Designing the Love

  “What the fuck?” Zane says before putting on a smile for the little boy he loves.

  Landon pushes past me and grabs onto Zane. I see the hurt in his eyes as he hugs him back. I can tell he’s close to tears and it breaks my heart all over again. Damn that stupid bitch for doing this to them both.

  Whitney walks up with her parents in tow. “It’s so nice that you’re here with your whore while your son and I are alone. Are you even going to come and see your new child?” She’s loud and I know it’s on purpose. She thinks he won’t hurt Landon. He wouldn’t normally, but he won’t let her disrespect me, either.

  “This is over. All of it.” He pulls away from Landon and looks down at him. “I love you, buddy, more than you can possibly know. But I’m not your dad. Your mom lied to all of us. I’m so sorry.”

  “You’re going to deny that you fathered my grandchildren?”

  “Yes, I am. The father’s here though. Your friend Lee’s been sleeping with Whitney since we were in high school. She just used me as the scapegoat and then lied to me to try and keep me with her.”

  “That’s a lie. Stop lying, Zane.”

  “You stop lying, Whit. You’re only hurting us all. I know you don’t care, but you should.” Zane looks to the guy’s wife, and I see the recognition in her eyes as she looks at Landon. “You see it, don’t you? He looks like your kids. I’ve seen pictures of them. They’ve been together on and off since Whitney was seventeen. She actually believed that he’d leave you for her.”

  She looks up with tears in her eyes. “Yes. He does look my children.”

  All hell breaks loose. Whitney’s dad goes after Lee. Everyone’s yelling. I see Landon run from the room and grab my dress up in my hands as I run after him. He stops in the Employee Game Room, dropping onto the couch and crying. I kneel down in front of him.

  “I’m so sorry, Landon. Your mom was supposed to tell you.”

  “You’re not sorry. You want me out of Zane’s life.”

  “No, sweetheart. I don’t. Zane loves you so much, and I love him. I want you both to have each other. I don’t know how we’ll work it out, but we have to somehow.”

  “He loves you more than he loves me.”

  I can’t lie to him. “Yes, he does. But that doesn’t make his love for you any less important.”

  “I’m scared. I don’t know what’s going to happen. My mom doesn’t want me. She always tells me I’m too messy, or too loud. The housekeeper cooks for me and takes me to school.”

  “I don’t know what we can do, but we’ll do something.”

  He jumps into my arms, and I hold him tight. Zane finds us a couple of minutes later. I see the love for both of us in his eyes as he sees me holding Landon. He comes over, and I let him take over. He sits on the couch and pulls him onto his lap, holding him close and kissing him on the top of his head. Landon reaches for my hand. I sit next to him as I hold it.

  “Get that whore away from my son.”

  Landon squeezes my hand harder as his mother walks into the room. “You’re pregnant, so I’m going to let that pass. Again. But call me a whore after you have your baby, and all bets are off.”

  “I’ll look forward to it. Now give me my son.”

  “I don’t think so, Whitney.”

  Maggie Griffin is standing with another woman, who I’ve seen at her house before. I don’t know her name, but she exudes power. They both do. I wouldn’t mess with either of them. “Mind your own business, Mrs. Corrigan.”

  “When a woman or child is in danger, I make it my business.”

  “Danger? No one’s in danger.”

  “Really? You haven’t left Landon at home alone 37 times in the last two months while you met with your lover? You didn’t falsify his birth certificate?”

  “He was fine, and the birth certificate didn’t put him in jeopardy.”

  “You committed a crime. Several in fact. I have many resources at my disposal, so I know what you’ve been planning for your lover’s wife. You’ve been setting up an elaborate plot to frame her for a drug crime. And you have already done news interviews that ‘expose’ Zane as a deadbeat dad. But I’ve cleaned up both the messes you tried to make. I won’t let you hurt an innocent woman, or the son of one of my best friends.”

  “You can’t prove anything.”

  “Actually, I can.” Mrs. Corrigan hands some papers to Whitney.

  “You got these illegally. I can’t be charged.”

  “I can call in an anonymous tip.”

