by Quinn, Taryn
“You need to quit.”
I blinked, sure I’d misheard her. “Excuse me?”
“You need to quit the business and figure out what makes your soul sing. You have one in there, I swear, under the Hugo Boss and wingtips.”
I stared at her as if she was a stranger. “Have you turned into a mind-reader?”
“No.” She smiled, and for a second, the lines on her face struck a punch right to my heart. She was still beautiful, but she wore the battle scars of a lifetime well lived on her face.
But that was the crux of it—she’d lived. And me? I’d done a whole lot of existing.
A whole lot of waiting for a tomorrow that was the same as all the days that had come before.
“Vincent has ideas. So many of them. They’re good. Innovative. Ways to keep Wainwright from dying on the vine. Which is what it’s doing with me at the helm.”
She took my hand and squeezed. “You can’t hang on and fight change forever, Snug. Life marches on. If you don’t move with it, you’ll get trampled.”
“I want to try something different.”
I told her the ideas I had for a news-focused podcast with a slant toward local trendsetters and movers and shakers. Not always the ones who got the press elsewhere, but the ones who were affecting change right at home.
No stagnation allowed.
“We have so many other holdings and things we’re involved in, charities and foundations, that even if I step back, managing our portfolio will be an undertaking. But Vincent could handle more of the day to day, and I could function as a high-level consultant. I’m also going to do this podcast.” It was the first time I’d stated it as a I’m going to versus I want to—even in my own head. “I’m going to help Hannah with her meal delivery service too, if she wants the help.” I took a deep breath. “And I’m going to raise my children.”
“Aww, Snug.” She let out a laugh, waving me off as she rubbed at her suddenly watery eyes. “You’re such a beautifully direct arrow.”
“Thanks?”
“It’s a compliment. Your moral compass will never lead you astray.” She cupped my cheek. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Even if you don’t always like me very much?”
“Spaghetti-Os are one of this life’s most perfect foods, especially with a little grated cheese on top.”
I grinned and drew her into my arms. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Luckily, you’ll never have to find out. My two grandbabies will keep me young forever.” She gave me a misty smile. “Two,” she whispered, and the backs of my eyes grew hot.
“Two,” I echoed, letting the truth really sink into me for perhaps the first time.
I’d known it before, but I hadn’t let myself truly believe it. Hannah still looked the same. Life hadn’t changed yet.
But it would. Soon. And I wasn’t going to run from those crazy, wonderful changes ever again.
I was going to face them.
Fucking finally.
Gran and I talked for a little longer, and I grilled her a bit about her new companion. She assured me he was a decent guy, and even suggested we go on a double date, which was a lot for me to consider even with my new progressive outlook. But I said I’d think about it.
I was probably going to say yes. Assuming Hannah was willing to give it a go.
Once Gran left, I went to look for Hannah and Lily. I found them curled up together on the bed in Hannah’s room, sleeping peacefully. Hannah was curled around Lily and Lily gripped Hannah’s shirt even in her sleep.
The sweetness of the scene before me made me grip the doorframe to stop myself from interrupting them.
Let them sleep. They both need their rest.
As if she could sense the weight of my thoughts, Hannah stirred and lifted her head. And without saying a word, she extended her arm to me as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
I joined her on the bed, wrapping myself around them both. I brushed a kiss over her temple, and Hannah fell back to sleep almost immediately.
I stretched my hand across Hannah’s belly. For a moment, I could do nothing but trace the contours of her stomach, searching for any sign.
Soon.
So soon.
Then I reached for Lily too, curving my fingers around her hip.
Closing my eyes, I started to drift. No worries. No thoughts. I didn’t nap as a rule, but I’d never had my family in bed with me.
I’d never had my own family before.
Twenty-Two
I’m taking my favorite girls on a picnic. I’ll be home soon.
I swayed with Lily on my hip as we looked out the big picture in the living room. Sheets of rain were bashing the window and whipping the trees around. I was pretty sure Asher’s big plans for a spring picnic were under around an inch of rain at the moment.
Possibly two.
I tucked my phone into my back pocket and set Lily down on her blanket with some Legos. Immediately a large red block went into her drooly mouth.
“Someday that tooth is going to come in, pumpkin pie.”
Lily whipped the Lego at my head. Well-versed in dealing with her future pitcher arm, I ducked to the side and it sailed over my shoulder. She picked up a blue and yellow one and smashed them together with a giggle.
I went back to folding the endless piles of baby clothes that seemed to multiply overnight. Between the drool and learning how to eat with her own fingers, Lily was keeping me busy. Laundry was always on my to-do list.
Just as I was about to put on my favorite true crime podcast, the video screen for the home Alexa unit made its watery tones.
“Emma calling.”
My chest tightened as it always did when one of them called me, but her smiling face filled the screen.
“Hey, Hannah Banana, how’s it going in New York?”
“Spring in central New York, you know how it goes.”
“Raining buckets?”
