Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Quinn chewed the inside of her lip in indecision. I knew how hard it was for her to accept help.
“She has a sleepover tomorrow,” she protested lamely.
I chuckled. “Perfect. I get her momma alone for the night.”
She looked around. “People will talk.”
I shrugged. “Let them. I don’t care. All I care about is that you two will be safe and comfortable with me.”
“Are you sure? Having us for dinner is one thing. Having us around all the time is another. I know you like your privacy.”
I wasn’t sure how to tell her I was tired of my privacy. Of being alone all the time. I wanted them with me. I was looking forward to having them there.
“I’m positive.”
“I’ll cook the meals.”
“Even better.”
“It’s only until the unit is fixed. Maybe it’ll arrive early.”
“Maybe.” I hadn’t mentioned that Ted had called me and said it could be even longer. I kept that little bit of news to myself.
“I need to contrib—”
I stopped her with a shake of my head. “Don’t even go there.”
She sighed. “Okay. Thank you.”
I got up to leave, bending over her in the corner booth. Other people were in the restaurant, but they were busy eating and talking. The town had gotten used to seeing us together, so it was no longer interesting. “Do you not know I would do anything to make sure you’re okay, Quinn?” I murmured. “Always. You and Pumpkin are first for me now. You understand that?”
She blinked. “I’m trying to get used to it.”
I lowered my head, capturing her mouth. I kissed her—far too long and passionately for public, but I didn’t care. “Get used to it, then. It’s not going to change.” I straightened up. “I’ll see you at the farm later.”
She nodded, looking dazed. I headed to the door and out to my truck. I had things to prep before my girls arrived.
My work here was done.
QUINN
Later that afternoon, I picked up Abby from the sitter’s. She looked tired and worn out. We headed toward the house, her steps dragging.
“How was camp, baby?”
“Too hot,” she griped. “And Mrs. Grainger doesn’t like cold air.” She sighed, pushing her sweat-soaked hair off her forehead. “Can we go to the restaurant? It’s cool there.”
“Nope,” I said with a grin. “We’re going to Farmer John’s. You can swim.”
That made her smile.
“And you know what else?” I asked.
“What?”
“We’re staying there until the air is fixed.”
Her eyes widened. “Really? Like a sleepover?”
“Uh-huh. When we get home, we’re gonna pack a little bag and go. You have to pick what you need, okay?”
“Enid and Fluffy have to come.”
“Of course.”
“Can I bring my toys?”
“Only a few.”
“Okay,” she agreed easily.
At the house, I was shocked by how hot it was inside. I was grateful for John’s offer. And, if I was totally honest with myself, excited. The thought of seeing him more made me smile. The idea we’d have some alone time made the butterflies in my stomach dance. He had quickly become important to me. To both of us. Given my history, I should be wary, but I knew with John, it was different. He was different.
Abby raced to her room, and I followed, helping her pick some outfits and the essentials. Then I put a basket on the bed. “Only what fits in here for toys,” I cautioned her.
“Not including Enid and Fluffy, right?” she bargained.
“Right.”
In my room, I grabbed my suitcase and quickly packed. Overalls, T-shirts, a couple of nightshirts went into the bag. My toiletries and underwear. I hesitated, then added a couple of sundresses in case I needed them. I didn’t pack a lot, knowing I could pop back and grab anything I needed.
I peeked in at Abby, who was still working on her toys—the decision of what came obviously very important.
In the kitchen, I grabbed anything from the fridge that might spoil while I was away and added a few things from the freezer and pantry. John might not let me contribute financially, but I could throw in a few groceries.
And cook him some great meals.
The man could eat. I knew he had to burn through calories every day with the physical labor he did. He needed to eat well to keep up his strength. I could at least make sure that happened. Plus, whatever other needs he had physically.
The thought of meeting those needs made me squeeze my thighs together. He excelled at that.
“Momma!” Abby’s voice broke through my raunchy thoughts, and I turned to her.
“All ready?”
“Yep.”
I followed her to her room, trying not to laugh at her toy basket. It was like a Jenga puzzle, each toy stuffed in well and rising high. I didn’t have the heart to scold her or say no. Most of it was her stuffies, and I spied her little blanket she’d had since she was a baby in the bottom.