Page 124 of The Only Thing That's Real

He deserves love.

He deserves everything he’s ever dreamed of.

Chapter Sixty-Two

Ryan

Knox

Toddlers are scary

Ryan

Clowns are frightening

“Between you and Owen, are there any balloons left in Central Oregon?”

I can’t even see him through the enormous bouquet of mylar taking up the elevator.

“Uh, if you don’t think the first granddaughter in this family isn’t going to be spoiled rotten, then you are sorely mistaken.”

“You know they have to get all of that home whenthey leave. Like they aren’t going to be stressed enough driving her home? You drove ten miles under the speed limit when you had Sawyer in the car. Cal will have his baby and fifty balloons to deal with.”

“Five under.”

“It was sweet.”

“I was scared shitless, if I’m being honest.”

The heart on this bad ass rocker melts mine daily.

“You did great.”

He parts the balloons, finding me on the other side. “Thank you.” His lips caress mine as the elevator doors open. “Here we go.”

Knox’s excitement to meet baby Grace has been in full effect since we woke from our nap this afternoon. The entire family was up all night and needed some rest—especially the new parents—making Knox wait until six this evening. He’s been bouncing off the walls all afternoon.

He charms the nurse who gives us our name tags and we’re knocking on Charlotte’s room in a flash.

When Cal calls for us to enter, I go in first, heading right to mama and baby, attempting to smother my smile as Gracie’s mom and dad stare open-mouthed at the monstrosity of pink that follows Knox through the door. He sets his gift on the floor at the foot of Charlotte’s bed.

“What in the...” Cal doesn’t get to finish his sentence because his big brother plows into him, engulfing him in a giant bear hug.

“Congratulations! I’m so damn happy for you both.”

Releasing Cal, he steps back, his hands on his brother’s shoulders, both of them beaming at the other.

“Thanks, man. You’ve wasted no time with the spoiling, Isee.” He nods his head toward the balloons attached to a big stuffed unicorn with a pink and purple horn.

“I’m just getting started, little brother.” Knox slips past Cal to hug his wife, kissing her on the top of the head. “Hey, Mama. How you feelin?”

“Tired, but good.” She’s holding a tiny bundle, a pink cap peeping out of the top. She gently pulls the blanket back. “Knox, meet your niece, Grace Adeline McKinnon.”

“Aw, Charlie. You did good. She’s beautiful.”

Cal walks up behind Knox, clasping his shoulder and peeping over him to look at his daughter. “Wanna hold her?”

“Really?”

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