“That’s good, Olivia. I’ll help however I can. I agree with your mom, though—me tutoring you right now is … complicated.” I wince and shrug my shoulders.
She nods, giving me a small smile. “A month ago, maybe even earlier, I saw a spark of sorts in my dad. Something that hadn’t been there in a long time. Something had changed in him.” She hesitates and I sense the war within her over whether she wants to give me this piece of information. “I think it was because of you.” Her eyes become wet and glassy.
I’m out of my seat like a shot and kneel next to her chair. I put a cautious arm around her shoulder. “I don’t know what to say. I’m well aware of just how hard this whole circumstance has been on you.”
She swipes at her face with both hands, trying to stop the tears from falling, clearly embarrassed. I reach for the box of tissues on my desk and hand them to her. “It’s probably for the best that your dad and I just take some time to figure things out.”
She shakes her head, her eyes darting to mine like she’s scared. “Please say it’s not too late. That you aren’t breaking things off with him. I’ll do anything.”
I almost lose it right then. Damn hormones. Instead, I suck in some air and ask simply, “What?”
“I—I think he’s miserable without you.”
“Oh, honey.” The muscle in my chest pumps violently, to the point of being painful. “Sometimes adult relationships are complicated.”
“What’s so complicated, though?” she rushes to reply. “You like him. He likes you. And …”
My brows raise. Oh boy. Did he tell her?
“I know about the baby.”
“Oh.” And just like that, it’s like all the air’s been sucked out of the room. “How?”
She shrugs. “Call it intuition. Or maybe it’s all the puking.” She wrinkles her nose for a second before her expression becomes serious again. “I mentioned my suspicion to Dad, and he told me he’d been with you at your appointment yesterday. You’ll be in each other’s lives with a baby on the way, right?” She looks so hopeful it knocks me off balance.
I start to answer that I’m not sure when she cuts back in.
“Why not choose to be happy? With my dad. That’s what I came here for—to let you know how happy he’s been because of you—and to tell you I’m okay with it.”
“I never expected for this to happen. I never thought …”
She gets a funny little look on her face. “Never say never, Ms. Lockmore.”
Chapter 33
Liam
Midmorning I’m at the cider mill, in my office, working through the paperwork Stacy had left piled on my desk. I’m in the middle of reviewing everything when my phone lights up with a text notification.
Unknown Number: Liam, it’s Sophia.
Unknown Number: You’ve got to get to the hospital.
My heart jumps into my throat. No. Quinn. The baby. No, no, no!
Unknown Number: Quinn is a wreck. They are having trouble getting her mom’s post-op pain under control.
Me: I almost just had a heart attack.
Unknown Number: Yikes, sorry. But that’s why I thought you needed to know.
Unknown Number: She’s usually so calm and she’s just not when it’s her mom.
Unknown Number: This can’t be good for the baby, you know?
Me: Are you with her? I’m on my way.
I drop everything and race out of my office, out of the building and to my SUV. I’m about to chuck the phone onto the seat beside me when it flashes again.
Unknown Number: Unfortunately, no. We couldn’t find a sub for the first half of the day, so we’ve been juggling her classes as best we can among the three other teachers.
Unknown Number: I’ll get away as soon as I can.
I shoot off a text to Becky to let her know Olivia is expecting me to pick her up after school. I hesitate only a fraction of a second before I tell her it’s an emergency with Quinn’s mom who’s had surgery. I ask Becky to take Olivia home with her, as they have a three-day weekend. Without waiting for a response, I put my foot to the gas, weaving through traffic like a damn maniac behind the wheel.
When I arrive at the hospital, I’m a man on a mission. I stop at the little desk in the main foyer and ask where I should go to find someone who’d be waiting on a family member to come out of surgery. The helpful lady at the desk tells me exactly where I should be able to find Quinn, and I’m off and running again, throwing a hurried thank you over my shoulder.
Approaching the waiting area on the third floor, I have no idea what to expect, but when I round the corner what I see absolutely breaks my heart. Quinn sits there all alone, head in her hands. Her shoulders are drooping, and she’s rocking herself slowly forward and backward.
I cross the room in quick strides and sit next to her, putting my hand to her back.
She jerks, so lost in her thoughts she doesn’t realize I’m here. She looks at me in confusion at first, but then in wonder, her hands shaking in front of her as she drops them. “What are you doing here?”
I tilt my head to the side. “Did you really think I wouldn’t come? Sophia texted me. That’s our child’s grandmother in there.”
And she breaks.
Without thought to the current status of our relationship, I pull her out of her seat and sideways onto my lap. She needs me right now, and I’ll be damned if I’ll let anything come between us.
“Liam,” my name whispers from between her lips, and tears roll down her cheeks. Her voice rough, she says, “They came out to tell me they were done but she was in a lot of pain, and I had to wait to see her. They won’t let me see her.”
Her head nestles against my chest, and I stroke one hand up and down her back. “It’s going to be okay. I wish you had told me. I’d have come with you to wait.”
