Page 84 of The Only Thing That's Real

“No. I didn’t need to. He’s nothing if not predictable.”

“Thank you.”

A wave of relief loosens the stiffness in my shoulders. Hopefully, no one else heard what was said before Knox intervened. Just in case, I keep my focus in front of me, avoiding eye contact. The rest of the service goes by quickly. We asked that people wait and share their stories until the reception later today at the rec center. Otherwise, we’d be in this church until Sunday.

Knox is waiting in the back with the entire McKinnon clan, like he said he would be and all I want to do is rush to him, but I’m obligated to ride to the cemetery with my family. He accompanies his family to Pops’ graveside, standing in the blistering sun in his black suit, never wavering, as I sit under a tent with my family. The burial is usually a small affair, but when a man like Richard Jameson passes, everyone feels as though they’ve lost a family member. The small-town cemetery is packed with people.

But I only see one person.

Knox.

He’s not close enough to touch but he’s placed himself directly in my line of sight. His eyes never leave mine.

He is my port in the storm.

Beautiful inside and out.

Two months ago, I didn’t know the thoughtful, caring side of this man. He was arrogant and closed off. Rude and dismissive. Hiding the man standing here today.

He shouldn’t be here during one of the busiest and most important times in his life. But he is.

He’ll never know how much it means to me.

We each leave a flower on Pop’s coffin and watch as they lower him into the ground. A few minutes later, we walk across the burnt grass to our cars. I take this opportunity to talk to Knox under the guise of approaching Daisy.

“Hey,” Daisy says when I reach them. “You doing okay?”

“Fine, thanks. I appreciate you being here.”

Looking around, I notice the many sets of eyes on us, including my parents, before quickly returning my attention back to the McKinnon siblings.

“Knox, you shouldn’t be here.”

Not caring that the entire town is watching us, he pulls me into his arms, resting his chin on my head. “Everything, Ry. I meant what I said.”

Sighing, I settle into his embrace. Much too soon, he steps back. “Listen, I’m gonna skip the reception. I don’t want any more attention on us than we’ve already gotten. When you’re ready to leave, text me. I’ll come pick you up.”

“What? Don’t you have to get on a plane back to New York?”

“Nope. I’m staying. I’ve got a little surprise for you.”

“For me?”

He chuckles and flicks my nose with his finger. “Yes, you.”

“Okay, enough.” Daisy pushes us apart. “You two are pure saccharin. I can’t take it. I knew this was happening but seeing it in front of my face like this is a bit much. I’m gonna need some time to adjust, as is the rest of Goose Hollow. Break it up, kids.”

Chapter Forty-Four

Ryan

Standing under the shadow of an old oak tree, my heart races when a black Dodge pulls up to the curb. My favorite person climbs out of the driver’s seat and I race around the truck and crash into him. He’s been in town all day and I’ve yet to have my lips on him. He lifts me in his arms, carrying me to the seat he just vacated. Once he has me seated, his lips meet mine. It’s not the ravishing kiss I had been craving. It’s better. His lips are soft and slow.

Consoling.

Comforting.

This kiss is exactly what I needed.

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