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Chapter Thirty-six: Quinn
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2024-12-04 14:59:58Chapter Thirty-Six
Quinn
“I really think you should do it,” I tell Wes, pulling down my shirt so Emma can nurse. “This town needs you.”
Wes gives me a look. “You can only pull that Batman crap on Dean. This town is safe.”
“And it needs to stay safe. Being sheriff is a great way to make sure it stays that way.”
He considers it but shakes his head. “It’s more than just agreeing to run. I need campaign money and someone to watch Jackson during the election and then again when I start working as sheriff. And that’s assuming I even win.”
“I can watch him,” I offer.
“I appreciate the offer, sis, but you have a one-month-old and are building a new house and working. You’re busy.”
Transitioning into parenthood was an adjustment. It’s still an adjustment. Archer took a few days off before going back to work, and I still haven’t fallen into a routine with Emma. But we’re happy and we’re together, and that’s all that matters.
“Jackson’s no trouble at all.”
“He’ll go to school two days a week starting this fall.”
“Oh, right. That’s okay. Emma loves car rides!”
“I can’t make you do that. Jackson is good for you now because he doesn’t stay with you often. I promise you he’s a little shit and will get jealous of the baby. You two have a good relationship now. Let’s keep it that way.”
Frowning, I know his words are true. “What about Mom? She loves watching him.”
“The new hospital project has her really busy.”
“What about a nanny?” I suggest softly. The last time I brought it up, Wes seemed a little offended.
“I’ve thought about it, but anyone who’s good is either still in high school and can’t take Jackson to school or is a lot more than we can afford.”
“Let me do this for you,” I offer. “We can call it your Christmas present if it makes you feel any better.”
“That’s a big thing to offer.” West sits back on the couch. He’s on duty and stopped by to say hi and see his niece. “I can’t accept.”
“You can. Come on, Wes, it’s not like Archer and I don’t have the money. We’d love to do this for you—if that’s what you want. But know we both think you’d make a great sheriff in this county and it’s always good to have an in with someone high up in the law.”
Weston laughs and lets out a breath. “I don’t know.”
“Don’t think, just answer, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Do you want to run for sheriff?”
“Yes.”
“Is the only reason you’re not running because you’re worried about Jackson?”
“Yes.”
“See,” I say, readjusting Emma. No one prepared me for the extreme pain of breastfeeding. “Let us do this for you.”
He runs a hand through his dark hair and looks up at me, smiling. “Fine.”
“Yay! This will be great! I know lots of people in Chicago who can recommend a good nanny.”
“Still…a nanny? Sounds too fancy for me.”
“Call her a babysitter then if it makes you feel any better.”
He chuckles. “It kind of does. Let me talk to Nancy about running for real this time and I’ll get back to you. Then if—and only if—there’s no way I can campaign and not risk being late for the preschool pickup line, I’ll let you know about the nanny.”
I beam. “You won’t regret it. It’ll be a huge help to you! What could possibly go wrong?”
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End Game Chapter Thirty-six: Quinn
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End Game Chapter Thirty-three: Quinn
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End Game Chapter Thirty-two: Archer
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End Game Chapter Thirty-one: Quinn
Chapter Thirty-OneQuinn“No?” Archer echoes, face paling.“I want to hear the speech.” I close Archer’s fingers around the ring. “Ask me like you had it planned.”Archer looks down at the ring. “Are you…are you going to say yes?”“Yes!” I say, and tears fall from my eyes. “I love you so much, Archer.”“I love you too,” he says, wrapping his arms around me. He pulls me onto his lap, and when we kiss, everything fades away. Breathless, I break away, cupping Archer’s face with my hands.“How tired are you?”“Pretty damn tired.”I gently kiss him. “Do you want to get a good night’s sleep and make sure this is what you want?” I ask with a smile.“It’s what I’ve always wanted.” He shifts his weight, holding me close. “I brought the ring to Hawaii with me.”“You’ve had this since then?”“Not that particular one. Your grandma’s ring. I bought this one yesterday.”“That was fast,” I say, taking the ring from his hand. It’s gorgeous, with a large oval center stone in between the two diamonds f
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End Game Chapter Twenty-nine: Quinn
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