Page 71 of A Simple Life

I hugged her back. “I love you too, Pumpkin.”

She pulled back. “And Momma? Do you love her?”

18

JOHN

Quinn arrived later than planned, but early enough she had a chance to change before we took Abby to her slumber party.

Earlier, after she’d dropped her bombshell of a question, Abby had been distracted when the sprinklers came on suddenly, laughing as the cool water hit us. I cursed as I realized the timer must have malfunctioned, but it did stop me from having to answer her query.

Did I love her momma?

I was pretty certain that I did. It was fast, but it was real. And I knew it was forever.

But I really wanted to tell Quinn first before telling Abby. And I wanted to be sure Quinn was ready to hear it.

But every time I looked at her, every touch and every kiss only confirmed what I had been feeling. Quinn had somehow slipped into my heart without my realizing it, Abby following right behind her. They were a package deal, and I didn’t plan on asking for a refund or any changes.

I liked it exactly how it came.

My girls.

We dropped Abby off, Quinn walking her in with her little knapsack and clutching Enid and Fluffy. I stayed in the truck, not wanting to overstep. Pumpkin had kissed me, flinging her arms around my neck. “Remember what I told you,” I whispered.

She nodded, and I felt my stomach tighten a little as she left the truck. I had no idea how Quinn handled it.

Quinn came back, and I looked over at her. She looked worn and tired. “Do you want to just pick up a pizza, go home, and put our feet up? Have some wine, watch a movie, and be close, in case?”

“But you made plans.”

I ran a finger down her cheek. “Darlin’, as long as you’re with me, then my plans are complete.”

She sighed. “I’d love that.”

I winked. “Done.”

We picked up a pizza and headed to the farm. Quinn was quiet, staring out the window. I reached over and took her hand. “Something upsetting you?”

She turned her head with a rueful smile. “No. Just thinking about today.”

“You planning on offering me a job? I have the need to tell you that pouring water and coffee are my only skills. I have a feeling carrying trays is beyond me.”

She leaned her head back with a snicker. “You were awesome today. How is it you seem to know exactly what to do?”

“I don’t,” I admitted. “It’s all guesses. And today, I happened to be in town to pick up some wood to rebuild the chicken coop ramp. I dropped by because I was hungry.” I shrugged. “Didn’t take many brains to figure out what was happening. You should have been closing, not serving a group of ten.”

“But they were great. In fact, the mother told me her daughter wanted a different kind of wedding. A picnic. She asked if I catered because they all agreed the sandwiches and potato salad were the best they ever had. And that’s what she wants on the menu. Sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, cake. Lemonade and iced tea. They’re getting married just themselves in the morning and want to do a country lunch after.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“I gave her my number, and she’s going to call me next week. So, a late table would be worth it.” She traced my arm as I pulled into the driveway. “But I was at my wit’s end when you walked in. You made all the difference.”

I parked the truck and leaned across the cab. “Glad I could help. Now, how about some pizza, a glass of wine, maybe a soak, and a movie? We can go to bed early.” I waggled my eyebrows. “Seems to me I have a promise to keep.”

“And if…” She trailed off.

“If Pumpkin needs picking up, I’ll go. Just relax tonight, baby. Let me take the load.”