Our Love

Wade

I sat listening to Quinn give us the details of her previous relationship. I wanted to listen and be supportive; clearly, this was a traumatic and potentially dangerous situation for her. As she started to detail the actions of her ex, I could feel rage like never before boiling up inside of me. She sat there so strong, holding it together despite the tears rolling down her beautiful cheeks. I had to step out of the room to calm myself. I couldn't hear any more at the moment.

I stepped out onto the patio of Carrie's house, taking in the fresh air and trying to calm myself. How could anyone put their hands on another person like that, one that they claimed to love and care about? Quinn was beautiful, stunningly so, and in the small amount of time I've been lucky enough to spend with her, I could tell she was amazing.

"What are you doing?" Grant's voice brought me out of my thoughts. I turned toward him as he exited the house alone.

"I just needed a minute. That's pretty intense." I grumbled.

"It was. She's not even finished, Wade." He slid his hands down into his suit pockets, watching my face for emotion.

"I know, I know there has to be more. I just. . I don't know how to process this. I was just coming to terms with the fact that I was interested in her, ya know? Now, whatever this all is."

"She needs us. She's all alone in this shit world, and somehow she ended up here like the universe knew we'd take care of her. Wade, the man she's telling us about, he's out and after her again." Grant blurted.

I twisted around immediately, realizing the connection her story had with the events of the day and the last forty-eight hours. The apartment vandalism had to have been this asshole, her skittish behavior, and the fear in her eyes when we pulled up. I nodded at Grant and rushed back into the house. I went straight back into the living room where I found Carrie holding Quinn in an embrace. Their voices were hushed as they sat together.

"I'm so sorry; I just needed a minute." I stood in the middle of the room, feeling like an idiot. Carrie looked up at me, tears in her eyes as she sat back, holding onto Quinn's hand. Quinn swiped at the tears on her cheeks, composing herself. "I want to know what happened today, what's going on, and what I can do," I asked, kneeling down in front of the ladies.

"The whole apartment thing, that was Rex. He found me again." Quinn blurted out.

"We were trying on clothes, and two officers and your Father showed up." Carrie began. "I guess they showed up to the office to speak with Quinn, and well, your Father found us, realizing how urgent the issue was."

"Did they arrest him? Where is he? Why is he not in prison?" I rambled out in frustration.

"They did arrest him; he's facing a variety of charges." Quinn shrugged. "I was able to keep running for a good year without any issues. Then about two months ago, he showed up at a restaurant I was working at. I took off again, and that's how I found myself here."

"Now he's found you again?" I paced about the room as Grant stood leaning against the door frame. It had begun to get dark outside at that point, dinner time approaching. I felt exhausted, not able to even imagine how Quinn must be feeling.

"Ok, let's take a break. I think this has been an emotional afternoon, and let's take a moment." Carrie suggested standing up, and stretching out. She stepped over to me, patting my shoulder as she headed toward her kitchen. "I'm going to make some coffee and see what we can order for some dinner." Grant followed her into the room, leaving Quinn and me alone. She sat quietly on the sofa, head down, looking defeated. My heart sank.

"Quinn." I sat next to her. "It's going to be okay. You're not alone." I took her small hand into mine, intertwining our fingers and holding it tight. She looked up with her sad eyes, giving me a smile that honestly knocked the breath out of my chest.

The remainder of the evening was spent talking about anything not related to Quinn's current situation. Carrie ordered more than enough food for the four of us and we spent the evening sitting around her living room, eating and laughing while getting to know each other better. Grant and Carrie both shared as many embarrassing stories about me as possible. Quinn laughing at my expense was absolutely adorable, and worth it to see a genuine smile on her face.

"You guys are incredible. I can't say I've ever had friends or even family to be so good to me, so thank you." Quinn spoke candidly.

"We are pretty awesome." Grant laughed, helping Carrie clean up the food boxes. "I'm exhausted, and tomorrow is a busy day. So, after I get this cleaned up, I think I'm going to head out. I do have to ask because it's driving me crazy; you said you altered your name. What should we call you?"

She chuckled a little at first. "I wasn't too creative. I was born Margaret Quinnlin Brown. When I married Rex, I became Meadow. When I left, I decided to become Quinn Gordon. My Mother's maiden name." Her smile was soft. "I suppose I enjoy being Quinn Gordon."

"Well, Quinn, it is. Will you be staying with Wade tonight? Or would you like to come home with me?" Grant smiled.

Quinn's eyes were wide as she looked from me and back to Grant.

"Whatever she wants to do, that's perfectly fine with me." I jumped in.

"My things are still there at Wade's, so I suppose I should go back there." She shrugged her shoulders.

"I know we didn't get to finish our shopping trip today, but we'll make it up another day I promise. I have a few things in the meantime though; hang on, I'll get them." Carrie smiled, taking off up the stairs.

"I hope I will see you at the office tomorrow," Grant spoke, wrapping Quinn up in his arms.

"I'll be there."

Grant headed out the door just as Carrie rushed back down excitedly, handing over several pieces of clothing to Quinn. They embraced for a moment before saying their goodbyes. I grabbed the clothes from Quinn, helping her out to the truck.

"Are you okay?" I asked quietly as we rode along.

"I don't know." She picked at her nails, looking down at her hands. "I'm not sure how I feel. I've kind of lived in a constant state of fear for the last year or so." She attempted a laugh.

"I'm sorry you've had to do that. I hope that it helps to know you've got us now, myself, Carrie, and Grant, and hell sounds like even my Father." I smirked, looking over at her. "I also happen to think you're a badass. Everything you've told us, you've made it through and started over on your own, that's to be admired."

"It's hard to see myself that way, but thank you. I appreciate that more than you could know, and I do appreciate all of you so very much. You have taken me into your group and been so kind; I'm pretty fortunate."

The rest of the drive was silent. Both of us were tired from the day's events and the emotional toll. We reached the house, and I helped Quinn out of the truck and inside with her pile of clothes. I followed her up, and into the spare room, she was occupying, leaving her to prepare for bed. I went downstairs and grabbed a beer from the fridge, stepping out onto the deck to relax and calm my mind.