Page 36 of Quinn

“Hi, Ryan.” Eloise shifted her attention to Quinn’s younger brother. “Looks like it’s coming along well. Thank you.”

Ryan waved his arms outward. “We’re all just doing our jobs.”

“And you’re doing it beautifully—excuse me,” she grinned at the two, “y’allare doing it beautifully.”

Ryan lifted his hand, palm out, and did a high-five with Eloise. “Atta girl. You’ll be a full-fledged Texan before you know it.”

Unlike the merriment in his brother’s demeanor, Quinn found himself grinding his back teeth. Even though he knew Ryan had no interest in Eloise, the fun-loving playful moment didn’t sit well with him.

Ryan took a step back. “Sorry I missed the opening last night. I heard the restaurant is a smash.”

“We had to turn down reservations for tonight.” Her smile bloomed even brighter than it had a moment ago.

“Great.” Ryan turned to Quinn, his expression falling. There was no need for words, his brother could read Quinn’s dissatisfaction. “Well, I need to meet up with the others or lunch time will be finished before I get to eat.”

“Oh,” Eloise’s gaze shifted to Quinn. “I don’t want to keep you. I just wanted to come see how things were going before the rest of the kitchen staff arrives to start prepping for tonight.”

“No worries. I was just finishing up. Molly stays open till the crews go home.”

“Ok. I’m heading out. Will see you later.” Ryan gave a brief wave and took a short step in retreat.

“Oh.” Lifting her arm to wave at Ryan, her head stopped mid turn as her gaze fell on the Hoosier. “Oh. My. Heavens.” Her head immediately spun around and stopped in Quinn’s direction. “You?”

He nodded.

“Yeah, well…” Ryan chuckled. “I’ll leave you two alone.” Without another word, he’d scurried out the door and trotted down the steps as though someone had set the place on fire.

Slowly, Eloise walked to the space Quinn had etched out for the antique piece of furniture. He held back a smile as her hand slowly brushed over the metal counter space. When she reached under it and easily drew the work shelf out and back in then squealed with joy, Quinn’s heart swelled in his chest.

“You like it?”

“Like it?” She spun around and before he knew what hit him, she’d leapt in his direction, threw her arms around his neck. “I love it!”

Unable to resist, before she could step back, he wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m glad. Very glad.”

Her arms still wrapped around his neck, her voice softened. “Thank you.”

Struggling to form words, he managed to eek out a gravely, “You’re welcome.”

He couldn’t help himself. Having her pressed up against him, her warm breath against his neck, he dared dip his head to bring his lips to hers. Tentative at first, careful, nervous, he pressed his mouth against hers. When she returned the effort, he pulled her in even closer, putting everything he’d come to feel for her into the kiss. If the world ended right now, he’d die a happy man.

Chapter Sixteen

Sunday dinners at the ranch had become Eloise’s favorite tradition. The weekly family meal was the big family event that every foster child dreamed of. This was also just one of the things she was going to miss about moving out. Today’s pot roast filled the house with savory aromas while she, Catherine, and Joanna peeled potatoes at the kitchen table.

Quinn and his brothers carried dishes and silverware into the dining room, but Aunt Eileen had thrown them out of the kitchen whenever they threatened to help with dinner. The working dynamics of this family always made her smile.

“I haven’t seen Danny. Is he in the barn with Uncle Sean and Finn?” Catherine glanced over her shoulder.

Eloise shook her head. “He fell asleep in the car on the way home from church. He went upstairs to bed for a short nap.”

“He did say something about a headache.” Hannah stood by her aunt chopping carrots.

“I think all those people were a bit overwhelming for him.” Aunt Eileen dropped her carrots into the massive pot.

“Hasn’t the VA assigned him a therapist yet?” Her hands still, Hannah looked over her shoulder.

Shaking her head, Eloise sighed. “No, he reported as told, was given a pile of forms to fill out and then nothing. Meanwhile, instead of becoming more lighthearted, he seems to be slipping away. It didn’t help any getting a letter the other day informing him of a status re-evaluation.”

---