Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 105748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
My heart turned over in my chest as those shoulders tensed. And then the man turned his head, as if he’d sensed me.
I looked into the beautiful blue eyes of Quinn McQuarrie and tried not to let him see that in the almost nineteen years since we’d been apart, I’d never gotten past the anger of losing him.
So much for making Mum proud.
I nodded in acknowledgment and then hurried behind the counter. Then I murmured to Ewan I’d be out in five minutes, and he gave me a knowing look but didn’t say anything as I disappeared into the small staff room to wait for Quinn to leave.
3. Quinn
July, This Year
Sometimes I think the worst thing that ever happened to my kids was moving to the mainland. While the small population of kids here were still into their phones and social media, they had more patience and a connection to nature that seemed to ground them in an understanding of what truly mattered in life. Since my daughter Heather and son Angus had moved to Oban to live with their mum and stepdad, I’d noticed subtle changes over time, especially in Heather. I understood it because she was almost eighteen. But Angus was definitely more into video games than nature now, and that was new.
“No, Dad, nooouhhhh,” Angus whined, his head lolling dramatically. “I’m supposed to log on at eleven to play Valor Star with my pals.”
Online gaming? He was nine. “Does your mum let you play?”
Before he could answer, Heather clattered her coffee mug down on my island. “At least you can meet up with your friends online.” She cut me a dark look. “My friends are all in Paris together while I’m stuck here.”
Indignation and something I hated to admit was hurt burned at the base of my throat. “You leave for university at the end of the summer. These two weeks are my time with you. Why would you try to book a holiday with your friends during the only time your dad gets to see you before you go off into the world as an adult?”
“We’ll see each other a couple of weekends before I leave too. Ick. Don’t emotionally guilt me, Dad. Red flag vibes.”
I shook my head because sometimes it honestly seemed like she was speaking another language.
“Dad-uh!” Angus whined again. “Please.”
“No. I’ve packed a picnic with all your favorite food and we’re spending the day together.”
“But—”
“I took two weeks off a big project to be with you, and whether any of us like it, we are spending the bloody day together.” I pointed to the door. “Now put on your shoes and get in the car or I will take every single electronic device away from you both for the entire time you’re here.”
At least one thing hadn’t changed. My kids knew when they’d pushed Dad to his limits. Or at least Angus did. He considered me. “What kind of favorite food?”
I grinned because that was more like him. “Sandwiches and cakes from the bakery.”
“Nice!” Angus beamed and hurried to put on his trainers. Heather stared defiantly at me. Not moving.
Kiera had warned me when I picked them up from her house. “Heather is all over the place. One minute she’s fine, the next she’s biting off our heads. I think she’s nervous for uni, and this is how the nerves are coming out.”
I reminded myself of Kiera’s opinion as I said quietly, “Please, flower. Let’s spend a nice day together.”
Something softened in her expression, and she slipped off the stool to follow Angus. I grabbed my car keys and trailed the kids out of the house. They were bitching to each other about who was sitting up front. They couldn’t agree on anything these days.
“Enough.” I settled a hand on Angus’s shoulder. “In the back.”
“Why does she get to sit up front every time?” Angus grumbled.
“Your sister is the eldest, so she gets to sit in the front. When she goes to uni, you’ll get to sit in the front.”
“Unless Dad miraculously finds a girlfriend.” Heather’s smirk was mocking. “Then she’ll sit in the front.”
“Nuh-uh.” Angus scrunched up his face.
“If you get in the car, I’ll take you fishing tomorrow.”
He scrambled in, reached for the door handle, and pulled it shut with a big grin. I chuckled and looked over at Heather.
“So, what am I supposed to do when you two are fishing?”
“Come with us.”
She let out a beleaguered huff. “Aye, no thanks.”
“I could see if Aunt Cammie is around to keep you company?”
“I gave up Paris to be here, and you’re leaving me with Aunt Cammie.” She jumped into the passenger seat and slammed her door.
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I took a few deep breaths before I got in. Heather adored her Aunt Cammie and loved spending time with her, so I knew she was just trying to wind me up.