“You got it.” I sat down on the hassock in front of the end table with the video-chat unit tucked in the corner. I pulled it forward so I could see my little sister better. “You are a sight for sore eyes. And God, you’re so tan.”
“Well, a week in Cancun will do that.” Rachel, my other sister and Emma’s twin, peeked from behind her. “Hey!”
My eyes welled up. “Oh, you’re both calling me?”
“Yeah, we just wanted to call and tell you thanks for the extra money in our accounts. We can’t believe you did that.” Rachel tried to crane her neck. “What’s up with this new job?”
“I’m a nanny for a very sweet girl.” I twisted the video camera so they could see Lily. “The little girl’s father is…” What was a good way to say loaded and not make it sound cold and calculating?
I never really thought about Asher’s money in the day to day. This house was just his and Lily was more my…
Daughter.
Ugh, I couldn’t look at it that way, but some days I forgot she wasn’t mine. And I forgot all of this was a job, especially with the little bean growing inside of me.
Everything was so hard to define. The edges were growing hazier every day.
“Rich?” Emma moved her out of the way. “Dude, that place is swank.”
I sat back down. “Asher comes from quite the line of wealth. He’s a Wainwright—which might not mean much to you two. His family owns a lot of businesses, but the one you might know is the newspaper.”
“Ohhh.” They glanced at one another with wide eyes. “That’s quite the job you landed.”
“Don’t get too excited. I’m not sure how permanent it is.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “You always say that. How’s the boxed dinners deal?”
We spent a few minutes catching up about their classes and my business. I carefully avoided the big subject that I really needed to discuss with them. I wasn’t sure how to tell them. I mean, I could blurt it out like Asher had with his grandmother, but eeep.
“Yo
u seem like you’re a million miles away.”
“What? No. I’m right here.”
Emma and Rachel were squeezed into the screen, both peering closely at me. “Something’s different.”
“No.”
“There is.” Emma tipped her head. “Did you get laid?”
“Oh my God. We are not discussing that.”
“Is that scruff burn on your neck?”
“What?” My hand went right to where Asher had kissed me last night. He kept surprising me with sneak attacks.
“Ohhh.” Both girls made huge eyes at me. “Who is it?”
“It’s none of—”
“Hannah. Who ordered this monsoon? Didn’t they realize we had plans?”
Emma’s eyes, so much like mine, widened. “Plans?”
“Okay, gotta go.”
“Oh, no, you don’t.” Emma’s nose was practically in the lens.
“Of course, I didn’t bring an umbrella.” Asher bustled in, whipping his suit jacket off and dumping his laptop bag on the bench just inside the door. And he had to be wearing his glasses today. I was so weak against them. “Hannah?”
I tried to hit the end button, but suddenly forgot how to work anything, including my mouth to tell Alexa to end the call. Asher’s white dress shirt was stuck to his body. Evidently, today he hadn’t worn one of his white T-shirts under it either.
Dear God, he was positively soaked through.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were on a vid call.” He leaned down and kissed Lily on the head. “Can’t pick you up, sweetheart. I need to change.”
“Hello!” Emma, who had no chill, shouted.
Asher came up behind me. “Oh, hello.” He leaned down and kissed me as well. Not on the lips, thank God, but he was behaving far too familiarly when my sisters were watching.
Boy, were they watching.
What the hell was up with him? First singing in the car, then singing in his office to a Matt Nathanson song last night. I hadn’t even known Asher listened to music that wasn’t classical.
I was so confused.
“I’m Asher. Can’t wait for you guys to visit. We’d love for you to stay for part of the summer.”
“We would?” I asked.
“Yeah, with the baby coming, I’m thinking you girls will want to enjoy the summer as much as you can.”
“Baby!” My sisters shrieked in unison, and the video went black. “Sorry!” Emma righted her unit. “Baby? What baby?”
“Oh, shi—Skittles.” Asher frowned and pushed his glasses up. “You didn’t tell them?” he asked me out of the corner of his mouth.
“I was getting to it.”
“Oh my God, what?” Emma looked downward, but of course, I was too close to the camera to see much.
I scooted back. “Not showing yet. I was going to tell you.”
“Talk about burying the lead,” Asher muttered.
“What? Now you start talking like a newspaper guy?”
He held up his hands. “I see you need to talk. I’m going to go change.”
“Don’t have to change on our account.” Rachel smiled dreamily. “Nice job, sis. Rich and hot.”
“Oh, God.”
“I mean I’m assuming this is your boss. Man, I think I watched this on the Hallmark channel. Or was it read the book?” Rachel’s eyes were dancing.
“Shut up.” I was mortified. And I didn’t want my sisters, or Asher for that matter, thinking that I was in this for the money.
“Actually, I knocked her up before she worked for me.”
“You are not helping,” I growled.
“Obviously not. And you definitely need to talk. I’ll take Lily upstairs with me since she’s face-planted into her Legos.”
I twisted and sure enough, Lily was out for the count. It seemed as if she did her best sleeping in the middle of chaos. Which was a very good thing considering the insanity our lives had become.