She heaves a watery sigh. “I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t know if I had any right to ask after I decided we needed to think things through.” She grimaces. “Oh my God, I feel terrible that I made her do this.”
“First, don’t worry about me. I will always be here for you. No matter what happens, there’s a little something happening that says you’re now a permanent fixture in my life. I wouldn’t have it any other way, sweetheart.” I sigh. “And unless you knew this operation wouldn’t work and still made Meg do it, I don’t see why you should feel terrible. You didn’t force her. She agreed to it, right? And it’s going to help her.”
“I hope so.”
“When she’s feeling better and can function better at work, she’s going to be grateful. You’ll see.” I gently brush a few strands of hair out of her face, tucking them behind her ear.
A while later, we’re still waiting when hushed voices from around the corner tell us we’re no longer alone.
To my surprise, Sophia, Becky, and Olivia all come into view at once.
Quinn launches out of my lap and into Sophia’s outstretched arms. I can just barely make out the soothing words Sophia whispers as she holds her friend in a tight embrace.
Olivia gives me a big hug, then Becky extends me a more cautious one.
“Is Ms. Lockmore’s mom okay, Dad?”
I grind my teeth, glancing at Quinn. “We haven’t heard any more news. All they told Quinn earlier was they were trying to get Meg’s pain under control before she was allowed back to see her. Apparently, it’s been a long, stressful wait.”
Olivia catches Becky’s eye. “Ms. Lockmore’s mom owns the bakery where Dad got my birthday cake this year. It was so good I ate it for breakfast for three days straight.”
Becky’s brows lift, and she gives me a playful oh, really? look.
I can’t do anything but shrug. “A girl only turns sixteen once. Who am I to deny her?”
Just then, Sophia and Quinn step apart, and Olivia moves timidly toward Quinn to offer her a hug. Dammit. My heart stumbles and trips to see the two of them together like this.
Under her breath, Becky speaks quietly from b
eside me, “Sorry. I wasn’t sure if we should come, but when I texted Olivia to let her know what was going on, she insisted I come early and bring her over here.”
“It’s okay. I’m sure Quinn appreciates the gesture.”
“Um.” Becky clears her throat. “I also think you should know Olivia told me about the baby.”
I take a deep breath and hold it, looking up to the ceiling and rocking back on my heels. Slowly, I blow out the air in a concentrated stream, then scrub my hands through my hair. “Sorry. I intended to talk to you about it, but we weren’t quite ready yet.”
Becky gives me a soft smile, patting my arm. “No harm done. Congratulations. Are you ready to do this all over again?” Her gaze falls on our daughter, who is chatting away with Quinn and Sophia.
“Not in the slightest. But I’m looking forward to figuring it all out.”
Chapter 34
Quinn
I watch Liam’s retreating figure as he moves down the hall away from us. He’d said he had something to take care of and left me with Sophia, Becky, and Olivia. With a start, I realize Olivia is talking to me.
“Will you be at school next week?”
I shake my head. “No, probably not for a little while, actually, unless things change. I was hoping to be back by Monday. My plan was to take advantage of the long weekend, but now I’m not sure that will be enough time.” I put a hand to my temple, rubbing absentmindedly. “This has turned into a three-ring circus with finding coverage at school, Mom needing me at home, and figuring out how we are going to deal with being short-handed for a while at the bakery.”
Sophia pats my arm. “We’ll figure it out. I’m sure we can get people to pitch in. What good is a small town if not for everyone being in each other’s business?”
I laugh out loud. “Totally true.”
Olivia’s forehead develops a deep crease right down the middle. “Wait, you have to help your mom, somehow get back to school, and do stuff at the bakery?”
“Yep.” I nod. “I’ll figure it out. I always do.”
She scuffs the toe of her yellow Converse sneaker on the floor. “Would I be able to help at the bakery after school?”
I tilt my head, surprised, then look at her mom. “If your parents are okay with it, sure. I’ll take all the help I can get.”
Becky nods. “It’s fine with me. I’m sure Liam would be okay with it, too. He keeps saying she needs to get a job soon to learn some responsibility.”
A smile tips up the corners of Olivia’s lips. “But you don’t need to pay me. I’d like to do it just to be helpful.” Her eyes light up. “I almost forgot to tell you. While I stay with Mom this weekend, we’re going to work on the science fair project.”
“Assuming you’re still willing to offer her the extra credit, that is? It was this or she said she’d bomb the next test on purpose to see if she could get you back as her tutor.” Becky groans, looking at Olivia with an indulgent smile. “I swear, this child.”
I chuckle at their interaction. “That would be a yes on the extra credit and a big don’t you dare on the other.” I roll my eyes at her. “Wait until I tell your dad that one.”
Her eyes widen. “You wouldn’t.”
“Don’t test me. There are some confidences I’m happy to keep between the two of us. That is not one of them.”
Becky barks with laughter. “I wasn’t sure what I thought about how you’d handle my daughter, but I’ll say this right now—I think I approve.”
Olivia focuses in on me again, her eyes lighting up. “Oh! Ms. Lockmore, I forgot to tell you. I talked to him.”
