Page 116 of The Only Thing That's Real

This I believe.

“Tell me about it. Being the father to the son of my sister’s best friend and the love of my baby brother’s life was not on my bingo card of life.”

“God, when you say it out loud like that, it sounds so scandalous.” Exasperated, she throws herself back in the chair. “Once the people of this town find out, I might as well walk around with a scarlet letter on my chest.”

She’s right. People will judge her much more harshly than they will me. It’s unfortunately the way of the world and it’s bullshit.

“I don’t want that for you, and I’ll handle things however you want as far as what the public knows. As long as Sawyer knows who I am to him at some point, I don’t care about the rest of the world. He needs to know he’s wanted. Loved. And safe. Period.”

Somehow, I feel as confident as I sound.

“I was wrong not to tell you. I’m so sorry?—”

“Mia, stop. What’s done is done. We need to focus on the here and now and Sawyer’s future. I want visitation. We’re turning the spare room at the cabin into his. He’ll have his own space and?—”

This time, she interrupts me. “You saidwe’re.Sounds like things are pretty serious with you and Ryan.”

“As serious as they come. I guess we should talk about that. I’m not real good at this yet. I should probably make sure you’re okay with Sawyer spending time with Ryan. She’s not going anywhere, so I sure hope you are.”

She sits up straight, an up-to-no-good smile on her face. “Of course it is. She’s one of my oldest friends, Knox. You couldn’t have done better if you tried.”

“Right?”

She giggles. “You gonna put a ring on her finger?”

“I would, but she says she never wants to get married.”

“Well, you don’t need a ring to be committed to each other. Are you okay with it?”

“Mia, as long as I have her, I don’t care. If she changes her mind one day, I won’t hesitate to put hardware on both of our fingers, but if that day never comes, I’m fine with that too.”

“I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks, I’m happy for you and Angus.”

It’s nice to talk to Mia, relaxed like this. With no fear inher eyes. I think we might not just co-parent together, we might become friends.

Hopping off the counter, I saunter over to where Sawyer is playing with one of his many trucks. “He’s the coolest kid I’ve ever met.”

She steps up next to me. “It’s crazy, isn’t it?”

“You’ve done so good, Mia.”

“Thanks. I’ve had lots of help.”

If I could, I’d watch him play all day, but Mia is starting to pick up their things. Our visit is coming to an end.

“Thanks for today.”

“Of course. He had a great time, but he’s ten minutes from a meltdown, so I should get him home.”

“Sounds good. I’m supposed to drop by Cal and Charlie’s, anyway.” I squat down next to Sawyer. “Hey, little man. I have to get going. Can I get a hug?”

With a truck in one hand and a dinosaur in the other he scurries over to me for his hug. Then he leaves a slobbery kiss on my cheek. “We’ll ride again real soon, okay?”

“Yes!” He flies his dino in front of me. Only instead of roaring it neighs like a horse.

It’s hard to leave him, but I force myself to stand.

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