Page 21 of Knox
I nodded slowly, still facing forward. Knox’s hands didn’t stop. He moved lower, working the knots out of my shoulders.
I hadn’t given much thought to hiring a nanny, but I knew live-in ones existed, so maybe my man was onto something.
“We’ll look into it tomorrow.” I blew out a breath as he continued to massage me.
“Good, because you know I don’t want to see another catcher behind the plate.”
I huffed a little laugh. “You just like to see me in my baseball pants.”
“And out of them.” He leaned in and kissed the back of my neck, then slid my shirt off.
9
Knox
It had beena week since Mallory woke up, and every day her condition had improved. Today when we walked in, her cheeks had a little more color, her eyes were focused, and she looked stronger as she sat up with minimal assistance.
“Hi, Mommy!” Grady rushed to her bedside.
She smiled wide. “Hi, monkey.”
Crew joined his son next to her and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “You look good. How are you feeling?”
“Better, but therapy was a little rough this morning.” Her eyes met mine. “Hey, Knox.”
“Hey, Mal.” I stepped in to hug her. When she found out that I had been the one who took care of Grady while Crew was at the hospital, it seemed our relationship became stronger. We weren’t just connected through Crew anymore. Instead, I was part of the team that wanted to make sure Grady was loved and cared for.
Debra and Hank watched our interaction but didn’t say anything. In fact, Debra rarely spoke to me any time I cameto visit Mallory. Nothing was ever said about why she acted as though I didn’t exist, and I wondered if she had an issue with Crew and me dating or if it was something else. I did my best not to let it bother me since the only people whose opinions mattered were my boyfriend, Mallory, and Grady.
Grady climbed up beside his mom with a book in hand, being careful of her cast and the various wires and tubes she was still connected to. She wrapped her good arm around him and rested her cheek on the top of his head.
After a few minutes of letting the two of them cuddle, Crew cleared his throat and said, “I think we need to talk about what happens next.”
Mallory looked up, a hint of concern on her face, but it was Debra who spoke. “What do you mean?”
“Well, if I play this season, I’ll be leaving for spring training in three weeks,” he explained, still facing Mallory as he spoke. “We need to figure out what the plan is. What you’ll need when you’re released. Who will be there to help you.”
Mallory’s brow furrowed. “Ifyou play? Why wouldn’t you?”
He shrugged. “We don’t really know what recovery is going to look like for you yet.”
“Speaking of that,” Hank interjected. “Your mother and I were talking, and we think it might be best if you and Grady come back to Tennessee. At least for a while.”
Mallory blinked slowly, and her arm tightened around Grady. “Tennessee?”
Debra nodded. “Just until you’re fully recovered. You can stay in your old room, and I’ll be there to help. You could rest and focus on healing.”
Crew’s jaw clenched, and I reached for his hand, knowing it would kill him to have Grady move away.
“What do you want to do, Mal?” I asked. We were all trying to help her in whatever way we could, but ultimately, the decision was hers to make. All eyes focused on her.
“I really don’t think getting on an airplane or driving across the country any time soon will be good for me. I want to stay here.”
Debra balked, clearly not expecting her daughter to say that.
Mallory continued. “I appreciate you offering, though. Grady and I just got settled, and I don’t want to uproot him again, or take him away from his father.”
“But Crew will be on the road for days at a time,” Debra argued, looking at him.
