Page 42 of Shuttered Hearts

“My mind was elsewhere. What were they talking about?” Caleb asks.

Emily turns to look at Quinn and me. “Some couple got a little hot and heavy in line for the hayride last night.” I hear Ava release a quiet laugh and glare at her across the table.

“Well, that’s not new,” Scott says.

“No, but these people have never been considered a couple before,” Emily says, still looking at us as Caleb finally catches on.

“No,” he whispers. It’s not in anger but surprise. “You two?” he asks, gesturing between us.

“Yep. Rumor has it these two were seen making out in line for the hayride,” Emily finally confirms when Quinn and I say nothing, a very excited smile growing on her face.

“The two of you?” Caleb asks again, leaning forward in his seat, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Is that such a bad thing?” Quinn finally says, glaring at her brother. When he doesn’t respond right away, she continues. “It can’t be Declan you have an issue with, since the first thing youever said to me about him was that he was a good man. So, if it’s not Declan, then it’s me you have an issue with, in this equation.”

“Quinn—” I start to speak.

“No. I want to know what his problem is.”

“I don’t have a problem.” Caleb leans back in his seat, lifting his hands, palms out. “I’m shocked, that’s all.”

“Well, is there something you want to tell us?” Scott asks, directing Quinn’s attention away from Caleb.

“No.” When Quinn doesn’t continue, I look at her, trying to decipher what she’s thinking. We still haven’t had a chance to talk about any of it, but I don’t think her family will be satisfied with that as a response.

“Right now”—I squeeze Quinn’s leg still in my grasp—“we don’t have anything to share, but when we do, you’ll be the first people we tell.” Caleb opens his mouth but I continue before he can say anything. “It’s not really your business. All that matters is whatever’s going on between Quinn and me won’t impact anything else. All right?” I say, looking directly into Caleb’s eyes, wanting him to see how serious I am.

“Okay,” he agrees.

I feel Quinn’s hand cover mine on her leg, so I turn to look at her. She gives my hand a firm squeeze and offers me a smile.

I don’t know what the future holds for Quinn and me, but I know I want to be there for her. I want to be the person she walks through this period of life with. And I know Ava is right. If this is meant to be forever, I will fight with everything I have to make it work.

twenty-one

QUINN

My phone soundswith a text notification from where I left it on the nightstand in my room, but I finish brushing my teeth before picking it up, seeing a text from Declan.

Declan

Sorry we didn’t get to talk today.

After we finished talking this morning, Declan and Ava left so she could get settled in, and the rest of us hung around, talking more about Mom and this ridiculous custody case. It was far too convenient, with Max over at his friend's house, for us to pass up the opportunity to talk more about everything.

I also won’t lie. I’m nervous knowing my mother is in the area.

Since the PI handed me that envelope a few years ago, I’ve been haunted by so many thoughts. How can Caleb and my dad look at me and not think of her? I left them behind, just like she did.

I can’t figure out why they both went out of their way for me. I know family is important to them, but sharing blood doesn’t always mean you deserve to be treated as such. Just look at my mother. She may have given birth to me, but the second she left us, she lost all right to call herself family.

Regardless, Dad and Caleb were always making sure I knew I was part of their lives. And I know it went both ways. I never let a week go by without talking to them, either. But was that enough? How much time had I missed with my dad by avoiding being here all these years? And why was I so afraid of being here?

Ashford Falls is an amazing town. The people are always so friendly and welcoming. Yes, they push themselves into your life, but is that such a bad thing? Knowing you have an entire town behind you and supporting you if you need them? I know if I asked anyone around me for help, they would be there in a heartbeat, helping to make sure Max gets to school or taking Dad to an appointment—anything we need.

And why did I stay in New York when I hated it so much? I loved the work being in New York afforded me, and I loved traveling to so many parts of the world because of it. But the actual city? I realize after being home that I hate it. It’s too fast; the people are rude, and it’s dirty.

I find myself going in circles with all of it. The logical part of my brain knows I need to stop moving long enough to focus on what I want from my life. What I am happy with and what I want to change.

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