Page 119 of The Forsaken
Emma inched closer to Gabe, but her expression wasn’t one of wonder but extreme jealousy. She glanced at the baby, then turned to Quinn. “Will you love him more than you love me?”
“Of course not. Come here.”
Quinn stretched out her arms and tried to turn onto her side, which hurt like the devil, but it was worth it. She was able to wrap her arms about Emma, who burrowed her face in Quinn’s neck.
“Don’t ever leave me, Mum. Not ever. I was so scared.”
“I know you were, but everything is all right, and now we have Alex.”
“Hmm.”
“Would you like to hold him?”
“May I?” Emma asked, her eyes lighting up. “You’ll let me?”
Gabe vacated the chair he’d been sitting in and invited Emma to sit down. “You get comfortable, and I will put the baby in your arms.” Emma did as she was told and Gabe handed her the baby. He stood directly in front of her, so the baby wouldn’t tumble to the floor should she let go.
“I’m Emma,” she announced to the infant. “I’m your big sister. You’re smaller than I thought you were going to be, but we’ll feed you up,” she said, echoing a phrase she’d heard Phoebe use. “You’ll get big and strong, and then we’ll play together. But you can’t have Mr. Rabbit. Not ever. You’ll have to get your own. Okay, I’m done.”
Gabe took the baby and placed him in the bassinet. “I’m going to take Emma home and put her to bed. Besides, Mr. Rabbit must be frantic with worry. We’ll be back first thing in the morning. Get some rest.” He kissed Quinn and escorted Emma from the room.
“Does Sylvia know?” Quinn asked Logan as soon as Gabe and Emma had gone.
“Yes. She’d like to come and see you. Shall I tell her she may visit?”
Quinn was tempted to refuse but nodded instead. “Alex is her grandson.”
“Thanks, Quinn. That’s kind. I know how angry you are with her, and with Jude. He’s promised to start rehab. That episode with Emma really frightened him. He’d never have forgiven himself had anything happened to her.”
“I’m glad he’s ready to get help, but I don’t think I want to see him anytime soon.”
“Understandable.”
“Have you heard anything about our sister? Today is her birthday too.”
“No, I haven’t. Dead silence.”
Quinn didn’t mean to cry, but she dissolved into floods, partially because she was a hormonal minefield, and partially because her heart longed for a sister she’d never met. Somewhere out there, Quentin had turned thirty-one years old. What would her birthday celebration be like? Was she married? Did she have children? Did she know that she had siblings who were searching for her and had she decided not to reach out to them?
“We’ll find her, Quinn. I know it.”
“We must. I will never feel complete until I see her and speak to her.”
Logan patted Quinn on the shoulder and left her to rest, but there was something she had to do before going to sleep. Gabe had left her mobile within reach, so she got hold of it and selected Seth’s number. It’d be around 8:00 p.m. in New Orleans.
Seth answered on the first ring. “Quinn, I’m so glad you called. How are you, sweetheart? Any news?”
“I’m all right. The news is that you have a grandson. He was born at 11:23 p.m. local time. His name is Alex.”
Quinn gave Seth a moment to collect himself. The sharp intake of breath was followed by what could only be a joyful smile. “Oh, Quinn, that’s wonderful news. Will you send me a picture?”
“Of course I will. But I expect you to come and see him for yourself. Soon.”
“Try and stop me!” Seth exclaimed. He sounded jubilant at the thought of seeing his grandbaby, but then his tone turned anxious. “Quinn, any word on Quentin?”
“No, not yet. I sent the letter, but never heard anything back. I think we’ll need to start searching for her on our own.”
“Where do we begin?”
