Sam's parents sighed. "Ryan, you're a blessing. Sam's just a curse."A curse?!Sam certainly remembered that, and his rebellious streak only got worse.-Back to the present, Quinn ultimately blamed herself. "Maybe I had been lacking when I was a child, but I hope you can let go of past preconceptions and allow us to have a fresh start."Sam pursed his lips and stayed silent.Quinn's eyes turned red in misery. "Can't we?""We can," he said very quietly, so Quinn could not hear that he was choking with emotion.It had been a long while since he looked forward to anything, and he even though no one in the world liked him or cared—that he was just excess.He did not expect Quinn to ask him for a fresh start or to try having a relationship. He did not agree to it right away, because he thought he imagined it—that it was just his fantasy."You mean, we can start going out?" Quinn asked, working hard to calm herself. "Then… can I hold you?""No…" Sam refused right then.Quinn was
When Sam woke up late in the morning the next day, he was alone on his hotel bed.He sprang to his feet right then—where was Quinn? Did she leave?Was everything she said yesterday about trying to have a relationship a lie?!He knew it.He was going to wake up and realize that it was just a dream, and now, he did.He was smiling coolly, the stinging sensation that extended from his chest overwhelming him just then.Quinn was such a liar, tricking him into developing feelings for her. He never should have believed her—Nonetheless, that was when the door opened.Startled, Sam saw Quinn standing at the doorway, holding a bag.She smiled at him, seeing he had woken up. "You're up? You were sleeping like a log."Sam gulped, hiding how he felt just then.Still, Quinn noticed his weird reaction and hurried to him. "What's wrong? Your eyes are red…""Nothing." Sam turned away.Even he would hate himself, since Quinn almost left him in tears when he thought she left him!"Still f
"Don't do that ever again," Sam said sternly.Quinn pouted. "But I thought you liked it…""Even so.""Okay." Quinn hung her head as if she had made a mistake.Sam appeared left flustered by her reaction—was that too much? Still, it frustrated him to think she queued for two hours. He did not like her pushing herself that much… As such, he added, "I'll queue for it if I want it."That was the most he could manage—sweet-talking was never his strong suit.Nonetheless, Quinn argued, "You're not patient enough for that.""T-Then I'll just give it a pass.""You'd never know how it tastes in that case," Quinn said bluntly."I'm fine without it.""Are you allergic to people being nice to you?" Quinn complained.Sam pursed his lips and stayed silent, so Quinn demanded, "Eat. You don't get to leave the table unless you finish everything.""You bought a lot," Sam argued, but considering that Quinn was a little scared, he relaxed his tone. "I'll finish half."Quinn was dissatisfie
Sam ignored Bob's teasing and hung up before turning to Quinn. "Bob will make the arrangements.""You're really close to him," Quinn said earnestly."Not just him. With John and Jay too," he replied.He would not mention his friends before to her and always kept her out of the loop when it came to himself."There's something I don't understand…" Quinn said hesitantly just then."What is it?""Don't get upset with me.""Just say it.""Why are you able to get along with everyone other than Ryan?" Quinn asked, still worried that Sam would get upset.It was a sensitive question, and Sam's temper had always been horrible… But she was really curious, especially since they were brothers.A look of irritation appeared on Sam's face in turn—was it not obvious? Was there any man who could play nice with another man clearly coveting his wife, even if he was his brother?Moreover, get along with Ryan when Ryan had belittled him his whole life?"Are you that eager to have me get along w
Cordy sounded lethargic although it was noon when Zoe called her.John was probably devouring her whole during their honeymoon, and there would be a baby in her belly by the time they got back.Zoe was staring at Quinn as she complained about all the grief she suffered for days. "You're finally back, Quinn… You have no idea how much I've suffered. Jay wouldn't let me have anything…"Quinn smiled. "That's because he cares. Rejoice that you got a good husband!""But I'd rather have freedom.""You'll be free after you have your baby…""I'll still have to breastfeed…""And stop lactating.""…You're just saying that because you won't ever know what it's like," Zoe huffed.Quinn hid a smile—that certainly was the case."Anyway, don't you want children? You're not young—heck, this pregnancy even feels different than when I had Yelena. It's so taxing…" Zoe said then.Quinn glanced at Sam who was sitting with the others, and he turned to look at her too, as if he sensed her.As thei
Meanwhile, Zoe continued reminiscing. "Sam was really tall, even during high school—standing half a head taller than the rest, he stood out even in the basketball team. Anyway, he charged into our classroom with that terrible look on his face and came up to me."Even the teacher was spooked, let alone my classmates. Heck, my heart skipped a beat, and I was so worried I'd upset him and he wanted me dead…" Zoe shuddered even as she remembered it. "Anyway, Sam threw me a pack of pads as everyone watched.."While Quinn had a hard time imagining the scene, it was still a fresh memory in Zoe's mind. "He was scowling at me even as he told me to bring it to you… and with that, he's gone, not caring that everyone was staring at him. It was like he was immune to embarrassment… Like it only happened to anyone but him.""You had no idea how awkward it was, Quinn—I could vanish right then," Zoe sighed, overwhelmed even as she remembered. "I had to pick up that pack while everyone watched and t