  “I’ll tell them you did this.”

  “Go ahead. If you think they’d believe a psychotic bitch like you over two pillars of the community, I say go for it.”

  We all see Whitney realize that she’s no match for the older women. “What do you want?”

  It’s Maggie who speaks now. “These are papers giving up your parental rights to Landon. You will not change his birth certificate, and he will live with Zane and Quinn from now on.”

  “What? They don’t want him.”

  “Yes, we do,” I tell her honestly.

  “You’d raise my son?”

  “I would.”

  “Fine. He’s more trouble than he’s worth.”

  Maggie calls in another woman to notarize the papers as Whitney signs them. She starts to walk away, but I stop her. “We’ll be coming for his things next week.”

  “Whatever.”

  “I’m going to live with you? Really?”

  “Really, little man.”

  “Awesome.”

  It is awesome. I mean, I know it will be an adjustment, but it will also be a blessing. For all of us. We thank Maggie and Mrs. Corrigan, who tells us to call her Jane, and then take Landon out to the party with us. Everyone dotes on him, giving him whatever he wants to eat and extra dessert. When he falls asleep at the table, we say our goodbyes and take him back to the hotel. I let him and Zane take the bed while I sleep on the couch. Like I said, it’ll be an adjustment.

  Chapter 10

  Zane

  This last month has gone by in a blur. When we got back to Vegas, I abandoned my dreams of moving into a warehouse with Quinn and bought a house in the suburbs instead. I wanted Landon to go to the school Luke teaches at, so he’d have at least one friendly face. I shouldn’t have worried about him. The kid has more friends than Quinn and I combined.

  I did buy a building, though. It’s down the street from Quinn’s shop. Ryan and Chloe helped redesign the space, and I was able to open my new shop last week. I wanted us to work together, but she’d made a commitment to the space she had, so for now she’ll just use her portion as a large production area and a place to store all her fabric. We’re getting settled here.

  The decision to stay in Las Vegas wasn’t an easy one. Landon had friends in Chicago, and I had my shop. Quinn’s happy here, though. Ultimately, I’d do anything for her, including moving to the desert. I sold my shop to Chad for a really good price. Some of my Chicago clients have started flying out to see me, and with the reputation I’ve built, I have to turn people away every day. I’ve hired a few seasoned artists and agreed to start mentoring some young guys who’ve stopped in to meet me.

  Today is Quinn’s store opening. Landon and I worked on something special for her last night. Even though he’s not mine biologically, he’s got some crazy art skills, too. I can’t wait for her to see what we’ve done. We pull into her parking space, and I tell her to keep her blindfold on.

  “Really? I can’t look yet?”

  “No, you cannot.”

  “Don’t you want to be surprised, Q?” Landon asks her, using the nickname we now share.

  “Honestly, Land, I just want to see what the fuss is all about.”

  I walk her over to the front of the store and remove the blindfold. She just stares for a minute, and I think we might have messed up. Then her face breaks into a giant smile. She turns to hug our son first, kissing him on the check. When she turns back to me, she launches herself into my arms. />
  “Thank you so much. I can’t believe you did all this last night.”

  “I’d actually drawn the designs on over the past week, but made it too faint for you to see. I knew you’d be so preoccupied with getting the inside ready that you wouldn’t look at the front. Landon and I came back last night to paint it all in. Owen helped, too.”

  * * *

  Quinn

  I almost can’t believe what I’m seeing. The front of the building isn’t plain anymore. Instead of various old-school tattoos, these are all pin-up girls wearing some of my actual dresses. I wanted something special out front, but didn’t think any of us had the time to do it.

  “I love you both. This means so much to me.” And it does. Especially knowing that Landon helped.

  “We want you to have the best day ever, Q. You deserve it. You do so much for both of us, all the time. Plus I have a favor to ask you.”

  “Anything, Land. What do you need from me?”

  “You’re friends with Miles Corrigan, aren’t you?”

  “Yes. He’s one of my best friends.”

  “Can you ask him to coach my Little League team?”

  “Umm, I guess. I don’t know if he even knows how to play baseball, though.”

