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)
Not that I minded.
I lounged in the shallower end, laughing when they joined me, Abby’s hair wet and John looking like a drowned rat. I had heard lots of splashing.
“Having a good day, baby?” I asked Abby.
“The best.”
“Good.”
She grabbed one of the toys, floating on it, looking thoughtful. She turned to me. “Momma, what are we doing next weekend?”
“Um, nothing.”
“But it’s your birthday. We always do something fun on your birthday.”
John’s head snapped my way, and I felt his stare. He came closer, looming over me in the water.
“It’s your birthday next week?”
I waved him off. “Yes.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“It’s not a big deal,” I protested.
“It is, Momma. We have a special day!”
“What is it you do for your birthday?” John asked.
Abby grabbed his arm. “Last year, we went to a salon, and I had a pedicure! Then we went to a movie. After, we had McDonald’s. It was so fun!”
John tilted his head. “I bet it was.”
“The year before, we went to a pizza place. They thought it was my birthday, so I got a piece of cake, which made me laugh. But I shared it with Momma, and I got to play in the ball room. She watched and said it was the best day ever.”
John nodded, his eyes on me. “I see.”
I smiled. “I’ll think of something, Abby.”
John shook his head. “Oh no. I think this year, I get to make the birthday plans.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but he shook his head again in warning.
“My plans,” he murmured, lowering his head. “And you should have told me.”
“I don’t make a big deal of it,” I whispered. “I make the day fun for her.”
“Well, things have changed. Both my girls will be having fun. And I won’t hear any arguments, Quinn.” He met my eyes. “Right?”
He was serious, his gaze steady. I swallowed hard.
“Right.”
He kissed me, hard and fast.
“Good girl.”
JOHN
Later that evening, I sat on the porch. Quinn came outside to join me, sitting in the other rocker. I sipped a coffee, and she had a bottle of water.
“Abby asleep?”
“As soon as her head hit the pillow. She sleeps so well these days.”
“She feels safe.”
She glanced at me. “Yes, she does. She told me what you said to her—about covers, John. I think it gave her something she needed to hear.” She paused, her voice filled with wonder. “You know exactly how to make her feel safe and looked after. Important.”
“She is all those things. So are you.”
She smiled. “I know.”
“Do you?”
“Of course. You show me all the time.”
“Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday next week, Quinn? Were you really going to let it pass without letting me know?”
She looked sad, crossing her legs and rocking in silence for a moment. “I didn’t purposely not tell you. It’s just…” She trailed off.
“Just what?”
“My birthday was never a big thing after I went into foster care. Preston took me out for a fancy dinner when we were dating to celebrate, but once we were married, I was lucky if he remembered it. I only ever did something on it with Abby because she loved her birthday so much. I tried to make hers special, and when she asked about mine, I made up things that seemed like they were for me…” She shrugged.
“But they were for her.”
“It hasn’t been a big deal for a long time.”
“It is to me. I think the day you were born should be celebrated. So, we are going back to making it a big deal. And we can do it in a way that still includes Pumpkin.”
“That would be nice,” she said, but she still looked sad.
I reached out and took her hand. “Hey, I’m not mad. I want to understand, though. And I want you to realize things are different now. You matter. What you think matters. How you feel matters. And I want you happy.”
She cupped my face. “Oh, John, I am happy.”
“Then let me celebrate the day with you.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“What about a trip into the city? You said you’ve never been to the aquarium. I thought it was awesome, and I think Pumpkin would love it. I checked, and there’s an afternoon cruise on the harbor. We’ll do lunch at the CN Tower because the view is spectacular, and you’ve never been. You and I will do a late dinner together—the hotel has childcare, so Abby will be looked after and everyone gets what they want. Pumpkin is included, I get to celebrate you, and you get to enjoy the day. Laura is planning a family dinner on Sunday, so they get a chance to celebrate you as well.”
I watched as tears filled her eyes. “When did you plan all this?” she said with a sob.
“This afternoon, while you and Abby worked in the garden. I called Laura, and between us, we figured it out fast. She helped me make the reservations.” I held out my hand. “Come here, darlin’.”