AllFreeNovel
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As we reach the car, Quinn is already there, loading up the last of our bags into the trunk. Paige skips over to her, a bright smile on her face. "Hey, Quinn! I'm so excited that you're coming with us!"
Quinn returns the smile, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I'm excited too, Paige. It's been a long time since I've been to the beach."
Paige's eyes widen with curiosity. "Really? So, what are you excited for the most?"
Quinn ponders for a moment before replying, "Hmm, I think I'm most excited about watching the sun set over the ocean. There's something magical about it, don't you think?"
Paige nods vigorously. "Yeah, definitely! Oh, and we can have a bonfire and roast marshmallows, too!"
"That sounds like a great idea," Quinn agrees, and I can see the bond between them growing stronger with every shared laugh and smile.
As I watch them interact, my heart swells with love for my daughter and the woman who has stolen my heart.
Once everything is packed, I slide into the driver's seat and start the engine, a feeling of freedom washing over me. As we drive, I steal glances at Quinn, her beauty captivating me all over again. Paige sits in the backseat, bubbling with excitement and chatting away about all the fun things she wants to do at the beach.
When we finally reach the sandy shore, Paige can barely contain herself. She bolts from the car and races towards the water, her laughter echoing through the air. Quinn and I follow, watching her with warm smiles on our faces.
Paige begins building a sandcastle nearby.
Quinn grows quiet, and her eyes are distant.
“Hey, what’s up? We’re at the beach, remember?” I chuckle. “It’s okay to smile.”
She gives me a half-hearted smile. “I’ve been thinking about us. You met my best friend, and we all hung out, but you haven’t introduced me to your family or friends.” Before I can reply, she says, “I mean, introduce me as more than the nanny.”
I take a deep breath, feeling a pang of guilt in my chest. I know she's right. We've been keeping our relationship a secret, and it's not fair to her. I reach for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, as the scent of the ocean fills my nostrils.
"Quinn, I'm sorry. You deserve so much better than being kept a secret. It's just... I'm worried about how Paige will react, and I don't want to rush things."
Her eyes meet mine, searching for sincerity. "I understand, but at some point, we have to face this. I don't want to feel like I'm hiding in the shadows forever."
I nod, knowing she's right. "You're right, and I promise we'll figure this out together. But for now, can we just enjoy our time here? I don't want to ruin this trip for Paige."
Quinn sighs but nods, accepting my request. "Alright, but we need to talk about this soon. I care about you, Ezra, and I want us to be able to share our lives openly."
"I care about you too, Quinn," I reply, my voice filled with determination. "We'll get there, I promise."
As we watch Paige laughing and playing, I imagine a future where our relationship is out in the open, where Quinn is more than just the nanny. My heart aches for that day to come, and I know that I'll do whatever it takes to make it a reality.
For now, though, I focus on enjoying the present moment—the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the warmth of the sun on our skin, and the joy of spending time with the two people who mean the most to me.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, painting the sky with brilliant hues of orange and pink, we decide to head to a nearby restaurant for dinner. The salty sea breeze follows us as we walk, and I can't help but feel a sense of contentment, spending this time with Paige and Quinn.
We step into the upscale restaurant and I'm immediately struck by the tasteful blend of elegance and warmth. The dimly lit chandeliers cast a soft glow over the room, highlighting the rich wooden accents and plush furnishings. The atmosphere is inviting, yet sophisticated, perfect for both adults and children to enjoy a memorable dining experience.
I glance around, taking in the artful arrangements of fresh flowers adorning each table and the beautiful paintings that grace the walls. The murmur of conversation fills the air, punctuated by the occasional sound of laughter or the clink of glasses coming together in a toast. As we're led to our table, I notice families with children enjoying their meals alongside couples and groups of friends. It's clear that this restaurant has managed to create an environment that caters to a diverse clientele.
Our table is situated near a large window, offering us a stunning view of the island's picturesque landscape. Paige's eyes light up as she takes in the sight, and I can tell she's already excited about the culinary adventure that awaits us. As we settle into our seats, I appreciate the crisp white tablecloth and the gleaming silverware, small details that speak to the restaurant's commitment to excellence.
Just as we're about to order, a familiar figure catches my eye. It's Marianne, elegantly dressed and accompanied by a group of friends. Our eyes meet, and she approaches our table with a warm smile.
"Ezra! What a delightful surprise," she says, her voice like honey. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Likewise, Marianne," I reply, trying to keep my tone casual. "How have you been?"
"I've been well, thank you," she answers gracefully. "And who are these lovely ladies with you?"
I introduce Paige and Quinn, making a point to call Quinn "Paige's nanny," a title that now feels painfully inadequate. Marianne greets them both with genuine warmth, but I notice the way her gaze lingers on Quinn for a moment longer than necessary.
