hear it, honey. I’ll go get your mom.”
I can hear her set the phone down, her signature one-inch pumps clacking across the hall, no doubt in a hurry to get to my mom, knowing full well she’ll spill the beans as soon as we hang up. She’d do it even without having a glass or two of wine in her. With her nice and warmed up from a good cab, I’ll be lucky if all of Nashville doesn’t know by the next morning. That is, if she’s actually happy for me.
“Knox,” Mom croons into the phone, slightly out of breath. “I’ve been waiting on pins and needles for you to call. You’re still there, so I assume that’s a good thing. Or, oh no, does that mean you’re still trying to win her back? Do you need me to come down there and knock some sense into the girl?”
I chuckle. Judging by her tone, she’s definitely on glass number three. “No, Mom. Please don’t come scaring her away when I’ve just gotten her back.”
Her sigh is wistful. “I knew you’d do it.”
I play it over in my head, wondering if I should tell her we aren’t exactly back together, but what’s the use? By the time my parents meet Amelia, she’ll be mine.
“Oh, here’s your father. Knox! Sweetheart, our son did it. He won that girl over and they’re back together! Isn’t it wonderful?”
“Of course, Kate.”
The amusement in my father’s tone is unmistakable.
“Mom, since Dad’s there with you, there’s something I need to tell you both.”
“He says he has something to tell us,” she whispers to Dad. Well, I think she believes she’s whispering. I heard every word.
“Then let the boy speak, Kate.”
“Oh, right. Yes. Go ahead, Knox. Both of our ears are by the telephone so we can both hear. Now, what did you want to tell us?”
Suddenly, pride replaces my nervousness. I want them to know. Need them to.
“I have a son.”
There’s rustling on the other end of the line. My mom’s voice comes in a whisper. Pretty sure she’s taken the phone away from in between them and it’s just her and me now. “What?”
“Mom, I’ll explain. I only wanna say this once, though, so let Dad listen in, okay?”
More rustling.
“We’re both here, Knox. I, uh, I think we’re both in shock. Wh… How could this have happened?”
The memories of just how it could have happened bring a smile to my face and a shot to the groin. Those memories are what kept me going these past eight months.
“Considering you’re the one who taught me about the birds and the bees, I think you know how this happened. You sent me to Crystal Cove to have a good time. Well, I did. A helluva good time. Neither of us knew Amelia was pregnant when I left. In fact, she didn’t even know until a month later.”
“She could have told you!” Mom exclaims.
“Katie,” my dad warns.
She huffs but doesn’t say another word.
“We didn’t share contact information,” I tell them. “It was just supposed to be for the summer. At the time, I was too stubborn to admit I loved…love her.”
“Oh, Knox,” Mom whispers.
“And you guys are gonna get a kick out of this. She actually did write. Just…she wrote to the company and not to me specifically. Well, she thought she was. She just didn’t know how to address it to the correct Knox Wellington.”
“Jesus Christ,” Dad mutters.
“Amelia was the one who sent the letter to Wellington. Not some crazy woman trying to get Dad’s money.”
“I knew you didn’t have some harpy out there
,” Mom teases Dad.
“Course not, woman. I only have eyes for you. You’re more than a handful. All my strength and energy go to you.”
And as I wait, I hear my parents kissing. I clear my throat. “Um, guys, can you do that later? This is a long-distance call, and it’s not on my phone.”
“Oh, does that mean—”
I cut her off. “Yeah, Mom. Amelia just had my baby. I’m staying at her place for the foreseeable future.”
“Tell us everything, Knox,” Mom insists, so I do.
Well, most of it. I’m not going to tell them that it appears Amelia’s in her own personal tug-of-war game. Definitely not telling them I’m not sure I’ll come out on the right side of it.
Mom, naturally, is beside herself that “the poor girl” went through the pregnancy by herself, only slightly settling down when I tell her she was surrounded by her friends here. Mom also insists she come to Crystal Cove immediately to help out. It takes Dad and me about five minutes to talk her out of it. I can hear her pouting over the phone.
“Mom, this is between Amelia and me. She’s already overwhelmed as it is. I’m not adding you to the mix. You’ll come to Crystal Cove when I say you can.”
“But—”
“No. That’s final. You will not interfere. I’m not asking, Mom.”
“All right, Knox. If you insist,” she says, her voice laced with defeat. “You sound so much like your father. It’s rather irritating.”
I laugh. “Thank you. On both counts.”
“Son, I have to ask you something,” my dad says, “and you’re probably not going to like it.” The skeptical tone in his voice tells me I’m definitely not going to like this.
“Yeah, Dad?” I ask, unable to hide my impatience. The longer I’m away from Sunny and Amelia, the more I worry Amelia’s going to change her mind and Sunny will kick me out of the door.
Or, rather, try to kick me out the door. Not gonna fucking happen.
“Is she trying to trap you? Perhaps when she discovered who you are, she saw dollar signs. Are you positively certain the child is yours?”