“He’s right over there asleep.” She pointed to a couch pushed against the wall to his right. A little red head poked out from under a hospital blanket.
He leaned back, closed his eyes, and let out a deep breath. Everyone was safe. “How bad is it?” He opened his eyes and looked at Quinn.
“The bullet managed to miss all vital organs, but there was some intestinal damage. It was touch and go there for a bit.” A tear slid down her cheek.
“I meant you.” He reached up with his left hand and wiped the tears away.
She gave him a weak smile. “You’re too good to be true.” She shook her head. “I just ripped my stitches. You stopped Victoria before she could hurt us.”
He grabbed her hand and pulled her down onto the bed.
“Thank you. You saved my son.”
He squeezed her hand. “Any time.” And he meant it.
Reid spent the next two days in the hospital. Detective Jacobs stopped by a couple of times. Andrew had a copy of Joe’s will. Victoria had known about his bank robbing past, and when she found out about the will, she hired his old crew. When the first two messed up, she had them killed.
His wounds were healing nicely, and he was able to leave. This time, it was him being wheeled to a taxi. Quinn opened the back door. “Your chariot awaits.”
The sun sat low in the sky. “What do you say we get some food and get back to the cabin?”
“Do you feel up to it?” Concern etched her features.
“What do you say?” Reid looked at JJ.
“Can I have a chocolate shake?”
Reid chuckled. “You can have whatever your little heart desires.”
“But only today.” She gave him a pointed look and then smiled. She obviously didn’t want Reid spoiling him.
“Yeah, what she said.” He smiled at JJ.
Quinn made him sit on the couch as soon as they got to the cabin. She didn’t want him to move too much and rip open his stitches. She fluffed a pillow on the couch and had him sit and prop up his legs. Then, she passed out the food. She was getting along well using only one crutch.
She set JJ’s food on the coffee table and took hers to the end of the couch by Reid’s feet. He made room for her. She didn’t need to be sitting on the floor just yet. The cabin was quiet save for small talk sprinkled throughout their quick meal.
“JJ, throw your trash away and go get your jammies and get ready for a bath.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He did as he was told and disappeared into the bedroom.
Quinn turned, placed her hand on Reid’s shin, and gave it a squeeze. “I’m going to use the dish soap and make him a bubble bath. He needs a sense of peace and innocence after this week.”
“Dish soap?” Reid couldn’t say he’d heard that one before.
“Yep. Makes the most bubbles.” She smiled, and his heart did a little dance. “Do you need anything before I go?”
He shook his head, afraid of how husky his voice might sound if he spoke.
She disappeared, and minutes later, he heard the water running in the bathroom. It wasn’t much longer before he heard laughing and splashing. Whatever they were doing in there, they sure were having a lot of fun.
He leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and listened to the animated chatter and the giggles that filled the cabin. He enjoyed every minute of it. Joy warmed his heart. Could this be the beginning of something?
He wanted to hear this every night. He didn’t just want to hear it; he wanted to be a part of it. A part of a family. This family.
The giggles died down, and then, the bathroom door opened, and Quinn came and stood at the edge of the couch. One look at her, and he lost control, letting out a laugh from his gut. Her hair was plastered to the right side of her head, and her shoulder was soaking wet while the rest of her shirt was thoroughly splashed.
“What’s so funny, huh?” She laughed with him.
