Page 12 of No Turning Back
When the tears finally slow, I sniff and pull back. “Therapy has made you human.”
He smiles. “Nah. It’s just made me better at seeing things from other people’s perspective.”
I grab my coffee, still warm, and hop up onto the island. Aiden joins me, perching on a stool across from me.
“Have you talked to Markus?” I ask.
Aiden looks away. “Yeah. I called to tell him about your dad.”
“He texted me,” I say, trying to sound casual but hearing the ache in my own voice.
Aiden scoffs.
I frown. “What?”
“I love the guy, you know I do. But after the latest stunt? I’m Team Quinn all the way. If you ever want to set his clothes on fire, I’ll bring the lighter fluid.”
A smile pulls at my lips despite everything. “Believe me, I wanted to. I even picked out the playlist.”
He grins. “Let me guess. Beyoncé?”
“Obviously.”
We both chuckle softly, the moment briefly lighter.
“But,” I add quietly, “he’s been calling. Since the funeral. Whenever he can. It’s been... nice. Hearing his voice.”
Aiden nods slowly, but I can tell he’s holding something back. Some thought or opinion he’s not sure I want to hear. I’m not sure I want to hear it either.
“Did he tell you about the adoption?” I ask.
Aiden blinks. “What adoption?”
I take a breath. “I have Turner Syndrome. So... I can’t have kids.”
His face softens instantly. “Quinn…”
“I always pictured myself having at least two,” I say, staring into my coffee. “Maybe not a huge family, but... something.”
“Oh,” he says quietly.
I smile, a little sad, a little amused. “Let me guess, you thought I wasn’t mom material.”
“No,” he says. Then, “Maybe. I don’t know. I should’ve known, though. You were always offering to watch the boys.”
“Hey, those are my godsons,” I say, bumping his arm lightly. “They’re contractually obligated to love me.”
“They do love you. And so will your kids.”
“Markus wants us to wait,” I admit. “Until he retires, to start the process. But by then I’ll probably be fifty.”
Aiden’s quiet for a beat, thinking. “You know… you could apply to become a foster parent.”
I glance at him. “What?”
“I mean, it’s short term, but it will give you experience. And look good on your adoption application.”
I think for a second, surprised by how fast my mind starts making room for the idea. “Idohave that extra bedroom.”
