by S. Herrera
“No, Saw. It’s about you.” Knox finally says, before looking at Wyatt and losing his cool once again. “Stay away from my sister. You don’t get to have my wife and almost steal my family and then move on to my sister.”
Everyone is silent, so Everly’s gasp in reaction to his words is audible and I can feel her hurt from here. We all watch, and no one says a word as she grabs a handful of his shirt before getting up on her tippy toes to talk to him in a low, scary voice you only hear on the rarest occasions. “It’s time we clear this up once and for all. Sawyer, Wyatt, you guys too.” She turns on her heel, releasing Knox and walking into the house.
Without hesitation my brother follows her, and Wyatt gives me a questioning look before I nod in agreement. We fall in step with each other, ignoring our audience as we do so.
We pass through the kitchen where I grab a bag of frozen peas and carrots, wrapping it in a kitchen towel for Wyatt’s face before moving on to the living room. Everly motions for us to sit on the couch, and Knox is already seated in his chair at the other end of the couch.
“I can’t believe you guys would do this shit here. Today of all days. You are supposed to grown-ass men and you just threw punches at a birthday party like a couple of testosterone-fueled teenage boys.” Everly paces the floor as she rants then collapses in a chair when she finally finishes and is out of breath.
She looks defeated and I'm not the only one that notices. Knox's demeanor completely transforms when he realizes that his wife is truly upset. He is on his feet and in front of her in a matter of seconds, apologizing. He quickly becomes the groveling husband whose only care is for his wife and making it up to her. He isn’t the asshole we all witnessed moments ago.
I watch as the scene in front of me unfolds, Knox on his knees in front of Everly apologizing. He is showing his vulnerable side in front of us all without a care.
For her.
It’s a side of him that I knew had to be there but had never seen for myself.
“Knox, no matter how many times I tried, you never wanted to know the details. I thought that meant you’d really moved past it, but obviously you haven’t.”
“I did until he went after my little sister.” He mutters.
“She is a big girl, Knox.” Everly states and I see Sawyer’s back straighten with confidence knowing that she’s on her side.
“Actually, I went after him if that makes a difference, because I’m not helpless.” Sawyer pipes in, smirking. “If anything, it was my weeks, months of pushing, tempting, and seducing that finally broke him.”
“Seducing?” Knox roars.
Everly winces, “Not helping.”
“Well, this is my twenty-first birthday, which, correct me if I’m wrong, means I’m an adult. Able to make my own choices, and I’m choosing Wyatt. I’m aware of your past together, we all watched you for years, so I don’t think the details are really necessary.” Sawyer finishes and I love every minute of her fight and fire.
I look back and forth between the three of them. I don’t know what to do or say to not make it worse.
No matter how much I loved her speech… She is wrong. These particular details are necessary.
Deep down, I'm terrified to hear what they have to say. I don't want to hear about Wyatt and Everly’s relationship. I've pushed it out of my mind, usually by reminding myself that they weren't soul mates or whatever. Clearly her and Knox were made for each other and it was just a matter of time before they found one another.
Logically, I know I need to hear this. It’s not like I’m not aware they were together, it was only last year. But I’m not sure if my heart can handle it right now, our relationship is still so new, and I already feel so skeptical and insecure most of the time.
I don't like this, and I'd rather spend a little more time in our happy little bubble.
But when Wyatt leans toward me, placing a hand on my knee and says, “You need to hear this. It's a long overdue conversation.” I lift my head and nod in acceptance. Then as I look to Knox for some reassurance, he gives me an almost imperceptible nod.
We sit in silence and wait while Everly stands and starts talking. “You both know that Wyatt and I dated in high school up until I left school and came home.” After Wyatt caught her and Knox kissing is what she doesn’t say, but she pauses and her eyes dart to Knox. “After that we didn’t really start talking again until I was already twelve weeks pregnant with Emmy. He came in and wanted to talk and try to be friends again and I broke down. He was one of the first people I told.” She shifts nervously on her feet.
“We are all aware of the mistake I made and the secret I kept. That’s on me.” Wyatt tries to interrupt her, but she raises her hand to stop him and continues. “Wyatt was the friend I needed at the time and the intention wasn’t to lie, but when people started assuming… we didn’t correct them. During this time there wasn’t anything between us. It was strictly friendly, a little flirty, and maybe we were working our way there.”
At that Knox scoffs, and Everly glares at him. I can’t help but laugh. This is such an uncomfortable situation, but when Wyatt squeezes my knee to remind me that he is here, I feel just a little bit better.
“Anyways. We tried to go on a date and we finally kissed. It was totally awkward and after trying one other time, we realized the feelings we had weren’t what we thought. We love and care about each other immensely, but it’s no longer in a romantic way. There was no physical or romantic relationship between us while I was pregnant with Emmy. Wyatt just stood by my side and supported my crazy decisions. Knowing all along that I would choose Knox in the end.” This time it’s her that kneels in front of Knox. “I wish you would have let me tell you all of that sooner. Because Sawyer and Wyatt are dating, and you need to get on board with that. It’s not like he bounced from me to her.”
