Page 47 of Knight

I grab her hand. “I’m not saying this isn’t a little weird, but if Jackson makes you happy, and is going to be in your life, of course we want to get to know him. I can’t promise we won’t have our emotional moments in seeing you with someone that isn’t Dad, but that doesn’t mean we’re not okay with this. We are.”

That’s the truth. The three of us have discussed it a lot. Mom literally didn’t leave the house for three years. She didn’t smile. She didn’t laugh. She was a shell of the mom we knew growing up. I wasn’t sure we’d ever get her back. We want her to be happy and have someone, as long as it's the right someone.

Now I’m tearing up. “Mom, obviously there’s been a huge change in you this past month. You’ve come back to life. If he’s responsible for that, we like him already.” Now Mom starts to tear up too.

Reagan, never one to let things stay heavy, adds, “Mom, we’re just happy you’re finally getting laid. You really needed it. That’s probably why you’re smiling again.” We all start laughing.

I hear Mom mumble, “Truth,” under her breath as she gets out of the car. There seems to be no topic off-limits in our family. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The four of us get out of the car and walk toward the front door. Mom made a salad. I have some wine that I brought, while Reagan and Skylar each made a dessert. Mom has made sure we all know to never go to someone’s house empty-handed.

We ring the doorbell. An extremely attractive man in his twenties, who actually looks a lot like a younger Jackson, opens the door. He has a big smile on his face as he looks us all up and down. He yells back into the house, “Dad! Did you order us models? You’re legit the best Dad ever. I love you.” He winks at us. “Come in ladies.”

Mom playfully slaps his chest and gives him a hug. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Trevor.” Trevor smiles down at her and then at each of us as we walk in.

He mumbles, “I mean, I wasn’t totally kidding.”

He holds his hands up in invitation for us to come further into the house and starts singing, “Here’s the story, of a lovely lady, who was bringing up three very lovely girls. All of them had hair of gold, like their mother, the youngest one in curls. Here’s the story, of a man named Knight, who was busy with three boys of his own. They were four men, living all together, yet they were all alone.”

My sisters and I start cracking up. I like this guy.

Jackson comes to the foyer area and throws Trevor in a headlock to cut him off. “Please ignore him, ladies. He hasn’t quite evolved yet.” We all laugh.

Reagan speaks first. “I’m now thinking that a Brady Bunch-themed Christmas card might be appropriate this year. Think of the possibilities.” We laugh again. This time Trevor joins.

Jackson gives Mom a quick peck on the lips in greeting, along with a long hug. Reagan mouths to me, “He’s hot.” I don’t know if she’s talking about Jackson or Trevor. They’re both hot. They look exactly alike.

Two more insanely attractive men come over, though they don’t look anything like Jackson and Trevor. Reagan mouths, “They’re all hot. What the fuck?”

Jackson then warmly hugs me hello. “Good to see you again, Harley.”

He turns to my sisters. “You must be Reagan and Skylar. It’s great to meet you both. I’ve heard so much about you.” He offers both of my sisters hugs too. This guy is definitely affectionate.

“Harley, Reagan, Skylar, please meet my boys, Payton and Hayden. I see you already had the unfortunate experience of meeting Trevor.”

We all shake hands hello. Hayden looks very nervous.

Jackson puts his arm around Mom and pulls her close. “Payton and Hayden, this is my Darian.” My Darian. Mom breaks his hold and hugs both Payton and Hayden hello. Apparently, we’re one big hugging family now.

Mom looks around into the house. “Payton, is Kylie here? I was hoping to meet her.”

“Unfortunately not. She’s been on a cruise with her girlfriends.” Ugh cruises. Gross. Our family hates cruises. “She actually gets back late tonight. I can’t wait to see her. I’ve missed her.”

Aw. This guy is sweet. I need to find me one of these. I seem to only attract assholes.

Mom smiles warmly at him. “You may not look as much like your father, but you’re certainly sweet like him. I’m sorry to have missed her. Maybe next time. Congratulations on your recent wedding.”

“Thank you.”

Jackson motions for us all to follow him into the house. It’s gorgeous, and we only really see the main living area and kitchen. I can’t imagine what the rest looks like.

We head straight to the backyard area, which has an amazing setup with a pool, outdoor kitchen area, grill, and firepit.

The fire is lit and whatever he’s cooking smells amazing.

There’s a big seating area set up with appetizers and a bar. Jackson motions for us all to sit and turns to Hayden.

“Hayden, why don’t you take everyone’s drink orders. I have Darian taken care of.” He hands mom her drink of choice, Tito’s with club soda and a boatload of limes. This guy is good.

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