Page 15 of Sins of the Father

Relieved to be away from her, I’m about to continue my journey to Quinn and Jamison, when I see Hope. A woman with the best set of calves I’ve ever seen, and long, curled, black hair is holding her. I’m not sure who it is, and her back is toward me, but Hope faces me, and her blue eyes catch mine and light up.

Good, she still remembers me.

Every visit with my niece makes me antsy she will forget me, and I’m happy Quinn and Jamison are going to be in Chicago for good.

I change direction and hightail it to Hope. When I get there, I stand behind the woman, making faces at Hope, who laughs, and feeling slightly uncomfortable and inappropriate around my niece.

Fresh citrus mixed with jasmine flares in my nostrils, and the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard fills my ears.

“Oh, are you laughing at me?” she coos and bounces Hope in the air.

“I think she’s amused by my antics.”

The woman spins, and my mouth goes dry. I’ve never seen anyone like her. Green eyes the color of emeralds widen. A mouth so lush, I immediately think indecent thoughts about where on my body I want it to torture me. And high cheekbones beg me to stroke them. They’re so perfect, it’s as if Michelangelo himself carved them.

She blinks a few times, as if she isn’t sure if she’s seeing me, and then takes a deep breath. “Ah, the famous brother.”

Blood pounds in my ears, throbbing, as embarrassment yields itself all over again.

I clear my throat. “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

She holds out her left hand and clutches Hope to her chest with her right. “I’m Jamie’s sister, Harper.”

“Jamie? Never heard anyone call him Jamie.”

“Sorry. Nickname from childhood.”

I take her hand and awkwardly shake it while the pulses in my body intensify. “Steven, Quinn’s brother.”

“Yep, saw your article this morning. Congratulations.”

Heat once again rushes to my face, and this time, it’s merciless and scorching. I’m sure I look like a tomato. “Thanks. Mind if I hold my niece?”

She pouts. “Aww. I finally rescued her from my sisters.”

“I’ll give her back to you in a minute.” I hold my hands out.

She gives in. I hug Hope and kiss her then swing her in the air a few times while she giggles.

“She seems to like you.”

“I’m her favorite uncle,” I pridefully boast, negating the fact I’m her only uncle.

“Guess we have something in common, then.”

I hold Hope tight to my chest. “What’s that?”

“I’m her favorite aunt.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” another woman with brown hair says. She holds her hand out. “I’m Cathy, Jamison’s sister.”

I hand Hope back to Harper and shake Cathy’s hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Quinn’s brother, Steven.”

“Yep. We all know. Congratulations. You must be so excited.”

Nope. More like mortified.

There is a tap on my shoulder, and I turn. Quinn beams at me. I dip down and kiss her cheek and embrace her. “Sorry, I got distracted when I saw Hope. Congratulations on your big day.”

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