Page 145 of Down Knot Out
“There will always be room for Quinn,” I answer without hesitation. “Always.”
Sadie studies my face, and whatever she finds there satisfies her. “Thank you for loving her.”
“She makes it easy.” Warmth fills me as I look at Quinn. “She’s an amazing kid.”
“She is.” Sadie brushes away a tear before it can fall. “You have no idea how much it means to know she’s safe. That she’s happy.”
Blake moves to sit beside his sister, the bed dipping under his weight. “She asks about you, you know. Wants to know if you’re getting better.”
Sadie’s hands clench in her lap. “What do you tell her?”
“That you’re trying. That you love her.” Blake swallows hard. “And that some people need more time to heal than others.”
Sadie presses her lips together before whispering, “Thank you for not lying to her.”
Through the pack bond, I feel Blake’s pain, his fear, his cautious optimism, and I hope with everything in me that, this time, Sadie pulls through. Not just for Blake and Quinn, but for herself.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chloe
From downstairs comes the sound of Quinn’s laughter, bright and uncomplicated. Sadie’s head lifts at the sound, her face softening with a trace of peace.
I clear my throat, drawing their attention. “Would you like to see the rest of the upstairs? Where we all live together? Quinn and I can give you a tour.”
Sadie’s head lifts, her face brightening with interest. “I’d like that.”
Blake opens his mouth, but I catch his eye and give a small shake of my head. This moment between Sadie and Quinn might flow more naturally without his protective presence.
He catches on and backs toward the door. “I’llcheck on Holden to see where we’re at for lunch. I’ll send Quinn back up.”
As Blake leaves, his fingers brush my shoulder in passing, gratitude flowing through our bond. Nathaniel follows him out, leaving me alone with Quinn’s mother.
I turn to Sadie, who stands from the bed, uncertainty written in the tight line of her mouth.
“It’s not a fancy tour.” I move toward the hallway. “But this place has become home for all of us.”
Footsteps pound up the stairs, and Quinn appears in the doorway to the main cabin, catching her breath. “Are you showing Mom the writing office?
The word ‘Mom’ falls from her lips without hesitation, and Sadie’s breath catches. Unaware of the impact her words have, Quinn slips her small hand into mine, her palm warm and a little sticky.
“I was going to show herallof the family quarters,” I say, knowing if we start with my office, Quinn won’t want to tour the rest of the upstairs.
“Can I come, too?” She peers up at me, then glances at Sadie, her expression hopeful but guarded.
“Of course.” I squeeze her hand. “You know this place better than I do.”
Quinn’s posture relaxes, and she stays close to my side but doesn’t hide behind me as we move down the hallway.
“This is where we have movie nights.” Quinn pulls us into the living room with its oversized sectional and flat-screen television. “We have a movie room downstairs with a whole library of DVDs.”
Sadie follows, taking in the throw blankets and pillows piled on the couch, the glass of water forgotten on the coffee table, and the pack photos displayed on the walls. Evidence of life lived together.
“Everyone gets to pick a movie sometimes,” Quinn continues, warming to her role as tour guide. “Even Sprinkles.”
Sadie’s eyebrows lift. “The dog picks movies?”
“Well, Uncle Blake helps him.” Quinn giggles. “He always picks ones with other dogs in them.”
