Total pages in book: 248
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
“You’ll take care of me, huh?” I didn’t offer my opinion on what Nana had inevitably told her. That I’d come home. I only wished it had been sooner. Somehow I needed to let go of the guilt that lingered in the back of my brain. It wasn’t good to hold onto something I couldn’t change.
Quinn tugged on my arm. “Yes! Now hurry up, Daddy. I want a huge chicken sandwich and cheesecake.”
She didn’t elaborate on her promise, but every time I didn’t think my heart could grow any bigger, it did. I loved how the light returned to her eyes, sparkling as she encouraged me to walk faster.
“Bossy brat.” I scooped her up into my arms bridal-style. “Let’s get you fed. Then we have a few chores before bedtime. Nothing else stressful today.”
“I love you.”
“I love you more.”
“I’ll let you think that for now.”
“You do that.”
And in that moment I believed that I did, but if Nana had anything to say about it, she’d have told me I was wrong. That Quinn loved me for far longer than I realized. Setting her down by my truck, I shook my head, musing.
“What is going through your head, Daddy?”
I loved the way her hair shined in the afternoon sun, mussed from her pressing against me. Her gorgeous hazel eyes were red-rimmed from crying, splotches on her face, remnants from her breakdown. I hadn’t intended for her to get upset, but she had been so vulnerable. Leaning into me and allowing me to catch her when she fell. “Nothing, baby. I’m just looking at you.”
“A very boring pastime,” she sassed.
“Daddy doesn’t spend his time doing anything that he doesn’t want to, sweetheart.” I traced my thumb along her jaw. “I came home thinking I was just settling an estate. Getting my affairs in order.”
“How unfortunate for you to be sidled with a brat who had an attitude bigger than the state of Vermont.” Quinn said it off-handedly but her eyes betrayed her.
“I know you’re feeling raw, babygirl, but watch your tone. Nana didn’t give me a choice about the rest of it, but I chose you. I’ll always choose you, Quinn. Nana was quite sneaky, hm?”
“Yes, Daddy, quite sneaky. She was probably giggling when she wrote that part into her will. Tickled by her own plans.”
“I have no doubt about it. Nana knew exactly what she was doing. Ensuring you’d be taken care of when she wasn’t here to do it,” I said simply. I never wanted Quinn to feel like a burden, because she was anything but that.
“I’m way too hungry to pick apart your statement. Do you hear my tummy rumbling?”
“Yes, babygirl, I can hear it from here. Chicken sandwich. Grilled. Tomatoes. Mayo. Cheesecake.” I recited her favorite meal from Creekside Diner from memory. “Into the truck.” I unlocked the door, and pointed to the passenger seat.
“I don’t think I can reach it,” she said sweetly.
“Suddenly you can’t get into my truck? I’ve watched you get on horses higher up,” I answered with an easy grin and lifted her into the cab. Buckling her in, I paused to plant a kiss on her lips. “You just wanted my hands on you again.”
“Uh-huh. All I’ve been thinking about is eating sinful cheesecake and watching you wish my lips were wrapped around you instead of a fork.”
“Naughty girl. You’re lucky I’m hungry too. Otherwise we’d be going straight home where I could properly respond to the filthy picture you planted in my head.”
“I know, I know. I’m only teasing you. I’m still overwhelmed and it’s easier to poke fun than talk about what’s going on in my head.” Quinn nuzzled under my chin.
“I understand. No dissecting it right now.” I slowly released her and shut the door. My heart felt heavy from the topics but lighter in ways I never experienced. Resting my hand on the handle, I glanced over my shoulder. “Bye, Nana. Bye Tuts. We’ll be back again soon,” I said under my breath. “Thank you for taking care of my girl.”
Chapter Seven
Quinn
We rode out to the other side of the creek. It was more overgrown than the last time we’d been out here, but it evoked the same feelings. Maybe more since we were together at last. We’d tied Glimmer’s lead to a tree, not that she would wander off along with Cedar. I strung together clovers and buttercups as we laid out on a picnic blanket.
“You’re awfully quiet, babygirl.”
“This is so peaceful. Just sitting out under the evening sun. Doing absolutely nothing and spending time with you.”
“Awfully sentimental, hm? I love it.” He touched one of the clovers. “Is this a necklace or a crown?”
“A crown.” I set it on top of his head, fixing it. It didn’t fit at all. Giggling, I tried to straighten it but his head was not meant for flower chains.