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Her tears would soon start to soak into Quinten’s shirt but there was no way he wouldn’t know so she lifted her face and let him see how much his words affected her. “I want that more than anything.”
He smiled and wiped her eyes with his thumbs, or rather he tried to. She laughed and knocked his hands away. “I’ve got this.”
He watched her closely and asked, “So, have you given any thought as to where you want to live?”
She smiled and straddled his lap, her hands held loosely on his shoulders. “What about Montana? It’s full of large spaces and less people. We can choose somewhere that isn’t over populated.”
“Are you choosing Montana because of what I just said about needing peace and quiet or have you given it some thought?” Quinten tipped his head and watched Saige closely.
“I was thinking a complete change to Florida. Somewhere that has nice summers, but cold winters. I think we’re both ready for the change and we’ll be able to choose whether or not we want to be around people or not. Have a town close by with a convenience store. Driving distance to a larger city maybe for a once a month large shopping trip, and we need schools close by.”
Quinten threw his head back and laughed. “You do have it all planned. Anything else?” he asked, his eyes darkening the further his hands slipped up her thighs.
She grinned. “I know you really won’t like this but you’ll just have to live with it for now.” She watched him frown and continued, “This apartment is mine, Quinten. I bought it with money that had been left in a trust for me when my mother died. I’m going to sell it and get us a home in Montana that we both love. I know you’re a proud man, but until we get ourselves sorted, you’re going to have to forget about where the money is coming from and just enjoy being with me.” She bit her lip, hoping he would just agree.
“I can do that for you...but as soon as the money I’m owed comes through and I’m working, we’re going fifty-fifty, and that isn’t open for discussion.” He grinned. “However, what I might let you open for discussion is how much I want you, how much you drive me insane, how much I’ll always need you by my side, and what we’ll never discuss is who loves who the most because I’m pretty certain we’ll never agree on that one.”
Saige silently agreed and swooped down to capture the lips that always captivated her.
Day 22
2:00pm
* * *
After phoning Coulter to see if they could go back to his beach house for a couple of weeks, Quinten helped Saige pack her things up. He didn’t have much—a week’s supply of clothing, as well as sneakers and work boots that Saige had bought him as soon as she knew he’d be released. Alex would have the rest of his gear ready to go with them when they moved to Montana.
The minute Saige had suggested where they should move to, he’d liked the idea without even having to think about it. He’d probably be able to get more carpentry work out there as well because they tended to keep within a country theme. Although his specialty was woodcarvings, he used to build kitchens, and made to order furniture. He was pretty sure it was a skill that one didn’t forget.
The worry about their future was there, but he felt more positive about it and about being able to provide for Saige, and any children that might follow.
He’d love to see Saige pregnant with his child and he refused to think about what they’d already lost through no fault of their own. His girl was strong, stronger than anyone he knew, but he couldn’t help wonder if she was really all right.
Her father could go to hell for all he cared, but at the end of the day, Quinten would follow Saige’s lead because, until she’d met him, her father had raised her well.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Saige asked, snapping his attention back to her delectable bottom as she leaned over the bed, watching him over her shoulder. “And don’t go getting any ideas,” she chuckled. “Coulter will be here soon to help us down to the car and away from this place.”
“I’m sure I can keep my hands to myself for an hour or so...I’m happy, Saige.” He dropped his ass to the end of the bed and met her gaze when she paused in what she was doing. “I’m finally free to be with you after so long.” He held his hand out to her, which she took and sat beside him. “But, I’m also worried about you and what your father has done to the relationship between you both.”
Saige shook her head. “As long as I have you by my side then I’m happy too, Quinten. When I had no memory of you, there must have been something there because I brought our chair with me to Tampa. As soon as I started to remember, I longed to be with you, and then when I remembered everything about our time together, I knew nothing would keep me from you once you were free...I’m heartbroken about my father and really don’t know what’s going to happen, especially after I give Coulter the report.”
Quinten wr
apped an arm around her shoulders and kept her close. “What they did to you was illegal, and I’m guessing Coulter will make sure they don’t get away with it...He’s your father, Saige, are you sure that you’re okay with that?”
“You think I should just ignore what he’s done.” She tried to pull away but he wouldn’t let her.
“No, I’m not saying that. I want your father to pay. I’m angry with him and I’ll never want him near you or any children we may have in the future. He somehow manipulated the evidence against me, which lost eight years of my life with you. He did the unspeakable to you, so no, I don’t want you to ignore what he’s done.” He inhaled and slowly exhaled to calm his temper at the thought of her father. “I just want to make sure you’re okay with taking this further, but I’m going to be right by your side no matter what happens. Do you hear me?” He slipped a hand to the nape of her neck and cupped the back of her head.
Saige swallowed a few times, but he was relieved that, for once there were no tears. “I’m angry and upset that he isn’t the man I thought he was. There’s still part of me that feels I should protect him, but I can’t.”
He sighed in relief because he knew that he would have had to say something to the detective if Saige had decided against it. Quinten wouldn’t have been able to walk away without making sure Saige was protected.
“I’m glad that’s cleared. Let’s buzz Coulter in,” Quinten said, and after a quick kiss to her lips, he did just that.
* * *
2:30pm