Knox’s eyes zero in on where Wyatt’s hand is placed and glares at him. “Your story doesn’t totally change how I feel about him dating my sister. But I appreciate you telling me and making me listen.” He pulls Everly up into his lap.
He isn’t doing anything but holding her, and yet I feel like I’m intruding on an intimate moment. The way that he looks at her, like his world is so full and complete because of her.
Wyatt tugs on my hand, getting my attention. He stands and leads me down the hall until we reach the alcove where I pull us to a stop.
“What did you say to my brother?” She demands, leaning against the wall. She looks so cute when she’s trying to be mad with her nose all scrunched.
I cage her in with an arm braced on either side of her head, lowering my forehead to hers. “He might have caught me staring at you. By the way, these shorts are kind of short.” I say, tugging at the frayed denim.
“Stay focused,” she admonishes, batting my hand away. “What did you say?”
I blow out a breath. “He told me to stop staring. I was handing Emmy off to Charlotte and wasn’t thinking clearly. I just told him we were together, and then he punched me. I should have just let him get his shot in, but instead I took mine.”
She doesn’t say anything, and it makes me nervous. Did I already mess this up? It’s only been a few weeks, but things have been great between us. I already know that this isn’t something I’m willing to let go without a fight. I think that’s why I let it slip to Knox.
I don’t want what we have be kept a secret.
“I don’t want to keep this a secret.” I cup her face in my hands, “I know the idea of something long term or ‘official’ scares you, but we are risking our friendship for what we both feel. I want to give it the best shot that we can.”
I kiss her hard, right there in the hallway. Her hands wrap around my neck, but it doesn’t go any further. We freeze at the sound of a throat clearing. It takes a moment for us to remove our hands from each other before turning to face Knox and Everly standing just a few feet away.
Everly’s expression is pure delight, while Knox looks absolutely murderous. “W
hy don’t we get back out there and grab a drink?” She loops her arm through Sawyer’s and walks out of the house with her in tow.
I watch them walk away until I can no longer see them, their voices slowly fading as I finally turn to face Knox. His eyes are boring right into me with an oddly neutral expression on his face.
“I don’t like it.”
“I’m aware, Knox. We’ve had this conversation before.”
He raises his hand before I can go on. I stop, giving him the chance to speak.
“I don’t like it. But I want her to be happy.” It’s like someone is pulling the words from his chest. He says each one of them slowly.
I just nod in response unsure of what to say. I’m ready to walk away, but he isn’t finished.
“Don’t break her.”
“She’s not fragile.”
“No, she isn’t. She’s wild, untamed, full of fire. Don’t be the one to break that.” He turns, walking away and I swear I hear him mutter the words “good luck” and then he laughs, freaking laughs.
The rest of the barbecue was… interesting. When Everly and I emerged from the house my parents had so many questions. I tried to answer them as best I could, but it was overwhelming. My mom’s questioning feels like you’re being interrogated as one of America’s Most Wanted, sitting under the single swinging light bulb. This is not an exaggeration.
Thankfully, I think, Everly still hasn’t learned to stay on her guard around Mom and spilled the rest so I didn’t have to. My parents had mixed reactions but didn’t say much about it other than to be careful and that they’re happy as long as I’m happy.
Wyatt and I stay for about another hour after his moment with Knox. We visit with my parents, who manage to refrain from questioning him. This time.
When we get to my door there isn’t any hesitation. He always comes in with me. I walk into the living room to turn on the lights, but before I can reach the switch, strong arms wrap around my waist. He lifts me, packing me to my room and releasing me in front of the bed. He turns me to face him, then slowly removes every article of clothing.
I stand naked before him, reaching for his shirt to strip him of his clothes. He lifts his arms, letting me peel it off. I do the same with his remaining clothes, and we stand there, bared to each other, neither of us making a move.
I step back to the bed and crawl in under the blankets, lifting them in an invitation. He accepts, climbing in and pulling me to him. He starts placing soft kisses to my lips, neck, and slowly moving down to my breasts.
This time, it feels different. This isn't simply sex, not that it ever has been with us, but this is more. His mouth worships my body from head to toe. And when he finally slides inside of me it's so gentle and torturously slow.
He makes love to me in a way I’ve never experienced before, and soon we are both moaning and gasping with pleasure. After, we collapse onto the bed and try to catch our breath.
When Wyatt gets up to discard the used condom and clean himself up, I am just starting to doze off into a peaceful sleep. Then I hear my phone ding from the floor, I bend to grab it expecting a message from Everly.
My stomach drops when I see the name and text displayed on the screen. I feel the blood drain from my face and my pulse pick up as I read.
Erik: Happy Birthday. Miss me?
Wyatt opens the door and walks out of the bathroom in all his naked glory. I quickly swipe the text away and drop my phone back to the floor.
“Is everything okay?” He slides in next to me, pulling me into his arms.
I only nod my head because I can’t find my words and snuggle deeper into his embrace where I feel safe.
The next morning, I wake up to multiple texts from Wren. Which is to be expected since I haven’t even told him about Sawyer and me.
Wren: I knew it!
Wren: Charlotte said you're still alive.
