Page 58 of Tin

RIKER

After we left the courthouse, we came straight here to Quinn’s parents’ house. Nate and Sophie were already here, ready and waiting with a makeshift banner welcoming Quinn to her new life of freedom. Apparently, Kirsten called ahead to give them the good news.

Quinn’s mom’s been on the phone since we walked in the door an hour ago, busy updating every friend and family member of the unexpected change of course, while Kirsten’s been out on the front lawn sending off every reporter who dares to show his or her face around here. The civil trial didn’t catch nearly as much media attention as the criminal one had, until today. But considering even Nate is opting to stay inside and let her handle things, I’m thinking Kirsten has it covered.

Meanwhile, Quinn is like a completely different person. The distant look in her eyes is gone and there’s a new lighter way about her. I think we both know she still has a long way to go before we can seriously consider things like marriage and a family, but watching her sit with Sophie around the coffee table playing a game of Go Fish and giggling like she doesn’t have a care in the world is all the proof I need that the life we’d both given up on is ours for the taking again.

Which means there’s someone I need to talk to. Someone who needs to know more about me and how I feel about his daughter.

Mr. Quincy is outside, cleaning the grill. I kind of like that his idea of celebrating is firing up the barbeque. Reminds me of my dad. Family meant everything to him, and bringing everyone together over food he prepared was one way he showed it.

“Sir.” I nod as I step outside tojoin him.

“Please, I’m wearing an apron that looks like a naked body builder with a tuff of pink fluff covering my crotch. I hardly think now is the time to be so formal.” He chuckles, and I wonder how long it’s been since he’s done that. Really, truly laughed because he felt happy and carefree enough to do it. “Dave will do.”

“Dave it is, then.” I step beside him. “Can I give you a hand with anything here?”

He tips his head at the cooler sitting on the picnic bench. “You could grab me a bottle. And get one for yourself while you’re at it.”

I immediately do as he says. I’m not a big drinker, but a beer to take the edge off my nerves right now doesn’t sound like a bad idea at all. I pop the top off his bottle and hand it to him.

“Thanks.” He takes a swig. “So I’m assuming you didn’t come out here just to watch me clean the grill.”

“No, sir—I mean Dave.” Fuck me. Why am I having a fucking meltdown about this? He’s not even making it hard on me. “Thing is...” I put the bottle down. Maybe a clear head is the better way to go. “I know I’m probably not the man you had in mind for your daughter. There’s the age difference. And I’ve been married and divorced. Not to mention I’m in my thirties and still haven’t figured out what to do with my life other than handle the business of those no longer around to handle it for themselves.” I glance down at my rolled-up sleeves and the ink covering every inch of my exposed skin. “I probably don’t make the best first impression, all things considered.”

Quinn’s dad steps away from the grill, then takes my beer and heads over to take a seat at the patio table. I follow his lead, assuming he’s about to give his side of the story and why he has reservations about my relationship with his daughter.

“Riker, my wife tells me you’re a father.”

I nod. Although most people wouldn’t consider me one anymore, I sort of appreciate that he still does. “I’m not technically able to claim that title anymore. But I still feel like one. I don’t know how to turn that off.”

“It can’tbeturned off. Once that love starts, it flows freely until the day you die. It’s not like any other kind of love. It can’t be changed or stopped or affected in any way. It’s true. It’s unconditional, and often it’s heartbreaking.” He balances his bottle on its rim. “My daughters have endured more heartache than most. During the years young adults are meant to be exploring the various avenues available to them, making fools of themselves and enjoying the freedom to do so, my girls weren’t so lucky.” He levels his gaze with mine. “As a father, I’ve felt it all. Everything they feel, I feel too.” He smiles. “I know my daughter is in love with you, Riker. And whatever preconceived notions you have about my expectations of the man who would hold her heart one day, I didn’t have a single one you haven’t met. You showed up here today to defend her. To stand by her. I can’t think of a better first impression than that.”

I laugh uncomfortably. “Thank you. That really means a lot to me, that you would say that. I love her too. More than I thought I could love anyone. And I want you to know I don’t intend to stand by her just today.”

He nods, then lifts his bottle to cheer, and I meet it with mine, clinking the glasses together loudly. “To Quinn.”

“To Quinn.” I grin like a total goof, all because I like the sound of my girl’s name when it comes out of my mouth. Knowing I have her father’s blessing to call her mine means something to me. And I suddenly understand why Hannah and Sid never made it down the aisle without my mother. It wouldn’t stop me from marrying Quinn, but I get it now.

Satisfied with our little chat, her dad gets back to his feet and begins to undo his apron. “Now then, just to prove to you that I am not only accepting of this relationship but am happy to welcome you to the Quincy Clan, I’m going to let you wear this and man the grill.” He hands me his gear and winks. “But when Nate asks, tell him you had to arm-wrestle me for it.”

“What?” I laugh.

“He’ll believe that. And even if he doesn’t, he’s a blue-collar guy. I can beat him if I have to.” Then he chuckles again and starts pulling Tupperware filled with marinated steaks out of the cooler while I light the grill to take charge of dinner, naked guy apron and all.

QUINN

I’m in my parents’ bedroom searching for an old puzzle of a unicorn I know my mother saved, when my eye catches on one of the pictures on her dresser. It’s of me and Sophie. Only Sophie was just a baby and I was a completely different person. I’m smiling in the picture. I remember exactly when it was taken. Sophie had just learned to crawl, and I’d taken full credit for it because I’d been the only one silly enough to get on the floor and lead by example. That’s how I was back then. Silly. Fun.

I never doubted for even a second that Sophie would grow up calling me her favorite aunt. I had visions of her coming to me to talk about boys and clothes and every other trivial yet monumental thing a teenage girl needs to chat about for hours on end. I planned on being the one she came to. And then I left. And the aunt who came back was never going to be worthy of those moments.

Sophie would never remember the aunt she had back then. She’d never know how many hours I spent giggling with her. How often I’d played peekaboo, or the countless times I sang the ants go marching round and round because it was the only thing that kept her fromcrying while riding in the car. All she knew now was the serious, solemn aunt who hardly ever spoke to her. The aunt who had moments of joy, but more often than not opted to hole up in her room by herself.

I don’t want to be that aunt anymore. I want to be the one she can count on. The one she can come to. And I want to be fun again. I’m ready to be fun again. And not just for Sophie’s sake. For my own.

“Hey.” Riker’s standing in the doorway. He’s wearing my father’s apron.

“Hey yourself, stud.” I walk over and tug at the naked guy covering his body. “What’s happening here?”

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