Page 79 of Whatever It Takes

I stoodin the driveway of Quinn’s parents’ house. The wet snow covered our feet as Quinn helped Emery out of her booster seat. There was a Christmas tree standing in the big bay window just like there always was on Thanksgiving Day. It was a tradition at the Walker house. After dinner, the whole family gathered around and helped decorate the tree because Ann Marie lived for the holidays.

There were already lights strung along the roofline of the house, and the singing Santa that drove all the neighbors crazy was placed on the front porch, greeting everyone who came into the house. I wasn’t expecting to be hit with a feeling of nostalgia, but the snow, lights, and Santa had taken me there. The three of us walked along the shoveled path that led to the decorated door adorned with a huge wreath.

I took a deep breath and held onto the casserole I was carrying in a firm grip, as Quinn took Emery’s hand and led her through the front door.

This was the first time I’d seen him since he packed his bags and left. Things were still tense between us, but I was thankful that he was honoring his promise to include us in his family gathering.

I had to remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

“Hello,” Quinn called out as we entered the foyer. The smell of the turkey roasting in the oven hit my nose and I prayed that it wouldn’t make me sick.

I curled my toes in my boots to keep my feet from running out the door. I’d had anxiety all week about this dinner, especially since Quinn and I were on such shaky ground.

Ann Marie’s face brightened when she saw us. She held her arms out for Quinn, while I set the casserole dish on the table so Emery and I could take our coats off and hang them on the hooks in the hallway. I removed my gloves, noticing that my palms were sweating with nerves.

Quinn bent and gave his mom a quick kiss. “Mom, you look tired,” he said, pulling away.

“That’s because I’ve been up since four a.m. trying to get everything ready.” She looked over her shoulder with a smile. “Charlotte, I’m glad you came.” She walked over to my daughter and placed both her hands on her tiny shoulders. “You must be Emery. I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you all week.” She looked up at me with her brown eyes softening. “She’s beautiful, Charlotte, and she looks just like you.”

“Thank you. And thanks again for having us,” I said, handing her the green bean casserole that I had made. I shifted on my feet and tucked my long curly hair behind my ear, not knowing what to do with my hands.

“Hey, Peanut,” Quinn said as he gently ran his palm over the top of Emery’s head. “This is my mom, Ann Marie. Can you say hello?”

“Hi.” She waved and tucked her body into Quinn’s side.

The connection between Quinn and my daughter was not lost on Ann Marie. Emery was acting shy and timid, but I hoped once she got a little more comfortable with the Walkers, she would come out of her shell.

“Come on.” He grabbed onto Emery’s hand and led her down the hallway. “I’ve got a few more people I want you to meet.”

I glanced around the house as we made our way into the kitchen, noticing that it looked exactly the same as I remembered it. The last time I was here felt like another lifetime ago.

Thomas and his broad shoulders stepped into my line of sight. “I’m so glad you’re here,” he said, throwing one arm around my shoulder while safely holding onto his beer with the other hand.

“I’m happy to be here.” I smiled, just as Emery sidled up next to me. She looked from me to Thomas with hesitation. “Emery, this is Quinn’s dad, Mr. Walker.”

“Well, hello there, young lady.” He kneeled in front of her so they were at eye level. “It’s nice to meet you. You are just as pretty as your mama.” He playfully tapped her on the nose. “How about you come over and give this old man a hug?”

She looked up at me for permission. When I nodded my head to let her know it was okay, I watched as Thomas drew her into his chest.

Quinn chuckled from behind us. “Careful, old man. You don’t want to squat too low, because you might not be able to get back up without some help.”

Thomas cocked an eyebrow. “I’ll show you old.”

“I’d like to see you try, old man.”

“Okay, Emery,” Nora said, trying to hold her laugh in as she walked into the kitchen. “I’m this guy’s sister.” She smacked Quinn on the stomach. “My daughter, Taitlyn, is in the other room and is dying to meet you. Would you like to help us set the table and hang out with us?”

Emery’s eyes lit up, and I gave her a wink. Quinn talked about his niece all the time and Emery was craving for some companionship from someone her own age. She’d been struggling with her friendships at school since the scandal. Spending time with Taitlyn would do her some good.

“Maybe after dinner we can play a game of Candy Land,” Nora said, steering her out of the kitchen toward the dining room, where Taitlyn was gently laying out all the silverware and dishes.

“Can I help you with anything?” I asked Ann Marie as she added a little milk and butter to the potatoes.

She pointed to the pot next to her. “Would you mind stirring the gravy?”

Quinn eyed me from across the kitchen. His mouth lifted into a knowing grin. This was always my job. It was the only thing she let me touch. Probably because there really wasn’t much I could do to screw it up.

Thomas patted Quinn on the shoulder. “Why don’t we make sure those newlyweds are behaving themselves?”

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