Page 64 of A Simple Life

“Well, the color, yes. But hers are warm and expressive. Slightly lighter in color. His were very dark brown.”

“She’s like you in so many ways.”

“We spent all our time together. I had to be Mom and Dad. He couldn’t be bothered, and when he was around, he sucked the life out of whatever fun we had planned.” I put my chin in my hand, looking at my daughter sleeping at the table, crumbs all around her and a streak of ketchup on her cheek I had missed.

“I don’t know when he became so obsessed with money and reputation that he forgot how to laugh or live,” I said quietly. “When he forgot he once loved me and wanted the same things I did. But it happened, and he wasn’t the man I knew anymore. He wasn’t the man I wanted to raise my daughter with. I loved her exactly the way she was. He wanted her to be a silent showpiece. A mini adult.”

John slipped his hand under my chin, turning my face to his. “He was chasing the wrong dream. He got lost. He lost the greatest gifts he’d been given.”

I smiled at his words.

“But I found you,” he continued. “And my feet are firmly on the ground. I know what’s important.” He tightened his hand. “And I’m not letting go.” He leaned close and kissed me. “I won’t forget.”

I touched his cheek, and we shared a long, intimate glance. His gaze was open. Warm. Telling me silently he had me.

“Let’s take our girl to bed, Quinn. I think you’re as exhausted as she is, and I am going to make sure you sleep well tonight.”

“Promises, promises,” I whispered.

“Ones I intend to keep.”

16

JOHN

Abby didn’t stir as we tucked her in. Quinn bent and kissed her forehead, leaving a small light on in case Abby woke up and was upset.

“Will you leave it on all night?”

“Yes. Even when I’m with her, she sometimes has nightmares in a strange place.” Then she smiled, slipping her arm around my waist. “She’s very happy here, though, so I’m hoping no bad dreams tonight. She isn’t anxious. And neither am I. I always wondered if she picked up on my stress.”

I drew her down the hall to my room. “I’m glad you’re not stressed. But you’re tired.”

She glanced around my room in curiosity. She ran her hands over the twisted wood bed frame. “Did you make this?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Wood from the back lot that I cleared out,” I explained. “I saw one on TV and thought how much I liked the look of it. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos and it took me a while, but I figured it out.”

She took in the cream walls, the thick planked floors, and the simple furnishings. She was fascinated by the handmade rug on the floor, bending close to examine it.

“My grandmother made it. It’s been in this house since it was built. Kinda faded now, but I still like it.”

“It’s amazing.”

Her gaze strayed to the big armchair in the corner, taking in the table and pile of books on top. “I like to read,” I murmured. “Relaxes me.”

“Me too.”

I indicated the door on the end wall. “I have something I think will relax you in there.”

She met my eyes, hers dancing. I smirked. “Well, that too, darlin’, but I thought you might like to soak a bit.”

I led her through the large walk-in closet and to the bathroom. A huge, old-fashioned tub sat in the corner, the aged copper gleaming in the lights. She gasped in delight. “Oh my God—is that original?”

“Yep. Pulled it out of the old bathroom and had it replumbed when I added this new section to the house. It’s deep and long, and I knew I wouldn’t find anything like it. The copper holds the heat too.”