“Bye, girls. And that invitation is open-ended.” He gave me a long look, followed by a panty-incinerating smile. He stripped off his wet shirt without even looking at me.
My sisters were swooning behind me. Quickly, I moved the camera so he was out of view.
“Dammit, what’s with denying me my Magic Mike moment, Hannah?”
I ignored Rachel, but I sneaked another peek or eleven of my own.
Damn, he was gorgeous.
He scooped up a sleeping Lily, then he looked over his shoulder with an arched brow. At this point, things were so far out of control that I went with impulse and gave him a wolf whistle.
The quick flash of his smile made my belly flip. I frowned a little when he went the long way around to go up the stairs. He probably wanted to take up his wet suit jacket too.
Or give us another chance at a peep show, the exhibitionist.
I turned back to my sisters.
“Now explain.” Rachel pointed at me, so much like our mom used to do when she was looking for juicy gossip.
I sighed. “This is going to take a while.”
“Let’s start at the beginning.” Rachel propped her chin on her hands. “Don’t leave anything out.”
Emma elbowed Rachel over. “I want to hear too.”
“It all started on a snowy New Year’s Eve.”
Rachel gave an exaggerated sigh. “Yeah, this is going to be good.”
I indulged my sisters for a little while. Knowing Asher would be taking care of Lily let me have some much-needed sister time. Even if a lot of the teasing was at my expense. I might have given a little more detail than I should have for impressionable nineteen-year olds, but I fell into telling them about Asher.
About Lily.
About the crazy life we were making by accident.
We discussed absurd baby names and that I might end up with an October baby depending on how the pregnancy went. How dates for actual pregnancy didn’t make sense at all. Not to mention that the two of them needed to be way more careful about protection than I had been.
“You don’t have to tell me, but just please be careful.”
“Ugh, don’t pull on your Aunt Hannah suit. Stay in the sister role, please.” Rachel buried her face in her hands.
“I’ll tell you one thing. Do not hook up with guys from Crescent Cove. There’s now a bumper sticker circulating that there’s something in the water here. Literally.”
“Really?” Emma’s eyes got huge.
“There’s a ridiculous baby boom going on here. Each time I make a delivery for Hannah’s Helping Hands, I hear another report of someone having a baby.”
“So, the boom-chicka-wow-wow is going viral in Crescent Cove? This I gotta see.”
I lifted the camera to my face. “No, you will not.”
Emma’s peal of laughter was so nice to hear. It had been a long time since we were able to talk. Some of it was my own fault. I didn’t want to be a burdensome older sister when they were just finding themselves.
“We need weekly check-ins,” I said impulsively.
“Now that you are growing a human, I think that’s a certainty. But we really do miss you, Hannah Banana.” Rachel smushed her cheek against her sister’s and they both made guppy faces. “We miss you. And we’re definitely coming to visit this summer. I did get an internship, so it won’t be the whole summer.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m actually going to work on a cruise ship for two months out of the three.” Emma made a face. “I know it’s probably going to be terrible, but I think it’s the only way I’ll get to see some of the world until school is over. I thought about taking a year off—”
At my stern expression, she laughed.
“But I don’t want to lose a whole year. A few months of being locked in a sardine can should be enough.”
I’d heard horror stories about cruise liners, but I knew that had to be more of an outlier kind of thing than the norm. I had to trust that Emma knew how to take care of herself.
> “Look at you biting your tongue.” Emma’s laughter was addictive.
I couldn’t help but smile back at her. “Just promise me you’ll be careful, and that there’s a way to get out of working there if it’s awful. I don’t care what it costs, I’ll get you home if need be.”
“That’s because you’re the best.”
“All right. Let me go check on Asher and Lily. It’s far too quiet up there.”
“I’m really happy for you, Han. He seems pretty awesome. Even if you are sleeping with your boss. So scandalous.”
“Thanks, Rachel.” I shook my head. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with him. We’re taking it a day at a time.”
“Well, don’t take too long. That man is super fine, and some other girl will be ready to swoop in. He’s hot with all caps.”
“Thanks, I think.” I was still afraid to label anything about us. Even if I did find myself looking forward to his arrival each afternoon. Lately, he was often coming home with a smile and jumping in to help in the kitchen.
How many times had he shooed me out of the room to play with Lily, just so he could give me a break? He wasn’t avoiding her anymore. Sometimes when I was trying to figure out a recipe, he’d even take Lily to his office for some time together. I’d found them curled in his reading chair on more than one evening after dinner.
So much was changing, most of it in good ways.
I swallowed hard and focused in on my sisters. “I love you.”
Rachel’s eyes misted. “We love you too.”
Emma looped her arm around her sister’s neck. “We miss you and expect reports in between calls. And we’ll be sending you more names.”
I laughed. “I can’t wait.”
They waved and then they were gone. I blinked away the wash of tears. I missed them so much, but I was so proud of the women they were becoming. Both of them overachievers. Emma was still waffling about what major she wanted to stick with, but Rachel had a plan in place. She was going to be an architect, creating sustainable energy housing.