Page 64 of Shuttered Hearts

“In a heartbeat,” she says instantly.

“Then that’s all that matters.” I take her hand over the center console. “Don’t worry about me and you. We’re going to be fine, no matter what.”

“You don’t know that,” she whispers.

“As long as we’re willing to focus on us, I do know that. You’ll have to work really hard to get rid of me.” I offer her a small smile, trying to bring some levity to the conversation.

She gives me a tight smile, squeezes my hand, and turns to look out her window. I squeeze her hand in response and start driving.

“Sorry, we’re late,”Quinn says when we find everyone standing outside the courthouse.

“No, you’re not late. We’re all early.” Scott pulls her into a side hug, holding her close as everyone else exchanges hellos.

“Are we ready to go in?” Caleb asks.

“Definitely,” Ava says, taking charge and leading everyone inside.

As everyone goes through the process of getting into the courthouse, I remain by Quinn’s side, following her lead. I know I’ve told her numerous times since finding out about the court date I would be here every step of the way, but telling her andshowing her are two different things. And I won’t lie. I’m not entirely sure what’s going through Quinn’s head.

The closer we’ve gotten to today, the more she’s seemed to pull away, not just from me but from everyone. I’ve spent every night in her bed, and she’s been just as responsive and caring, but something has shifted. She’s been quieter, and she doesn’t smile as much. It feels like she’s preparing herself for pain, but I don’t know who or what she thinks will be causing it. There’s her mother, but why would she be pulling away from everyone if it was just that?

I’m nervous about what the future holds for Quinn and me. She hasn’t told me she’s done with us, but the signs tell me that conversation might be on the horizon. I’ll respect her wishes, as long as I think she’s doing it because it’s what she wants and not because it’s some preemptive strike against some worst-case scenario she’s imagining. I’m not willing to give her up for anything less than her not feeling the same way I feel about her. What we have is too special not to fight for it.

“When our case is called, Scott will sit with me. The rest of you will have to sit in the gallery,” Ava tells us as we stand in the hall outside the courtroom. “We’re the last hearing for the day. Chances are the courtroom will be empty, so you’ll be able to sit close to us. But remember, none of you”—she glances at all of us—“should speak at all. The only one who can speak is Scott, and only when the judge speaks directly to you.”

“Got it. No talking at all.” Caleb mimes zipping his mouth shut, locking it, and throwing away the key. I see Scott smirk out of the corner of my eye, but Emily taps him in the stomach with the back of her hand. “Sorry, you all know I’m not good with emotions.”

“Stop talking.” Emily tries to stifle her laugh, but it still breaks through, causing everyone except Quinn to smile.

I place my hand on the small of Quinn’s back, reminding her I’m here. She doesn’t look at me, but I feel her shift a little closer, which has me relaxing the slightest bit. If she’s still leaning on me, I know she’s still with me.

“I’m going to go in quietly to see where they are. You all can stay out here for now,” Ava says, moving toward the courtroom.

“I’m going to run to the bathroom before we go in,” Scott says before moving down the hall.

“Have you seen Mom?” Quinn asks Caleb as soon as Scott is out of earshot.

“Yeah, we saw her with her lawyer outside. They came in a few minutes before you got here.”

“Did she say anything?”

“No, but her lawyer was looking at her in a pretty non-professional manner, if you know what I mean.” Caleb wiggles his eyebrows suggestively as if trying to make sure we understand what he means.

“That might explain why this guy took her case,” I offer, my hand moving up Quinn’s back to the base of her neck.

“Maybe,” Quinn says quietly.

“How’d your appointment go this morning?” I ask after a few moments of silence.

“Good!” Emily shares excitedly. “We had the doctor write the sex down on a piece of paper so we can all find out together on Christmas.”

“Are you doing one of those reveal things?” I ask.

“No, we’ll open the envelope together sometime during the day.” Emily bounces on the toes of her feet; she’s so excited.

“We thought about letting the doctor tell us today, but I don’t think this one would have been able to keep it to herself until Christmas,” Caleb says, smiling down at Emily.

“I think you might be right.” I chuckle as Scott returns from the bathroom.

---