  “Is she kidding, Dad?”

  “No. She doesn’t follow sports, buddy.” Zane turns to me. “Miles was supposed to go pro. He played one game with the San Francisco Blaze before breaking his contract and going to work for his family’s company.”

  “I had no idea! Sure, I’ll ask him for you, but since he never talks about baseball, I don’t know if he’ll say yes.”

  “He will. How could he say no to you?”

  “Maybe hanging out with Miles isn’t such a good idea. You’re already putting on the charm. With his guidance, you could be breaking hearts all over the third grade.”

  “Gross, Q. Girls are gross. Well, except for you and your friends. I like you girls.”

  “Because they all spoil you. I wish I was surrounded by gorgeous women who wanted to spoil me, little buddy.”

  “Really? You want a Harem? I’m not enough for you, Zane?”

  “What? Of course you are. I didn’t mean…”

  I start laughing. “I know, Z. I’m just joking. I love you.’

  “I love you, too.”

  We kiss for a minute while Landon makes gagging noises. Then we head inside, where they help me make sure everything is ready. Our friends arrive an hour before the store opens. I let them in the back door, because there’s a crowd already out front.

  “That crowd is insane, Quinn. I’m so happy for you,” Chloe tells me as she envelopes me in a hug.”

  “I know. And thanks.”

  “Enough talking, let’s start shopping,” Candi says as the girls all go out into the store.

  The guys just shake their heads, and smile, as they each grab a bunch of things from the racks. Miles arrives and chuckles as he sees what’s going on. I’m about to ask him about baseball when I see his eyes go dark. I look over and notice that Alex just came out of the dressing room in one of my sexiest dresses.

  “Like what you see, Miles?”

  “No, Quinn. I don’t.”

  He turns and walks out the back door. I go to follow him, but Zane stops me. “I’ll go. You have fun with your friends. It’s almost time to open.”

  “Thanks.”

  I’m glad the two of them have become friends. Once Zane knew I’d only used Miles to make him jealous, and that I’d never even kissed him, he decided he liked him. They hang out together sometimes, when I’m sewing. Zane even taught him how to cut my patterns, so he could help me, too. I hope he’s okay. There’s definitely something going on between him and Alex. I just hope neither one of them gets hurt by whatever it is.

  I don’t have to time to think about it once the store opens. It’s insane. Everything on the floor is gone within a couple of hours. I sell all of the back stock I have here by the middle of the afternoon. Zane, Miles, and Landon head to the other building for more dresses. I tell them to hold a little back so I can at least open tomorrow with a little bit of product.

  When I finally close the doors, I thank everyone for helping. Seriously, I couldn’t have done it without them. The girls helped run the register when I was doing media interviews, and the guys complimented the people trying on the clothes when they came out of the dressing rooms. There’s not much better for a woman, than having a Griffin man give you a compliment. They definitely helped business today.

  I turn down the offer of going to dinner with everyone because I’m exhausted. Zane, Landon, and I pick up some food from Roberto’s and go back to our house. Zane draws me a bath, while Landon rubs my feet.

  “Oh, you don’t have to ask Miles, Q. I asked him already and he said yes.”

  “That’s great, Land. He’s really a good guy.”

  “Yes, he is. Now, enough talk about Miles. Landon has homework to do while we take a nice bath.”

  Landon grumbles, but heads to his room. Zane and I take a bath, but there’s nothing nice about it. I have to control my urge to scream for the rest of the night.

  Epilogue

  Six months later

  Quinn

  I’ve had to hire help at the store. It hasn’t gotten any slower since I opened. Especially because a popular actress stopped in and bought a bunch of things she’s worn to events. So I now have seamstresses to help with the dresses and staff for the store. I’ll never complain about being successful, but both Zane and I are handling it differently than we ever thought we would. A year ago, we would’ve just tried to do it all, but now we have a son to think about.

  Landon is an incredible kid, but our lives have definitely changed. You can’t really have spontaneous sex in the kitchen when there’s a little boy around. We have fun sneaking around, though. And luckily, he’s a sound sleeper. Because once he’s out, we’re on. Each other. We wouldn’t change having him live with us for anything, though.

