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“You’re exaggerating, Trace,” she said, letting out a big sigh.
“I’m not and you know it. But you’re not that person anymore. And I’m only saying what I am because I believe Knox has helped you get back to who you used to be. The little sister I remembered from years ago who had dreams and goals and wasn’t afraid to make them happen. If I didn’t think those things then Knox would be afraid to walk onto my property.”
“He’s joking,” she said. “Look at his grin.”
“Your brother isn’t joking,” Knox said. “But I think I needed to hear what he said on more than one level. And I’m glad I played a part in your happiness and feel like shit I played a part in your sorrow too.”
He pulled her into his arm and kissed her on the forehead. “The sorrow was brief. The happiness is longer and has returned. Let’s just focus on that and get some lunch.”
“Yes,” Violet said. “Baby is hungry.”
They all laughed and she thought, finally, things might be back on track.
38
NICE NEST EGG
Two weeks later, Knox knew he’d been given a third chance with Sage.
The second chance was when he knocked on her door over four months ago. The third chance was when he’d been honest and explained how much of an ass he was by reacting the way he had when he found out all the details about Henry.
He was pretty sure he wasn’t going to get another one and had to find a way to let her know about his wealth.
Yesterday was Valentine’s Day and he’d given her a diamond bracelet. Over the top, he knew, but there was part of him that was trying to hint a bit about his wealth. Maybe a way to get the conversation going.
She’d been stunned. She’d gotten some dewy eyes. She’d told him it was too much and she hoped he wasn’t sucking up because of two weeks ago and that she’d forgiven him. Then she said dinner was ready.
He needed to hear the part about forgiveness since it was something he worried he’d never feel with his father gone.
But she didn’t question his ability to afford it either.
Then he had to remind himself he owned his own business. One that was thriving.
He had a beautiful house by the water. He’d been left both of his father’s houses and sold the other one. There were life insurance policies too.
She probably just figured he had a nice nest egg.
“There is a car in your driveway,” Sage said.
“What?” he asked from the couch where he’d been sitting and flipping through the channels. It was Saturday afternoon and there wasn’t much on. They were just going to relax for the weekend and to him that was the best way to spend his time with Sage.
She’d been in the kitchen cleaning up their lunch. He’d offered, but she said she had it. She’d made ham salad from leftovers that she’d made last night.
He wanted to take her to dinner and she said no. On a Friday for Valentine’s Day would be nuts and she liked to stay in with him. Said she was more of a homebody.
He was finally starting to believe that she didn’t want this life he always thought she did.
That he put her on this pedestal of wanting the fancy and flashy and that just because she worked in that industry for years meant nothing.
“It’s a woman,” she said. “Do you know who it is?”
He stood up and looked out the window. “Oh fuck. It’s my mother.”
“What?” she asked. “Did you know she was coming?”
“Nope,” he said, starting to panic. “I haven’t talked to her since Blaze was here.” He turned to look at her. “Listen. Don’t hold anything she says against me. I’ll explain. I really will. Just let me get through this. I’m positive I know why she’s here.”
Sage lifted an eyebrow at him. “And you’re not going to share that reason?”
