Page 29 of Dilectio
“I have an amazing collection debuting at the gallery next week.” She places a hand on my shoulder, and I hear Quinn’s sharp intake of breath. “I hope to see you there.”
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Marianne returns to her friends, leaving us to continue our meal. As we eat, I can sense that Quinn is upset, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. I gently reach for her hand under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze, but she pulls her hand away.
The server comes by and takes our orders and leaves a page from a coloring book and some crayons for Paige. Soon Paige becomes engrossed in coloring the butterflies and dragons.
"Hey," I whisper, my heart aching at the sight of her sadness. "I know that wasn't easy, but we'll figure this out. I promise."
Quinn looks up at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I’m tired of this, Ezra. I don’t how much longer I’m willing to take it.”
I assure her, my voice full of conviction, "I don't want to be with anyone else but you, Quinn. You bring out the best in me and make me feel alive."
Her eyes search mine for a moment as if trying to gauge the sincerity of my words.
The sting of her silence cuts deep, and instead she turns her attention to Paige and starts helping her color. For the rest of the meal she avoids looking at me.
After our meal, we head back to our beach house, the stars twinkling in the night sky. I feel a renewed sense of determination. The road ahead may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: I will do whatever it takes to make a future with Quinn possible.
We step into the beach house after our delicious dinner. The cozy living room beckons us, inviting us to relax and unwind after a day spent enjoying the sun and sand. Paige curls up on the couch, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she recounts the highlights of our beach adventure.
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Martha's Vineyard, our beach house is a charming retreat that offers both comfort and serenity. The exterior boasts a classic New England style, with weathered shingles and crisp white trim that contrasts beautifully against the surrounding sand dunes and lush greenery.
The open concept living area surrounds us with its warm, inviting atmosphere. Vaulted ceilings and large windows allow natural light to fill the space, accentuating the rich wooden floors and cozy furnishings. A stone fireplace serves as the focal point, inviting us to gather around for late-night conversations or to simply bask in its warmth on cooler evenings.
"I wish Daddy would marry Quinn," Paige suddenly blurts out, "so she could be my second mommy!"
Quinn and I exchange glances, our cheeks flushing with a mixture of surprise and amusement. We laugh off the comment, attempting to redirect the conversation to more neutral topics. But Paige's innocent remark lingers in the air, a reminder of the secret we've been keeping.
Later that night, after tucking Paige into bed and ensuring she's fast asleep, I find Quinn sitting on the balcony, gazing out at the moonlit ocean. The salty breeze rustles her hair, and I can sense the tension in her posture.
"Hey," I say softly, taking a seat beside her. "What's bothering you?"
She hesitates for a moment before confessing, "I didn't like being introduced as the nanny tonight. I know that's what I am, but it just... it hurt."
"I understand," I reply, reaching for her hand. "We're only keeping things a secret for now. When the time is right, I promise I'll tell everyone the truth about us."
Quinn pulls her hand away, a hint of defiance in her eyes. "You say that, but when will the time ever be right, Ezra? Your family has expectations, and I don't think I'll ever fit into that picture."
Her words sting, but I can't deny the truth in them. "I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to fight for us," I insist, my voice firm.
She scoffs, shaking her head. "I've been down this road before, Ezra. My last boyfriend was from a wealthy family, too. He was arrogant and ashamed of me. I won't go through that again."
"I'm not like him, Quinn," I say earnestly, my heart aching at the thought of her past pain. "I care about you, and I want to make this work, no matter what anyone else thinks."
Quinn studies me for a moment, her expression softening. "I want to believe you, but actions speak louder than words.”
I nod, understanding the weight of her request. "I will, Quinn. I—”
“Please,” she holds up her hand. “Don’t make any more promises you can’t keep. I’m sick of it.”
She turns on her heel and heads back into the house.
As I follow her back inside, our hearts are heavy with the challenges we know we'll face. I know I need to prove myself to Quinn, no matter what it takes.
I lie in bed with Quinn nestled against me, and my thoughts drift to the complexities of our relationship—the age gap, the secrecy, the challenges we'll undoubtedly face. A pang of guilt settles in my chest, but for now, I push those concerns aside. Tonight, all I want is to be with Quinn, to hold her close and savor the love we share.
The sound of the waves crashing against the shore lulls us to sleep, our hearts beating in unison. And despite the uncertainties that lie ahead, I can't help but feel grateful for these stolen moments of happiness.
10