“I can see how happy he makes you, sweetheart.” She paused, and I dragged my eyes from Brody to look at her. “You deserve to be happy. Remember that.” I nodded and gave her a small smile. I felt the seat dip next to me and Brody sat down, pushing over my latte.
“Thank you,” I whispered, brushing his cheek with my lips. His hand came under the table and rested on my thigh, the warmth of his hand seeping through my jeans.
“So, I’ve spoken to Lib; she and Mason are going to meet us at the hospital for visiting. We’ll probably have to take it in turns to visit, but that’ll be fine. I think it will be two visitors at a time,” she rambled. I couldn’t help but smile at how excited she was. I glanced up at Brody who had a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“Mom, take a breath!” Brody exclaimed. Ryan laughed and put his arm around Claire, pulling her into his side.
“She’s just excited,” Ryan said, kissing her head.
“Wait until your baby has a baby.” She waved her arm in the air. “You’ll go a little bit crazy as well.”
“Leave her alone.” I bumped his shoulder with mine. “With all the excitement, you never said what was so urgent on the ranch this morning?” I sipped on my hot coffee and turned to face him.
“It was a bit of a strange one. The perimeter fence that borders the old Johnson place had been cut.” He frowned. “The field was a mess as well. There were tire marks in the grass. They looked like they were from a motorcycle.”
“A motorcycle? Why would someone cut the fence and ride a motorcycle around the field?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I’ve no idea. What happened to the fence wasn’t an accident though, the wire had been cut.”
“Probably kids,” Ryan said. “The Johnson place has been empty for over a year. I’m surprised we haven’t had any issues before now.”
I frowned not really understanding what they were talking about. Seeing my confusion, Brody tried to explain.
“The Johnsons ran a cattle ranch on the neighboring property. Just over a year ago they fell behind on payments to the bank and they repossessed the ranch. They were forced to move in with family in Florida and it’s been empty ever since. The bank is trying to sell it but no one’s interested.”
“Do you think it was kids?” He nodded.
“More than likely. I just hope they get bored and it doesn’t keep happening. It’s a pain in the ass.”
“Right, drink up!” Claire exclaimed. “It’s time to collect the balloons.” She finished her drink and ushered Ryan from the booth, walking with him outside and across the street to the shop.
A few minutes later we’d finished our drinks and were waiting on the sidewalk for Claire and Ryan to finish up in the gift shop. Glancing down the street, I did a double take, my heart pounding in my chest. I could have sworn Evan was crossing the street and heading into the grocery store further along the road. It couldn’t be him though, could it? How would he know where I was? I could have gone anywhere in the US; he wouldn’t have known I’d come here. I never told him I’d wanted to visit. My thoughts were coming faster than I could process them, and all sounds around me had become muffled. All I could hear was the pounding of my heart. I didn’t realize Brody was talking to me, until I felt his hand reaching for mine.
“Quinn. Are you okay?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.
“Yes... yes, sorry. I just thought…” I pulled my gaze away from the grocery store, turning to look up into his worried eyes. “I thought I saw…” I trailed off again and he frowned.
“Saw what?” He looked past me up the sidewalk. Not sure of who or what I’d seen, and conscious that everyone was excited about Savannah having the baby, I brushed it off. I didn’t want to dampen the mood.
“Just my eyes playing tricks on me.” I forced a smile. “Here are your parents,” I said, grateful he couldn’t question me anymore. I knew if I told him I thought I’d seen Evan, he’d be in the grocery store before I could stop him.
“If you’re sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. Let’s go and see your niece.” He nodded, and we walked back toward the truck, Claire and Ryan in front of us. I looked over my shoulder at the grocery store one more time, but saw no one who resembled Evan. Shaking my head, I told myself I was mistaken. Evan couldn’t possibly have found me. I only hoped I was right.
Brody
Sitting on the uncomfortable plastic chairs in the relatives' room of the hospital, we waited to see Savannah and the baby. Mom and Dad had already gone in, and Mason and Lib were on their way. Glancing over to Quinn, I saw she was lost in thought, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the edge of her shirt. She’d been quiet since we’d left Marble Falls. I frowned as I wondered what was going on in her head. Turning in my seat, I picked up one of her hands and held it in mine.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I stroked my thumb over the back of her hand. Her eyes lifted to meet mine.
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine.” She smiled but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. I didn’t have time to question her further as the door opened and Libby and Mason walked in. Jumping up, she crossed the room to them. She looked relieved that we’d been interrupted, and an uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. Standing up, I pushed it aside, making my way over to them.
“Have you seen them yet?” Libby asked Quinn, the tension between us overshadowed by Libby’s excitement. Quinn shook her head.
“No, Claire and Ryan are with them. Claire was a little eager to get in there,” she replied with a smile. Just then the door to the relatives' room opened and Mom rushed in, with Dad following behind.
“Oh, Hope is so beautiful,” she gushed. “You should go in and see them, we’ve cleared it for the four of you to go in.” She ushered us through the door and along the corridor. “We’re heading home now. They should be sending them both home tomorrow, I’ll get plenty more cuddles then.” She quickly kissed everyone on the cheek before taking Dad’s arm and practically skipping down the corridor. I chuckled at how excited she was. Savannah’s pregnancy was in no way planned, and it caused a fair bit of tension when everyone found out. It was great to see how happy everyone was now.