“Hmmm.”
“What do you know, woman?”
“I know she’s your sister and she’s amazing. I know Tyler must be a great guy because he’s important to you. I know you should stay out if it, and if there is something going on, let them figure it out.”
I smack her on the ass. “Go shower and get ready. We men don’t take near as long.”
She stands on tiptoes and kisses my cheek, then gives Knox one on his as well before grabbing her bag and running up the stairs.
“She’s special, Knox.” He babbles. “I’m glad you approve, because Daddy wants to make her a permanent part of our lives.” He coos and moves his little arms. “She loves you too, little man. She loves you too.”
I spend time with my son, trying to pull every smile from him I can. That’s how Kendall finds us, lying on the floor, me acting a fool just to see him smile.
“My boys look happy.” I can see in her face she didn’t mean to let that slip.
Grabbing Knox, we stand to greet her. “Your boys think you look beautiful.” She does. She’s wearing red shorts with a white and blue layered tank top. She’s also wearing a blush from my words. Will she ever get used to me telling her, stop blushing? I hope not.
“My turn.” She opens her arms for Knox. “Let’s get you ready while Daddy takes a shower.”
I kiss her, getting lost in her, in us, until she says “Ow!” Looking down, Knox has her hair tight in his fist. “Guess he was jealous.” I laugh and help free her from his grip before dashing off upstairs.
The driveway is full by the time we make it to my parents.’ I’m glad; maybe she won’t notice her parents’ car. I don’t look for it, because I already know they’re here. Dad texted me just as we were leaving the house.
I grab Knox, seat and all, drape the diaper bag over my shoulder, and reach for her hand. “I have to carry the food.” She laughs.
“No, leave it. I’ll come back out and get it.”
“Ridge, that’s silly. I can carry it.”
“No, I want you with me. Come on.” I tug on her hand to pull her away from the truck. “Let’s say hello, and I’ll come back out and get it.” She shakes her head, but doesn’t say anything else as she laces her fingers through mine and we head inside.
We take all of Knox’s things to his bedroom, as Mom calls it. “You’re gonna have the ladies drooling,” I tell my son.
“He looks so cute. Here, don’t forget the glasses.” Kendall hands me a mini pair of Aviators. Where she found them, I have no idea, but they make him look cute as hell.
Knox in one arm and the other around Kendall, we head out to the back deck.
“What?” She turns to me, mouth hanging open as soon as she sees her parents. “How did you . . . ?”
“I wanted our families to get to know each other. This is us, sweet girl,” I whisper in her ear just as her parents approach us.
“Hey, you two.” She grins, giving each of them a hug. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“It was all Ridge.” Her mom turns to me. “Thank you for the invite.”
I put my arm back around Kendall and pull her to me. “You’re family.” I can see recognition in her eyes from my simple statement. Yeah, I love her and this is permanent.
“Can I hold him?” her mom asks.
I nod and transfer Knox to her arms. He’s good for a few minutes, until his little lip juts out. Kendall is next to him in a flash. “Hey, bud. It’s okay,” she says softly. His eyes follow her voice and then he grins when he finds her.
“Like father, like son,” her dad says, coming to stand next to me.
“She’s amazing,” I tell him.
“That she is, just like her mother.”
“You’re a lucky man.” He is if her mother is anything like her.
“So are you,” he replies.
“I love her.”
“I know. I can see it. You remind me of me.”
“Then you know what I want.”
“I do. She’s my baby and she’s not had the best of luck with men, so take care of her.”
“With everything in me.”
He laughs. “Good talk.” He squeezes my shoulder and leaves me to join my dad back at the grill.
The rest of the day is filled with family and friends, and lots and lots of food. Mom always makes way too much. I keep Kendall and Knox close, touching her every chance I get.
“Hey, I’m going to go check on Knox and help them clean up,” she says, trying to move off my lap. I hold tight.
“He’s fine. Mom is in the house, and I have the monitor.” I point to where it’s sitting on the patio table.
“Ridge.” She laughs. “I’m going to go help your mom.” Her voice is final, so I kiss her shoulder and let her go.
“You haven’t let her out of your sight all day.” Dad says, taking the seat beside me and handing me a beer.
I wave my hand, declining. “Can’t. I’m driving home, and I have Knox tonight. Already had my two for the day,” I tell him.
He nods, a look of approval on his face. “I’m proud of you, son. You’re a damn good father.” He takes a long pull of his beer. “I like her.” He points his bottle to where Mom and Kendall are standing in the kitchen. Her parents left a couple hours ago.
“I love her,” I tell him.
He laughs. “You always did know what you wanted.”