Page 36 of Red Rose Cupcake

“Hello?” I call out, slipping off my shoes and glancing around the living room.

Nothing.

My heart skips a beat. Where are the kids?

“Knox?” I shout this time, my stomach twisting in worry as I check the time. It’s early, and while I knew Knox would be home, this silence doesn’t sit right.

Just as I’m about to head toward the kids’ rooms, Knox appears in the doorway, his hands in his pockets and a relaxed smile on his face. “Hey, babe.”

I blink, completely thrown off by his calm demeanor. “Where are the kids? What’s going on?”

“They’re with my mom,” he says, stepping closer to me.

I narrow my eyes, my confusion growing. “Your mom? What do you mean they’re with your mom? Why didn’t you tell me?”

He reaches out, taking my hands in his, his touch immediately calming my racing heart. “Sit down, Rosie.”

“Knox, where are the kids?” I repeat, but he doesn’t let go of my hands, gently guiding me to sit on the couch.

“They’re with my mom,” he repeats softly. “They’re fine. They’re going to be with her all weekend.”

“All weekend?” I echo, my mind whirling. “Why?”

Knox takes a deep breath, his gaze locking onto mine, and suddenly, everything feels more serious. “Rosie, do you realize how we’ve been living lately?”

I frown, glancing around the house as if the answer will suddenly appear. “What do you mean?”

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “We’ve been like roommates. We’re so busy with the kids and work that we barely have time for each other anymore.”

I open my mouth to argue, but the words don’t come. Because he’s right. I know he’s right.

“I know life’s been hectic,” I murmur, my voice quieter now, “but that’s just how it is right now. The kids are young… we’re busy…”

Knox shakes his head, his expression serious. “No, Rosie. That’s not how it should be. We can’t let our connection slip away. Not like this.”

I feel a lump forming in my throat, and my eyes sting with unshed tears. “What do you mean, Knox? What are you trying to say?”

He kneels in front of me, his hands squeezing mine tightly. “I’m saying that I miss you. I miss us. And I don’t want to live like this anymore—seeing you in passing, barely talking, barely touching. We’ve been through too much together to let it slip away.”

I swallow hard, my chest tightening as his words sink in. “I… I didn’t realize…”

Knox’s grip tightens. “I don’t blame you, babe. I know how much you’ve been juggling. We’ve both been stretched thin. But we need this. We need time for us.”

“What are you saying?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

He leans in closer, his green eyes filled with determination and love. “I’ve arranged for us to have a weekend away. Just you and me. No kids, no work, no distractions.”

I blink, my brain struggling to catch up with the words. “A weekend away? Like, now?”

Knox nods, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Yeah. Now. The kids are already with my mom, the bags are packed, and I’ve booked us a private cabin at a resort. All we need to do is get in the car and drive.”

I sit there, stunned, as the enormity of his gesture sinks in. Thetears I’ve been holding back finally spill over, and I cover my face with my hands, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotions.

“Oh, Knox…” I whisper, my voice breaking. “I… I don’t know what to say.”

He pulls me into his arms, holding me tight. “Just say yes, Rosie. Say you’ll come away with me. Let’s reconnect. Let’s get back to being us.”

I pull back just enough to look into his eyes, my heart bursting with love for this man who’s always known exactly what I need, even when I didn’t. I press my lips to his in a soft, tearful kiss, whispering, “Yes. Yes, I’ll come.”

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