Page 58 of Playing With Forever

“And my parents and Brice’s are thrilled.”

Just as I knew they would be.

“That’s wonderful. And you? You’re doing okay?”

She blew out a breath and nodded. “I know it’s okay to mourn the loss of something I wanted. I’m not ready to go there, but I know if the time comes, I’m surrounded by people who will help me through. But I’ve made peace with our decision, and I’m excited. We have three more classes, then…” She shrugged. “I might get to be a foster mom. But whatever happens, I’m good. Really good. And so is Brice.”

“You’re going to be an excellent mom, Quinn. However that comes about.”

“You’re right, I will. How could I not be with all the women in my life who taught me what motherhood is really about.”

I loved she’d had that all her life.

And I loved that I now got to give that to Lindy.

“Keep me posted and please let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do, Josie.”

I went back to the calendar, approving the changes and seeing Lindy’s art class was now scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays starting next week.

It was going to be great having my girl with me a couple of hours two days a week.

I heard footsteps and looked up.

Phil.

“Ready?” he asked.

I didn’t waste my breath with him either. I knew Evan had called Phil and arranged for him to walk me to my car.

“Yes, sir, lead the way.”

“Are you being…sassy?”

The look on Phil’s face was comical.

“I’m not always a stick-in-the-mud,” I protested.

“You’re never a stick-in-the-mud, but I’ve worked with you a long time and I’ve never seen or heard you…” He waved his hand up and down in front of me.

“Happy,” I offered.

“If this is what happy looks like on you, it breaks my heart knowing that you haven’t been happy all these years.”

That was sweet of him.

“I’ll amend. This is me deliriously happy. Before, I was just regular happy.”

Phil gave a slight jerk, then barked out a laugh.

I couldn’t remember if I’d ever made Phil laugh or even heard it.

Which was a shame, he had a great laugh.

“Well, boss, deliriously happy works for you in a big way.”

It was good he thought that because I wholeheartedly agreed.