Little did he know he was helping me a hell of a lot more than I was helping him. He was giving my girl a way to have everything she wanted: a relationship with me, her career, and her family nearby.
“It’s my pleasure. You need me to put in a call to a Realtor while I’m here?” I asked Chee. “Get the ball rolling on selling your place?”
“That’d be great, but I think we’ll have to hire someone to clean it out first.” He chuckled. “We’ve accumulated a lot of shit over the years. Stuff we don’t need to be haulin’ with us.”
“No problem, I’ll make a couple of calls, get that lined up too.” I made a couple of notes on my phone before looking up at Chee. “Anything else you need me to do?”
“You’re doin’ it,” Chee said, reaching over to clasp my shoulder. “You’re doin’ more for me than you know, just being here, knowing that I can count on you, in case—”
“Don’t say it,” I warned. “You’re as strong as an ox, old man. You’re gonna make it out of the surgery, no problem. And when you do, you’re gonna have a whole new life to look forward to.” I smiled. “Lots of old bikers and classic car enthusiasts in Nashville, so you’ll fit right in.”
The emotion filling his eyes was raw and honest, the first time I’d ever seen Chee emotional, and it was hard not to feel it too. If something happened to him, it would cut as deep as when I’d lost my own father.
“You give me hope.” He cleared his throat. “Make me wanna fight. Not just for my family, but for myself. Gotta admit, I was feelin’ a little lost since I retired, and I know Aidy has too. This move will be the best thing for both of us.”
“Damn right it will, Chee.” I stood, squeezing his shoulder. “We just gotta get you through this surgery tomorrow and you’ll be well on your way to that new life you want.”
Chapter 19
Cece
We were on our way to the hospital when Mama opened the door and… Knox was standing on the other side.
I squealed before hurling myself at him.
He stumbled back, but caught me as he chuckled. “I guess you’re happy to see me?”
My legs were wrapped around his waist, my arms clinging to his neck, as I asked, “What the hell are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in Chicago tonight!”
“Change of plans.” He kissed me before setting me down and giving both my mama and sister a hug. “Your dad wanted to see me, so I re-scheduled a few dates.” He shrugged. “No big deal. We’ll make them up at the end of the tour.”
He made it sound like no big deal, it was a huge deal, and I couldn’t believe he’d dropped everything just because my daddy summoned him. He was one man in a million, as if I didn’t already know that.
I gave Mama the side-eye when she squeezed Knox’s arm and thanked him for coming on such short notice.
“You knew he was coming?” I asked Mama, propping a fist on my hip. “Why didn’t you say anything?” Had I known he was coming I would have been counting down the hours.
Knox wrapped his arm around my waist, drawing me into his side. “I asked her not to.” He kissed my cheek. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“How long can you stay?” I asked, looking up at him as I prayed he’d be there to hold my hand through the surgery. I didn’t realize how much I needed him to lean on until I felt his strong arms around me again.
“Until after the surgery, for sure.”
It felt like a huge weight had been lifted, knowing he would be there to support me. I finally understood, for the first time in my life, what it felt like to be part of a solid couple. To have someone to share your burdens with, as well as celebrate your successes.
“Well, you two stay and catch up,” Mama said. “We’re gonna head to the hospital. You can meet up with us later.”
I nodded, knowing I needed this time with Knox. He’d been so patient and understanding with me. I needed to show him how much I appreciated it.
We waited for them to leave before I kissed him again. I couldn’t stop kissing him, but I finally managed to tear myself away to ask, “What did Daddy want to talk to you about?”
“I was sworn to secrecy.”
He gave me that sexy lop-sided grin that made my heart skip a beat as I curled my hands into his t-shirt and tried, unsuccessfully, to shake him. “Keeping secrets from me already, huh?”
“These aren’t my secrets, beautiful.” His lips trailed down my neck as he cupped my ass. The man was a master at distraction. “Chee will tell you all about it after his surgery, don’t worry.”
I loved that my dad felt comfortable enough to confide in Knox and I knew if our relationship culminated with a trip down the aisle we’d have his blessing, but I still didn’t like being kept in the dark at a time like this.