  Today is our wedding day and we’ll be telling Landon that I’m adopting him. I want to officially claim him as mine. I don’t expect him to ever call me “Mom,” but we definitely love each other.

  Zane and I are getting married in the backyard of the little house we bought. I’m waiting for all the girls to arrive and help me get ready. The guys are at Luke and Olivia’s house, so Zane doesn’t accidentally see me. I made myself a coral wedding dress, of course, although it’s a lighter shade than I normally wear. It’s sleeveless, with a deep, beaded v-neckline. The skirt is layers of chiffon and tulle with silk flowers raining down it. What can I say, I want to be girly on my wedding day. Land’s the best man, while Yasmin’s standing up for me. I let her pick her own dress. She just had baby Dave a week ago, and I want her to be comfortable. The baby is so adorable. Both of them are, actually. Chloe’s little Erin was born the day before Dave, so they’ll definitely be playmates. They both got the Griffin green eyes, of course.

  Everyone arrives around the same time and fusses over me, but I don’t mind. I love these women, and of course, my mom. We’re chatting when the subject of Alex finishing school for the summer comes up. She looks a little nervous and walks over to the window.

  “I’m actually really glad it’s over, Grandma. I-I don’t want to go back.”

  “What? Did something happen?”

  “Well, I realized that I don’t want to be a music major. I’m thinking that I’d like to try just working for a little while. I heard Jane Corrigan tell you she has an opening for a receptionist at her foundation. I’d like to apply.”

  I see Maggie, Yasmin, Chloe, Candi, and Olivia share a look. Alex sees it, too. “Do you not think I can do it?”

  “No, sweetheart. I have no doubt you can do the job. If you really want it, I’ll talk to Jane. I’m sure she’d love to have you.”

  “Okay. I don’t want any special favors, though.”

  “There are special requirements for being the foundation receptionist. Not
many people can meet them. You can.”

  “How?”

  “If Jane hires you, she’ll explain it all to you.”

  My mom and Maggie nod at each other, which confuses me even more. “We should all head downstairs and give Mallory and Quinn some time alone.”

  “Thanks, Maggie.”

  Once we’re alone, my mom tells me something that blows my mind. It’s a secret that’s she been keeping for years and it just makes me realize, even more than I already did, how lucky I am to have her for my mom. I have a million questions, but it’s time for me to get married. My dad comes to get me, but my mom whispers in my ear that we’ll talk more later, before leaving us alone.

  My dad has tears in his eyes as he walks me into the backyard. Zane and Landon built an arch and then both drew all over it. It couldn’t be more perfect. I stop to kiss our little guy, before letting Zane take my hand. The officiate does the standard ceremony. Now, it’s time for our vows. Zane goes first.

  “Q, you’ve been my best friend since we were in kindergarten together. I veered off track for several years, but you were there to pick me up when I needed you. Although we became more than friends, we’ve never lost that. We’re friends first, and I hope we always will be. I love you more than life. I thank God every day for bringing you into my life.”

  “Z, you took my lines. I was going to talk about us being friends, too. But I can adjust. We’ve been family since we were kids. When I had to move away, I was so glad that we stayed that way. You have always been home to me, and I thank God for you every day, too.”

  We skip the “I do” part and just start kissing. The poor man tries to get our attention, but finally gives up and pronounces us husband and wife. It takes Landon to break us apart. “This is really gross, you know.” We join in with everyone as they laugh.

  Dinner is casual, delicious, and fun. Zane’s family cooked all the food, of course. His mom, Helen, closed all the restaurants so that their whole family could chip in. She’s the best, and after what my mom told me, I know that she’s more awesome than I thought.

  Miles stole me away for a dance, and we’re laughing as he twirls me around. Until I see his face go hard. I turn to look behind me and see Alex fighting with her boyfriend. She seems to be handling it okay, so I’m not sure why he seems worried. I turn back to tell him that, but he’s already got a smile back on his face. I’ll have to talk to him later, since I can tell he won’t answer me now.