My mind whirs as I try to clue into what she’s talking about until it hits me, and I gasp. “No. You didn’t?” My eyes widen. “The football player?”
She grins broadly. “He asked if he could take me out for coffee next week.”
I choke out a laugh. “Your dad is going to strangle me for telling you to talk to him.”
Becky grins affectionately at Olivia. “He might. Personally, I’m still in the yay, a date camp.”
“Me too. I’m excited for you, Olivia. That’s great news. And by the way, it’d make me really happy if outside of school you’d call me Quinn.”
Once Becky and Olivia leave, we sit quietly waiting for news. I’m flanked by Sophia on one side and Liam on the other. “I wonder how much longer it’ll be. This whole thing was supposed to be an outpatient procedure. In and out.”
Liam’s mouth tugs up on one side. “You just never know. Or maybe she’s keeping them so busy sharing recipes or something that they haven’t had a chance to come out and talk to us. Your mom is quite the talker.” He pats my knee, and I lean into him as he presses a kiss to my forehead. “I’m sure she’s fine, but I’ll go see when they might have an update for you.” He gets up and walks down the hallway to the nurses’ station.
I shift over in the other direction, put my head on Sophia’s shoulder, and pull out my phone, thinking to check my text messages.
“He loves you, you know that, right?”
I shift a fraction so I can see her peeking at me. “I know.”
“He was terrified when I first texted him. Apparently, I should have led with the fact that you were here for your mom. He got a good scare.”
“Oops.”
“But then, even when he knew you were okay and you just needed someone, it changed nothing. He didn’t question it. He just showed up for you.”
I lift my head from Sophia’s shoulder. “I want to thank you for being here with me, too.”
“I’d have been here even if you hadn’t asked.” She wets her lips. “I’m sorry, I see you trying to steer the conversation away from Liam, and I don’t mean to butt in—”
“It’s okay, go ahead.”
“Liam seems like a special guy, Q, and the only thing stopping you from being together was to make things easier for him with Olivia. But seeing as how she and her mom showed up here today, I’d wager she’s not against any of it at all anymore.”
“You’re right. She came to see me yesterday. Begged me to reconsider, saying she hadn’t seen her dad so happy in a long time. And then said how miserable he’s been since we’ve been apart.”
“Aw. Well, I agree with her. You two fit. She sees it. Your friends see it. Hell, I bet your mom sees it, and she’s only met him twice, right?”
“We definitely have a lot to talk about.” I wet my lips. “I need to figure out how to tell him I want to be with him. I want him in my life. In our baby’s life. I’m just so overwhelmed by everything right now.”
“All right, but don’t take too much time thinking when you could be doing.” She laughs. “That man is a keeper and you wouldn’t want some other chick swooping in pretending like she’s there to pick up her friend’s hat and gloves.”
I giggle-snort out loud, unable to contain my mirth. Sophia gets me. “I hear you.”
She pats my knee. “Now, check in with the girls. They’re expecting an update.”
Sure enough, she’s right. Our group chat has been lively today, even without me, and when I see she’s right about what they’ve been discussing, a warm, happy feeling flows through me.
Zoey: How’s Q? Is everything okay?
Sophia: I’m here with her now. We’re just waiting to hear something.
Madison: Quinn, tell Mama Lockmore I’m thinking about her!
Piper: I’ve been worried all day.
Hadleigh: Piper, stop worrying, it’s not good for the baby.
Hadleigh: OMG, I can’t believe we’re having TWO babies.
Zoey: Right! Hey, does Meg know she’s going to be a grandma?
Sophia: I don’t think she knows yet.
Madison: Maybe if you tell her about the baby, it’ll take her mind off of this recovery business.
Piper: You can even tell her about mine, too, if you think it will help.
Hadleigh: Awww.
Hadleigh: Hey, did we ever figure out when Q’s due date is?
Sophia: Yes, it’s Nov. 25.
Piper: OMG, so close to mine!
Madison: Maybe you’ll have birthday twins!
Zoey: That would be so much fun.
Hadleigh: Bahaha.
Piper: What’s so funny?
Hadleigh: They both took a ride on the D train around the same time! WHOOP WHOOP!
Me:
Me: Hey. Still waiting.
Me: Also—I love you girls.
Sophia shoots me a sappy grin after she reads my messages. “On that note, I’m going to head home now so you can have some alone time with Liam. You’ll text as soon as you’ve seen her?”
“I’ll do that. Thanks again.”
“Anytime, sister.”
“Quinn Lockmore?” A doctor in scrubs approaches the waiting room. All the breath whooshes out from my lungs, and I clutch Liam’s hand. We stand together as the doctor comes to a halt in front of us.
“That’s me.”
“We’ve got your mom comfortable. The procedure went better than anticipated, so it should be smooth sailing from here on out now that we’ve addressed the pain issue.” He offers us a reassuring smile.
I press a hand to my chest and take a deep breath. “Thank you. Can we see her now?”
Fall for You (Flirting with Forever Book 4) Page 16