Page 59 of The Exception

Knox might no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations of running the Huxley Grand brand, but his accomplishments were no less impressive. And while I could never imagine doing anything but continuing my grandparents’ legacy, I admired Knox and Nate for striking out on their own. For being successful business owners themselves—Knox as the owner of the LA Leatherbacks, the pro soccer team. And Nate not only owned his own production company, he was an award-winning actor and producer.

“Knox, this is Lily,” I said. “Lily, Knox.”

Knox tilted his head, a twinkle in his eye. “You look familiar. Have we met before?”

“I used to work for Graham.”

“Ah.” He lifted his chin. “That must be it. Welcome aboard. Would you like a drink?” He glanced over his shoulder at me. “Graham, help yourself to whatever you want.”

I wandered over to the fridge and selected a beer from the offerings. Emerson’s laughter floated to me from the upper deck, and I assumed she was up there with Kendall.

“Is everyone here?” I asked, feeling my nerves build. I could only imagine how stressed I would be to meet Lily’s family. And while I hated that her relationship with them was strained, I was relieved I wouldn’t have to go through that ordeal.

“We’re just waiting for Jasper, Sloan, and Jackson,” Knox said.

Sloan and Jackson lived in London, but they’d come to LA following the Ixtapa opening. Brooklyn had a school play that Sloan didn’t want to miss, and our next board meeting was later this week. I figured this was as good a time as any to break the news of my marriage to Lily.

“What about Jude and Chrissy?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Ezra has an ear infection.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I was looking forward to seeing them.”

“Is that Uncle Graham?” Brooklyn called, her feet pounding on the stairs as she raced down to join us.

“Hey, kiddo.” I gave her a side hug. “Did you get taller?”

“Since the last time I saw you?” She peered up at me with skepticism. “I doubt it.”

Even so, I couldn’t resist leveling my hand on the top of her head and dragging it to my chest. She was definitely growing.

“I’m looking forward to your school play,” I said while Knox and Lily continued their conversation.

“Thanks! We’ve been working really hard on it. When can I garden with you again? How are my tomatoes doing?”

Lily quirked an eyebrow but kept her attention on Knox.

“Hopefully soon. And they’re looking good, but they miss you.”

She smiled at that.

I loved that my niece was interested in gardening. Spending time in nature helped me feel more centered after a hectic day, helped me feel closer to Gran. I was grateful that Brooklyn was interested; it felt like I was passing on Gran’s knowledge and, with it, the memory of her.

Brooklyn lowered her voice to a whisper, forcing me to lean down to hear her. “Uncle Graham, did you bring a date?” She glanced over my shoulder, and I knew she was referring to Lily.

I smirked. This kid. She was just as nosy as the rest of my family.

Before I could answer, Jasper was boarding the yacht, Sloan and Jackson on his heels. Brooklyn flung herself at Sloan, and Jackson looked as if he might pop a vein.

“Auntie Sloan!”

“B! I missed you.” Sloan smiled, but she looked exhausted. Pale. I frowned.

“I missed you too.”

Now that everyone was aboard, the crew prepared to cast off. With every rope they untied, loosening us from the dock, I tried to remain calm. Tried to remember why I’d thought it would be a good idea to tell my family that I’d gotten married while we were trapped on a boat together.

It’s just for a few hours, I reminded myself.

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