Page 138 of Last First Date

I nodded, understanding his perspective. “I just want to make Knox happy, Richard. He deserves it. I think he’s questioned his self-worth as much as anyone. Yes, he had looks and money, but he still needed to know someone could love him for who he was.”

Richard’s eyes softened with sincerity. “And I believe you’re the one who can do that, Waverly. You’ve already made a profound impact on his life. I know he loves you deeply, even if he may not always show it in the traditional way.”

Touched by his words, I reached out and took Richard’s hand. “Thank you, Richard. Your support means the world to me.”

He squeezed my hand gently. “Take care of him, Waverly. He can be a bit stubborn at times, but he’s got a good heart.”

“I will, Richard. I promise you that.”

Just then, Knox re-entered the room, clutching a folder of discharge papers. “Grandpa, everything’s all set. You’re officially released. Are you ready to blow this popsicle stand?”

Richard beamed, his eyes glimmering with gratitude. “Thank goodness. I don’t think I could stand another day in this hospital.”

Knox chuckled, and with a nurse’s assistance, they helped Richard into a wheelchair. The nurse insisted she be the one to push Richard, something about hospital policy.

“Ready to go?” I asked, taking Knox’s hand.

He nodded, fitting his fingers through mine. “Absolutely. Let’s get out of here.”

Together, we made our way down the hall, laughter and joy filling the air. As we stepped out into the warm sunlight, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. Life had taken me on a new path, but I was glad for it. I needed the change.

We got Richard into the front seat of the SUV.

“Home sweet home,” Richard said, sighing when we pulled into the driveway. “For a few days there, I worried I might not get to see this place again.”

“Not a chance,” I said from the backseat.

His mother and grandmother had put together a very calm welcome-home surprise. It was only the five of us, but they had decorated the living room, and the backyard was set up with his favorite foods, all made with low salt, which he wasn’t thrilled about. Knox and I helped Richard settle into his favorite chair on the patio. He immediately closed his eyes and turned his face to the sun like a flower getting the first blast of UV rays after days of cloudy weather.

“Thank you both,” Richard said, his eyes reflecting genuine gratitude. “I couldn’t have asked for better support.”

Knox flashed a smile. “Anything for you, Grandpa. We’re just glad to have you back home.”

I nodded in agreement. “We’re family, Richard. That’s what we do.”

As we all settled into a comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s company, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the connections in my life. Knox, Richard, his mother, and grandmother all had become an important part of my world. I had found a place where I belonged, and it felt like home. I looked over at Knox, his hand resting on Richard’s shoulder as the two of them talked about baseball. Knox was so different. He looked so happy and relaxed. I loved watching him get to have this time with his grandfather.

As I watched him, I knew that I had found my other half, my partner in life. It was fast and some people would say I was being a little fantastical to believe in love at first sight, but I did. And as I thought about the future, I knew that it was going to be bright with him by my side. We would continue creating new memories, exploring the world, and building a life together.

I smiled, feeling a warm sensation in my heart. Life had never been better, and I was excited for what the future held.

“You look happy,” Knox’s mother said.

“I am,” I said, smiling.

“How’s the hunt for a house coming along?”

I laughed, thinking about how picky Knox was. “Oh, it’s coming. We have an appointment to see a couple of houses in Hurricane and another in Ivins.”

“I’m just so glad he is sticking around.” She beamed. “I really thought I was going to lose him to the Big Apple. Those bright lights are very alluring to a young man. But with you, I think he understands why so many young families and older people prefer this life.”

“I am doing everything I can to make sure he sees how good it is out here,” I promised. “I figure if I keep him busy enough, he won’t have time to miss New York.”

She chuckled. “I don’t think you need to worry about that. The boy is enamored with you. It would take a freight train to drag him away from you.”

EPILOGUE

KNOX