Bob and Sam frequented nightclubs so much that even alcoholics like Zoe could not hold her own against them together, let alone a completely amateur like Jay.Naturally, Zoe was fuming to see Sam and Bob drinking with Jay. If only she could drink too… She would wipe the floor with them!Quinn could not help jiggling as she watched Zoe seethe—who would have known that the carefree gal would care so much for a man? Naturally, it was just as unlikely to think that the same gal who was thoroughly wounded from relationships would find her happiness.Still, Quinn did not drink with everyone, feeling the need to be prim with Sam around. She did not meddle as they got drunk by the gallons either, since Sam would never lose out with his tolerance for alcohol.She instead was paying close attention to Yelena, who had been well-behaved for a while now as she was eager to be a sister! The little girl would eat on her own, looking endearing as she did.Quinn would take care of her while
Zoe, Jay, and Quinn were left gaping at the pair… Honestly, whose birthday was it again? Why were they being more jolly than the rest, getting drunk themselves?As the trio traded glances, Quinn said, "I'll get Sam home. As for Bob…""He can sleep here," Jay said. "He can leave after he gets sober.""Is that alright?" Quinn glanced between him and Zoe.Does Jay really not take exception to Bob's presence, what with Bob and Zoe being an item before?"Yeah, it's fine," Jay said bluntly. "I'm that confident in myself."Quinn could not help smiling in turn—even Jay could give himself credit at times.As such, she shrugged and said, "I'm taking Sam home then.""Are you fine on your own?" "Yeah," Quinn replied. "The car's right downstairs.""Yeah. Drive safe.""Okay."Nonetheless, it was still taxing from Quinn to carry Sam, who was so heavy she could collapse from his weight."Are you alright?" Zoe asked worriedly."Yeah," Quinn replied through clenched teeth—she did not
Soon, another nurse emerged from the delivery room with a small bundle. "Is the mother's family here?""Yes!" John exclaimed loudly."The delivery was successful," the nurse said. "The baby weighs eight pounds—""How is she?" John asked in agitation, not caring about the child."She's fine. The doctor is just helping her clean up and she'll be out soon," the nurse replied.As John breathed a sigh of relief, the nurse reminded him, "Aren't you the father? Here's your child."John took the baby off her arms, staring at her for a moment as the others flocked around him. "Oh, she's so fair!" Zoe could not help exclaiming. "That's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.""Are you saying that your son's ugly?" Bob teased."To be honest, yeah," Zoe replied without thinking.Jay cleared his throat—even if it was a subjective opinion, it still hurt to have his own baby called ugly."Let me carry her," Zoe volunteered just then, and John did not hesitate to hand her his baby.As Zoe
"What?!" Zoe exclaimed in shock.Beside them, John's face fell despite being usually stoic.Still, even before anyone could react, he scooped Cordy up in his arms and left.Zoe did not hesitate to follow, but Jay reminded her, "We're the hosts, Zoe.""Don't care." Zoe was completely unconcerned. "Ask my mom and your sister to handle the guests. I'm going with Cordy!"Jay hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow since there was no reasoning with Zoe.Sam and Quinn also realized that something was out of place.As they pulled away reluctantly, Bob shouted from below, "If you're done kissing, we're going to the hospital! Cordy's going into labor!"Quinn hurried after them as soon as she hurt, but Sam caught her. "Slow down. We can catch up."In fact, most of the guests were leaving as well—it was as if the banquet for Zoe's son was actually intended for everyone else.The poor boy was certainly unlucky to have such unreliable parents!-As everyone rushed to the hospit
"I'm swelling from my pregnancy," Quinn explained. "It's not your fault."Sam was left staring at her for a while before asking, "So, what should I do?""I'll put it on when I slim down.""Oh." Sam was a little disappointed, since he had always dreamed of having her put on the ring he had custom made.But this was fine—they had all the time they needed, and the most important thing for him is that Quinn was marrying him!He rose to his feet just then, and everyone was cheering as soon as he did. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"Quinn blushed right then, and Sam could see that she was embarrassed.He did not want to make things awkward for her, even if he was quite eager at the moment.Heaven knows how much he missed that night's drunken fumble they had. In fact, during the times he remembered it in dreams, he had to wash his pants when he woke up.Still, just as he took Quinn's hand and started to leave, he felt a softness on his lips—Quinn was kissing him! Sam's heart pounded thunderous
