“McKnight, good morning.” He gave me a tired smile as he pulled his glasses from his face. “How are you? My sweet girl?”
When I told Dr. Massey that Blossom was expecting, he demanded to meet her immediately. She made it clear she wasn’t stepping foot in the morgue, so she met us for lunch one day. I think it was love at first sight with him, and if I thought he had a chance with my girl, I would’ve killed him. Every day I wasn’t working, he’d call me to check on her, and I fucked with him for that.
“She’s stressing me the fuck out, Doc.” I chuckled, although I was serious. “What’s up with you? You look tired as hell.”
“Have a seat.” He stood from his desk, walking around his desk and past me to close his office door. “I want to have a word with you before we start our day.” He leaned against his desk and eyed me. I could see the weariness in his face. “Working with you has been the highlight of my career. You’re truly gifted, and while you’re brash, you know your way around a corpse. I’m leaving?—”
“Are you dying, Doc?” I leaned forward and studied his eyes for deceit. “Are you sick and not telling me?”
Dr. Massey was well into his seventies, but he got around good for his age. I knew he wasn’t going to live forever, but if he was telling me he was about to kick the bucket, that shit wasgoing to fuck me up. I had a lot of respect for him, and I didn’t want to see him go out bad.
“No, Dr. McKnight,” he answered, chuckling lightly. “I still have some good years ahead of me yet. My daughter and I were talking, and she thinks it’ll be a good idea if I retire and move to Florida. I’ve missed out on a lot of time with the grands, and I don’t want to leave this world without giving them memories of their granddad.”
“How soon?”
“The end of the quarter.” I slumped back in my seat. That was just two months. “The state knows, and the position for chief medical examiner has been posted. They’ve gotten many applicants, but I’ve recommended the person that I want for the position. Should he do so, the job is his… That’s ifhewants it.”
Giving me a knowing look, I sat up a little straighter. Being the chief medical examiner had always been a dream of mine. It was unheard of that someone my age would land the huge position but fuck that. I had worked hard for years, and if anyone deserved that spot, it’s me.
Standing from my seat, I extended my hand for him to shake. I took him by surprise when I grabbed that hand and pulled him into a hug. He wrapped his arms around me, embracing me like a father would his son.
“I appreciate you and everything you’ve done for me. I know a nigga is a little rough around the edges at times, but you see the greatness in me anyway.” I grinned as he began to turn red. “I’m, for sure, going to apply for the position. Ain’t no way I’m about to work for another muthafucka.”
While listening to the Doc talk about how I needed to work on my language, my mind drifted to Blossom. Not only was I doing this for me, but I was doing this for her and our baby. I wanted to make them proud of me in every way. With that, I knew I was going to have to talk with Marshall and my dad aboutsome of the things we had going on. I loved them, but the family I was creating would come first now.
If that meant I had to step back from the crew and our illegal dealings, then so be it.
Standing near the window in my father’s sunroom, I closed my eyes and took in the sun’s warmth. My body hummed with anticipation of where my life was headed. The new position in my career and my journey into fatherhood were going to change me in ways I never thought possible. Throughout it all, I’d have Blossom at my side, loving and supporting me.
Life doesn’t get any better than this.
Feeling a presence enter the room, I glanced over my shoulder and locked eyes with my dad. Once I told my parents about the promotion, my mother was already in party planning mode. Now that it was official, the celebrating was in full swing. No matter how old we got, Breonna McKnight was going to have a party to celebrate our wins and losses. I loved her so much for that.
“You okay, son?” Pops walked up and patted my shoulder. “Something wrong?”
“Nah.” I shook my head, still gazing out of the window. The sun was reflecting off Lake Monroe, and it was beautiful. “Just thinking about the changes I’m going through. To be honest, I’m a little nervous.” I watched as he folded his arms and gave me his full attention. “I don’t want to mess up with Blossom or my kid. I can be a little… too much at times.”
I’d admit that while I was ready and excited for the new chapter in my life, I was worried that I’d be stuck when it came tomaking the best decisions. Everything I did was with my family in mind, and I never wanted to let them down.
“Let me be real with you for a second.” He kept his eyes on me as he spoke. “There’s no playbook on how to navigate life. You’re going to fuck up, and you’re going to do a lot of shit that you could’ve handled differently. One thing I know for sure is that you’re going to be the best father to your child. Know how I know?” I shook my head no. “Let me show you.”
Turning on his heels, he walked out of the room with me following. As we strolled down the hallway, multiple photos from our childhood littered the walls. From birthday parties to school events, my parents never missed a beat on any of our milestones, whether big or small. I wanted to be the same way for mine.
“You see them…” He pointed to the far corner of the living room. All of our family was scattered about, while their laughter sounded over the music. Following my dad’s finger, I couldn’t help but grin at the sight of my mother, Blossom, and her mother, giggling in the corner like schoolgirls. When my parents told me to come over today, they told me to invite the Reids too. The way my mother latched on to Blossom and loved her meant the world to me. “Those two ladies won’t let you be anything but great. Shit, look at me. I fucked up so many times with y’all?—”
“Nah.” I cut him off, throwing my arm over his shoulder. “You’re the best father any of us could ever have. Yeah, you provided food and shelter, but what we really appreciate is the love you gave us. You were the perfect role model. You were, and still are, our hero. If I can be a fraction of the husband and father you are, I know I’ll be okay.”
Only his wife and children could make Jaseon McKnight emotional, and the tears welling in his eyes were a testament to that. Pulling me into his arms, he kissed my temple and patted me on the back. I may kid and give my dad a hard time, buthe meant the world to me. My baby couldn’t have wished for a better grandparent.
“I know damn well you ain’t over here hugging this nigga because he’s having a baby.” Jamari walked over and frowned. “If all it takes is knocking somebody up to get some love?—”
“Jamari, get the fuck out of my face, boy.” My father frowned as he pulled away from me. “If you want some love, bring your ass here.”
Wrapping his arm around Jamari’s neck, Pops placed him in a headlock before they both fell to the floor. I folded my arms across my chest, stepped back, and watched them do their thing. Granted, I could have tagged myself in and helped Jamari out, but that little nigga needed to be roughed up every now and then. Seeing him get the best of my dad, I grinned when Uncle Amir came over like he was about to do something.
“I love you, Unc, but if you put your hands on my brother, I’m going to have to do you in.”
“I am so sick and tired of y’all horseplaying in my damn house!” my mother yelled as she ran over with a frying pan. “Take y’all asses outside! Jay, let my damn boy loose!”
