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She placed her hand on my thigh. “I’m going to stop you right there. And say that maybe Knox and Jude can use this to build a stronger, more authentic relationship.”
I was skeptical. They’d had a good relationship. Or at least, it had always seemed that way to me.
“Look at us,” Mom said, giving my shoulder a squeeze.
“What about us?”
“Who knew that something so awful—my cancer diagnosis—would lead to so many wonderful things. It gave us time together. I found Joe. And you found Knox. All I’m saying…” She smiled. “Is that something that seems horrible or terrifying at first can end up being a blessing in disguise.”
“I see your point, but this is different.” I slumped. “What am I going to do?”
“I think you know the answer,” she said. “You need to talk to him.”
I squeezed my eyes shut. “I don’t know if I can. Not about this. I’m scared it’s a deal-breaker for him.”
“Is it for you?”
I considered it a moment then finally nodded. “Yeah. I think it is.”
And then I started crying all over again.
“Hey,” Mom cooed, holding me closer. “It’s okay. It will all be okay.”
I shook my head because I wasn’t sure I believed that anymore.
* * *
It waslate by the time I pulled into the garage. Knox’s car was parked in its spot, and I felt bad that I hadn’t called or texted him. But I just…couldn’t.
The alarm chimed when I opened the door, and Knox padded out from the office in a pair of gray sweatpants, his hair deliciously mussed.
“I’m glad you’re home,” he said, sounding relieved. The way he said the word “home” hit me in the gut. I had a feeling this wouldn’t be my home much longer.
He pulled me in for a hug and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Mm.” He held me closer. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
I nodded into his chest, listening to his heartbeat. “How did it go with Jude?” Part of me was scared to ask, but I needed to know the truth.
“Better than I could’ve hoped,” he said, taking a step back but keeping his hands on my shoulders. “Have you eaten?”
I nodded. “Yeah. Earlier. I’m sorry I didn’t text. I was with my mom.”
He dipped his head and met my eyes. It felt as if he could see right through me. “Everything okay?”
“I, um…” I chewed on the inside of my cheek. “I told her about us.”
His brow rose. “How’d that go?”
“Good. Now, I want to hear more about what happened with Jude.”
Knox guided me over to the couch. “Good? That’s it?”
“Yep. She’s cool like that.” I smiled, grateful I had such an amazing mom, one who loved me unconditionally. “And Jude?”
“I finally got through to him.” Knox toyed with the ends of my hair, my thighs resting on his lap. “He realized how important you are to me.”
“How did you make him understand that?” I asked.
“It doesn’t matter,” Knox said, pulling my shirt aside to kiss my collarbone. “What matters is that he wants to come back to the office. And he’s talking to me again.”