Everyone waited patiently for the final outcome.Quinn's eyes were welling up with tears, threatening to gush if she so much as blinked.She did her best to hold back her tears—to be strong!Sam pursed his lips in turn, his Adam's apple bobbing.A long while passed, and it felt like a century for Quinn when she finally heard him say, "Yes."Quinn's tears started falling in happiness as Sam declared loudly, "I'll marry you, Quinn—it's what I've always wanted to do! I won't let you go even if you regret it eventually! You only get to be with me, and I'll never let any other man claim you! I'll become very overbearing… eventually!""I won't regret it," Quinn said, determined.She certainly would not regret marrying him!Zoe walked up to them with perfect timing just then, and Sam did a double take.He finally remembered that Zoe was the host of this luncheon and was going to leave with Quinn when Zoe whipped out a small red velvet box."You know what's in here, don't you?" Zoe a
However, Sam had already pushed Quinn away before she could tell him. But even if he did not love her or did not want to be with her, she would never stay with Ryan.She had been disappointed in Sam, wondering why he would give up so easily.Was she that unimportant to him?Therefore, if it were not for Zoe and Cordy showing her that video or telling her so much, she would never have known that he loved her for years…Sam's heart ached even as he looked into Quinn's tearful eyes.He reached out a hand, but soon withdrew it—would he not burden her?Even so, it hurt to restrain himself as he watched her, and he was actually getting the feeling that Quinn loved him…But she already had Ryan's child…Well, he was fine with that, as long as the child was Quinn's.But would she not mind?"I will marry you, Sam," Quinn said slowly and clearly then. "Not because you're a good man, not because you prepared so much for me, and not because of how much you prepared for me, but because I
Everyone in the hall was staring at Sam and Quinn, while Quinn took center stage, staring fixedly at Sam.He stood in the middle of the crowd, watching her silently.She in turn felt fear that he would turn and leave, just as she did not know if she had the courage to stand before him again and to declare her feelings for him in front of so many others.Nonetheless, amid the deafening silence, Sam suddenly walked toward the stage.His pace was slow as if his feet were made of lead, but he was also unusually determined.Quinn's heart raced uncontrollably right then!Everyone else was watching them nervously, especially Cordy and Zoe, with the latter being especially concerned that the cowardly Sam would bail.Fortunately, he was a man who showed responsibility. He would not leave Quinn alone and embarrassed.Hence, as everyone looked on, Sam stood before Quinn, his gaze flickering as their eyes met.He gulped ever so slightly, his emotions clearly ruffled even as he did his bes
The guests were encouraging, loudly asking, "Why?!""Because of a woman," Sam's recording replied."Who is it?""Quinn Summer," the Sam on the screen said slowly and clearly, leaving the Sam who was in the hall stunned.What the hell?! That was the proposal video he prepared before! Why did it show up here? Did Zoe make a mistake?!He knew it—leave anything to Zoe, and she would mess it up!He started striding toward the stage, intent on stopping the recording, when John and Bob intercepted him with a look of utter guilt while the recording continued. "Quinn is my wife, and we've been married for years, but I've never really loved her—not because I don't, but because I'm afraid to. I feel too insignificant in comparison to the one she loves, so I'd always hurt her… painfully and childishly. I regret that so much now, Quinn. How could I have abandoned you for so long because of my own jealousy? I'd rather hold you in my sleep every night, but my damned pride denied me that for y
At the banquet hall, Jay and Zoe were thanking their guests with their children in their arms.Then, Zoe announced excitedly, "Please give my best friend, who is also my son's godmother, a warm applause as she comes on stage!"Sam stood at a corner of the hall, watching as Quinn walked up the stage, only realizing just then that her belly was clearly swelling despite her baggy clothes.Time flies—he had not left that long ago, but she and Ryan already had a child.She was not worried about giving him a stroke, was she?He watched as Quinn took the mic and looked around below searching, seemingly searching.After a while, he thought she was looking at him, but by the time he looked up, she had already turned away.Maybe she was looking for Ryan before remembering that Ryan was not there?Nonetheless, Quinn spoke into the mic, saying, "I'm honored to be chosen as the godmother to Zoe's son, and she's been saying he'd be engaged to my child if it's a girl. I already love my godson
As their eyes met, Sam turned frantic and averted his. "Of course.""Really?" Quinn asked."Would I lie to you?" Sam asked a little grumpily."And you didn't bring her back?" Quinn asked."I'm on a schedule, and it'd be taxing for her if I bought her along," Sam said, making things up as he went along. "I'll bring her along when things are less busy.""Is she pretty?" Quinn pressed."What, have I ever picked an ugly one?" Sam snorted smugly. "You know I prefer curvaceous types, and there are plenty of those abroad.""Do you have a photo?"Sam was silent for a while and eventually said, "Yeah.""Can I see it?""What, does she have to pass your assessment?""Just curious about the girl who can tempt you to settle down," Quinn replied. "You'd be humbled." Sam hastily came up with an excuse."I won't," Quinn said, determined."You'll see her when I bring her home." Sam refused nonetheless."I would like to see a photo now.""No, she's not that photogenic. It'd be slander a