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He noticed her odd look and misinterpreted its meaning when he clarified, "They know not to throw the good china and they, of course, clean everything up when the show's over."
She couldn't help laughing because Gabriel was as crazy as the Paynes. The three of them were perfect together. "How did you find them?"
He shrugged before he offered, "I didn't. They found me."
"I don't understand."
"I was about to contact an agency when they just appeared at my front door. We've been together ever since."
"And that was when?"
"Right after I moved in."
A chill went through Quinn. Gabriel noticed and pulled off his leather jacket and slipped it around her shoulders.
"It does get a bit cold in here."
At that moment, the Paynes turned in unison and Quinn was treated to a not-so-subtle scrutiny before they looked to Gabriel and smiled wide.
"Welcome home, Mr. McCabe."
"Gabriel, stop pretending to be so formal, Peg. You've got a meat cleaver in your hand."
Peg Payne immediately moved the offending object behind her back.
Gabriel rested his hand on Quinn's lower back and stepped into the kitchen with her.
"Quinn Shaughnessy, Peg and Tommy Payne."
Quinn wasn't sure if she should curtsey or offer her hand so opted for the latter.
"It's very nice to meet you."
Mrs. Payne seemed a bit cold but Mr. Payne was very friendly and he linked Quinn's hand through his arm, a wide smile covering his wrinkled face.
"Please allow me to show you to your room," he said formally. And before Quinn could respond, she was being pulled out of the kitchen and down the hall.
Later, Gabriel took Quinn for a walk through the gardens that ended at his stables. His stable boy, Declan, greeted them and Gabriel didn't miss the look of appreciation on his young charge's face at the sight of Quinn. He couldn't fault the boy his tastes.
"Could you bring Odin out, Declan?" Gabriel asked.
"Sure thing," Declan said as he ran to do Gabriel's bidding.
Quinn spoke up from his side,"How old is he?"
"Nine," Gabriel offered.
"How many boys are employed here?"
Gabriel's head turned to hers as surprise flashed across his face. "Twenty, give or take a few."
Quinn leaned up against the fence and asked, "Do they live here, too?"
"No, they have families."
"And you are supporting all of them." Quinn was silent for a moment before she added, "You're a good man, Gabriel."
He pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Don't tell anyone."