Wren: I'd watch your back if I were you.... Knox is a sneaky bastard.
Me: He said good luck. And laughed.
Me: I didn't know he could do that.
Knox Coleman has been added to the conversation.
Shit. He really does want to get me killed.
Wren: Was it maniacal laughter?
Knox: Yes.
Wren: Hahahahaha
Me: Seriously?
Wren: Yeah. You guys are basically family now!
Knox: I hate these group texts.
Me: Me too.
Wren: I love them.
I laugh as I walk into my place for the first time in a few days. Leave it to Wren to make an awkward situation even more so. From a few states away at that.
Walking into my room, I toss my phone on the bed and plop down next to it. Looking around the empty room, I replay every moment of last night. Our friends and family finally know that we’re a couple and most everyone is happy for us. Everything after that was perfect.
Until I came out of the bathroom. Something changed in that short amount of time and I can't pinpoint what it was. She looked like she was going to be sick, but when I questioned her, she insisted everything was fine.
I need to shake these thoughts. I’m probably just being paranoid and reading into things.
Walking over to the closet I grab out some athletic shorts and throw them on. A hard work out to get my mind off things would do me some good right about now. I walk across campus to the gym with my earbuds in, tuning out the rest of the world.
Sawyer had homework she needed to finish, and I have an important test first thing in the morning. So, we figured I should stay on campus tonight and give us a chance to focus on school. Lately when we try to have study dates, we’ve been getting a little…distracted.
I smile at the thought as I pull the door to the gym open. Sawyer is finally mine, and now everyone knows it.
chapter ten
It’s been a few weeks since the party at Knox and Everly’s, and things are great. Having our relationship out in the open with our friends and families has been such a relief. I’m no longer carrying the guilt of lying and sneaking around. And even though we weren’t really doing anything wrong, I hated making her keep it from her family. Deep down I know it’s not the same thing, but I couldn’t stand it if I was the cause of her being isolated from her family again. Keeping secrets is isolating, something we all know a little too much about.
Last weekend I took her to dinner at my parents’ house and just as I’d expected, they loved her. She was a ball of nerves when we showed up to the house, convinced my parents wouldn’t like her or that they would judge her.
“Sawyer, my mom was a victim of domestic abuse.” I tell her in hopes of easing her concerns. To let her know my mom would never judge someone based on their past. Instead, I quickly realize it has the opposite effect as I take in her fear-stricken expression. “What’s wrong?”
“Your dad?” She croaks, then clears her throat before repeating herself. “Was it your dad? Because I’m not sure if I can go in there if it was. Wyatt, I-”
“Take a breath.” I say, interrupting her rambling. “No, it wasn’t my dad. She was married before to a real jerk. He put her in the hospital. My mom and dad were good friends, and he moved her away from there. They lived together as friends and roommates for a few years, even after she was divorced. One day she’d finally had enough of waiting for my dad to make a move. So, she made the move and then they had me.”
Her breathing evened out while I was talking, and her face is visibly calmer than before. “Wow.”
I place my hand on her knee for comfort. “I’m sorry. I was trying to help, not make it worse. I would never put you in that position.”
“I just panicked. And I know you wouldn’t, I’m just so nervous that apparently it’s making me unreasonable.” She buries her face in her hands and I can hear her take a few more deep, calming breaths before she lifts her head. “Let’s go in. I’m ready.” Without waiting for my response, she turns and exits the car.
I follow her lead, beat
ing her to the front door and opening it without knocking. My parents would be appalled if I ever knocked before entering my childhood home.
As soon as we step foot in the house, I can hear my mom’s laughter floating from the kitchen, no doubt laughing at one of my dad’s ridiculous jokes. Lucky for him, he found the one woman in the world that gets his sense of humor. They are literally perfect for each other.
Shutting the door, I take Sawyer by the hand, following the joyous sound to my parents. “Mom, Dad. We’re here.” I say, entering the kitchen.
Mom wipes her hands on her apron and scurries around the island to reach us. She pulls me in for a quick hug, then releases me and is almost pushing me out of the way to get to Sawyer. She stands in front of her studying her for a few seconds before pulling her into her arms for a hug. Caught off guard, it takes Sawyer a moment to gather her wits about her and realize what is going on. Her body tenses slightly from the contact, but Mom doesn’t seem to notice.
“It is so good to finally meet you. Wyatt has told us so much about you, even before he was ready to admit how he felt about you.” Mom releases Sawyer, then points in my direction. “Stubborn one, that boy is.”
Sawyer laughs, and I know that sound will never get old. “You’ve got that right.” She agrees with Mom, and I start to question whether bringing her here was a good idea or not.
“Watch out, son. Looks like they’re going to team up on you.” Dad shakes his head as he speaks my own thoughts aloud.
I just laugh.
“Okay, let’s get seated at the table, dinner is ready.” Mom claps her hands then grabs the casserole dish I didn’t notice sitting on the stove.
As we sit gathered around the table, devouring Mom’s delicious food, the conversation flows easily. They ask Sawyer about school and her job, sticking to the lighter topics. They steer clear of the hard questions. I’m thankful for that, and I’m sure it’s a relief to Sawyer.