Page 93 of About Last Knight

I smile at her enthusiasm. “We’ll probably move into her place soon. As you know, it’s much bigger and nicer than mine. It means we’ll need to do your room again.”

She laughs. “Maybe we should get a professional painter this time?”

I smile. “I imagine Melissa will insist on it this time around.”

Though we haven’t discussed marriage, Melissa and I have discussed moving in together. Her place makes more sense. She’s more than fine having Jade a few nights a week. I think she’s looking forward to it. She never had any daughters, so this is something I think she’s always wanted.

She and Jade have spent a lot of time together the past few weeks. Though Jade hasn’t officially moved in, she started spending a few nights here and there at my place. The three of us watch movies together at night. I often hear her and Melissa talking and laughing in the morning when I wake. It’s music to my ears. I’m getting a small taste of the family life I missed out on. I’m going to savor every moment of the next year that I get this special time with Jade.

Jade knows of my breakdown and near slip. She and Melissa together supported me. There were times where they came to therapy with me to help my therapist better understand me.

Hearing their thoughts was pretty eye-opening for me. Knowing how deeply they both love me and want me in their lives is all the motivation I’ll ever need to stay on the right path.

We pull up to Darian and Jackson’s house. I see a lot of cars already in the driveway.

She looks around. “Holy shit. My cousins are loaded.”

“Watch your mouth. Yes, they’re comfortable. They’re also all very successful and accomplished. You stand to learn a lot from them.”

I park the car and turn to her one last time. “Are you ready? It’s okay if you’re a little overwhelmed. No one expects you to remember all the names and faces right away.”

She nods. “I know. This is what I’ve wanted though. A big family. Let’s do it.”

She’s about to get that on steroids.

We walk up to the door. I’m about to knock, but it flies open. Darian comes running out and immediately engulfs Jade in a big hug. “We’re so excited to meet you.”

Jade looks at me wide-eyed and I can’t help but smile.

Jackson pulls Darian’s shoulders. “Why don’t we actually let her in the house before we tackle her, sugar.”

Darian pulls away and wipes the tears forming in her eyes. “Oh. Sorry. I’m just so excited to meet you.” She sticks out her hand. “I’m your Aunt Darian.”

Jade reaches around her hand and gives Darian a more appropriate hug. “Nice to meet you, Aunt Darian.”

We walk in the house to the entire big crew standing there. Melissa walks up and grabs Jade’s hand. She whispers something in her ear, and I see Jade smile and relax.

Melissa then slowly introduces her to everyone. I see Jade taking it all in and trying to memorize the faces.

At the end, they get to Reagan and Carter. Jade says hello to both. Reagan and Jade look each other up and down.

Reagan smiles. “Holy shit. We really do look alike. If we were closer in age, we could pull some Parent Trap type crap. We could probably still switch spots for a day here and there.”

Jade doesn’t miss a beat. “Does that mean I get Carter for the day? If so, I’m game.”

Carter’s eyes widen in shock, but Reagan laughs hysterically. “Oh my god, I love her.”

Harley shakes her head. “Oh no. We have a mini-Reagan on our hands. This is not good.”

Reagan winks at Jade. At that moment, I know all will be good. She’s going to fit in with them perfectly.

We all head through the house to their big, outdoor seating area. Everyone is rapid-firing questions at Jade. She’s handling it all pretty well.

At some point she’s asked what she plans on studying. She lets them know of her interest in graphic design and her hope to get some sort of internship during her last year of high school.

Jackson immediately offers her a job whenever she can fit it in her school schedule.

Reagan interrupts. “Excuse me, Jackson, but she’smycousin. We have a huge design department. She’ll obviously work for us.”

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