Page 88 of Shuttered Hearts

“I called Caleb and Emily and asked them to meet me here. I knew you all would be getting back from school now, so I figured it would all work out.” I hear Ava say, finding her sitting at the kitchen table with Scott.

“What’s going on?” I ask, walking up behind Quinn. I can see the tension in her body, and I would be concerned, but Ava looks so relaxed. I can’t imagine she has any bad news for us.

“Why don’t you all take a seat?” Ava suggests, looking at all of us still standing.

While Caleb and Emily move to take their usual seats, Quinn doesn’t budge.

I place my hand on her lower back, giving her a light push toward her seat. “It can’t be bad news, Bug. Look how calm both Ava and your dad are,” I whisper in Quinn’s ear, trying to calm her down.

She nods her head slightly, moving to her seat in a trance.

“What’s up?” Caleb asks once Quinn and I are seated.

“I got a call from your mom’s lawyer this morning,” Ava begins. “She’s dropping the case. He didn’t give me any details, but said she decided she didn’t have a chance of winning and didn’t want to live with the embarrassment of it.”

“So, that’s it? It’s over?” Quinn reaches out for my hand.

“Yeah, that’s it.” Ava smiles.

“I don’t have to go with her?” Max asks.

“No, buddy. You’re stuck with me.” Scott smiles at him, ruffling his hair.

Max jumps up from his seat, giving Scott a tight hug. Scott whispers something in Max’s ear, holding him a moment longer before Max pulls away, smiling.

There’s a moment where we sit and take it all in. The drama with everything is officially over. We don’t have to worry about Nicole, where Quinn will be a year from now, or what’s going on with Tyler.

There’s still Scott’s illness we have to come to terms with, but while none of us will ever be ready for it, it’s not unknown. We know our time with him is limited. Having nothing else hanging over our heads means we can actually enjoy our time with him.

Conversation starts again after a minute. Max telling everyone about his first day back to school after winter break. Caleb and Emily giving an update on the baby. Scott sharing what he’s been up to since we saw him a couple of days ago.

I lean back in my seat, placing an arm over the back of Quinn’s chair, and take it all in. Looking around the table at the family I’ve built here. I knew leaving Harborview was the right move for me. After meeting Caleb and Scott, I never questioned my decision to stay in Ashford Falls. Still, sitting here surrounded by these people, I know I couldn’t be happier or more content with where my life brought me.

“Well, Declan and I have decided to move in together.”

I sit up sharply in my seat, startled, turning to look at Quinn.

We talked about it this morning, and I want it very much, but I thought she said she would speak to her dad about it first.

“Are you sure about that?” Scott asks, a smile on his face. “I’m not sure Declan agrees with you based on the look he has.”

“No. We talked about it this morning,” I say, still looking at Quinn, a little stunned.

Quinn turns to look at me. “I decided I was wrong this morning. Dad wouldn’t want me to put my life on hold.” She says it quietly, but I know Scott heard her.

“Of course, I wouldn’t, but why was I part of your conversation?” he asks her.

“I moved home to help you, and I didn’t want to leave and add to your stress. That’s the last thing you need.”

“Bean.” Scott reaches over, placing his hand on hers. “You’re right. I don’t want you putting your life on hold for anything. If Declan makes you happy—and I think he does—then you twoshould do whatever will keep you both happy. If that’s moving in with each other, I absolutely support that.” He smiles at both of us.

“Maybe I could move into the cottage?” Ava offers from across the table.

“What?” I ask. “You don’t have to leave.”

“I know, but it would be nice to have my own space.” Ava shrugs.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Scott says before anyone can say anything. “The cottage will be empty, and it’s a perfect landing spot for someone in the process of figuring out their next steps.”

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