Chapter 9
nine
Storm
W hen we split up to look for Quinn’s kids, I remain standing near the garbage cans for a long moment, staring at the note Emmerii left on her phone. You’ll know where.
I’ve only spent one day with the kids, so realistically how would I know enough to guess when their father had no idea?
An even louder noise like the revving of an engine rumbles over the sounds of games and tourists.
Could it be that easy?
I turn toward the sound and repeating ‘excuse me’ over and over, push my way through the crowds to the Canyon Cars ride. Isaac had been so disappointed he wasn’t tall enough to drive one of the bumper cars with his dad. We’d stood watching the ride for a long time and we only got him to leave by promising to return the second he hit the forty-two inch tall mark.
The memory makes me smile through my worry as I head toward the side of the ride where we’d stood. I’d noticed an alcove near there. I cross my fingers. Please let them be there.
“Emmerii? Isaac?” I call softly when I’m near the alcove. I don’t want to frighten them any more than they probably are already. Even though I was ignored a good part of my childhood, I’d never been abandoned. Somehow Dad was always there when I asked. He just wasn’t—and still isn’t—so good at noticing my distress or troubles and taking the initiative.
Quinn is nothing like that. It feels almost like he’s able to anticipate my moods, my needs. That makes him a great dad. Probably a good partner, too.
I call again, “Emmerii?”
“Storm.” The sobbing of my name pulls my attention a split second before my legs are captured by Isaac’s tight hug.
“Careful, kiddo.” I say and cup my palm over his head. “Don’t knock me down. Okay? Where’s your sister?”
“I’m here. You found us. Where’s Daddy?” She joins her brother and I loosen his grip enough to sit cross-legged on the floor. I open my arms and they both crawl onto my lap to be held. I’ve never experienced anything like this feeling of complete and utter surrender to my emotions. No one has ever trusted me like these two do. My heart expands and I hug them tightly. I never, ever want to let them go.
I use the hem of my shirt to dry Isaac’s tears. “Let’s call your dad and tell him you’re safe.”
They both watch with wide eyes as I call Quinn. I’m not sure how he can sound both hopeless and hopeful in his sharp, single word greeting. I can fix that. “I found them.”
“Thank god. Let me talk to them.”
I hold the phone out and put it on speaker. “Here they are.”
He’s having a hard time keeping his tone calm but hopefully the kids don’t really notice his distress. “Emm, Isaac, you’re okay?”
“Yes, Daddy,” Emmerii answers, touching the side of the phone with one finger. “Storm found us just like I hoped so now we’re safe.”
Isaac leans close to the phone. “I don’t ever want to see that other lady again. She’s mean.” He sniffles and fat tears roll down his cheeks. “She left us alone. I’s scared.”
“I’ll take care of her, kiddo. You don’t need to be afraid. Can I talk to Storm again?”
I return the phone to its regular setting and tuck it between my ear and shoulder so I can cuddle both children on my lap. “I’m here.”
“The kids aren’t hurt, are they?”
“Only their hearts, I think. It might take a while for them to get over this betrayal.”
I sense how difficult it is for him to maintain a calm tone. “I’m going to request her parental rights be terminated. She’ll never touch my kids again. I’ll take every legal action available to keep her away.”
“ We’ll do everything.” The words slip out before I have a chance to rethink them. Am I telling him I want to stick around and be part of his family? Isaac rests his head against my upper arm, tucks two fingers into his mouth and closes his eyes. He’s the picture of trust, contentment, and love. When I glance at Emmerii, she’s keeping her emotions guarded but offers me a serious smile. I understand her tentative trust and return a smile of my own.
“We’ll? Yes, baby, we will. We’ll talk later. Where are you?”
I give him our location and lean back against the wall as I disconnect the call. “Your dad will be here as quick as he can.”
I close my eyes in relief. This day could have gone south in one horrible moment. Like to Mexico. Would the kids’ mother actually have taken them out of the country? Without permission? That’s—kidnapping. My hold on the children tightens reflexively. Thank god they’re safe now.
The sound of rapid footsteps makes me look up just as Quinn rounds the corner to the alcove. He falls to his knees beside me and wraps the three of us in his fierce embrace.
Isaac squirms and turns to wrap his arms around Quinn’s neck. “My boy.” Quinn’s voice is rough and he clears his throat before resting his palm against Emmerii’s back. “And my sweet girl.”
Finally he holds my gaze and mouths, “Thank you.”
I can barely nod my response. This moment is forever burned into my memory, both the fear and horror, and the relief. This mix of strong emotions is what I’ve always imagined being part of a true family might be like. Unhappy moments tempered by joy. Unconditional support of each other. Sharing without censure. Above all, the love that binds a family’s hearts together.
I don’t know anything about Quinn’s ex other than what she’s done today. There’s no way in hell she deserves this man or his precious children.
Do I?
What have I done in my life to bring me to this place and time? Watching how Quinn continuously touches and reassures his children I make a vow to myself and to the universe. And to Quinn and his family. I love them. With all my heart and probably my soul if there truly is such a thing. It doesn’t matter if that love is returned. This man is the only one I want. The only one I will ever want. Emmerii and Isaac are a bonus I never imagined. I need them.
That’s the word. I need the three of them in my life. I need them. As much as I need my heart to beat in my chest.
Holding Isaac, Quinn easily flows to his feet. He offers his free hand to his daughter. “Let’s go back to our hotel. Grammy’s waiting to see that you’re okay.”
After the little girl slips from my lap I remain seated. I’m not sure if I’m included in this family moment. I’m not going to insert myself into a situation where I’m not wanted.
Officer Cortez arrives with a smile on her otherwise serious expression. She’ll need to talk to Quinn so I stand and start to move away. He shakes his head. “Stay, please.”
Isaac barely mumbles a complaint as Quinn passes the boy to me. He’s a welcome, oddly comforting weight in my arms. Emmerii stands at my side, one hand on her brother’s foot, a gesture of love and support.
I’m curious about Quinn’s conversation with the officer. They’ve moved further into the alcove and I won’t intrude on that minimal privacy. The kids and I need some distraction. I ponder the options. “While your dad’s talking to officer Cortez, why don’t we call Grammy and tell her you’ll be back soon?”
Emmerii sighs. “I threw my phone away.”
“And I found it. But, the police might want to see the message you left for your dad. That was smart thinking, girlfriend. Good job protecting your brother and yourself.”
Her self-deprecating shrug makes me smile. “I did what I thought was best.”
“And it worked. Here, use my phone and give Grammy a call.”
Isaac grumbles to be set down, then he and his sister take turns talking to their grandmother. With each passing moment, the strain and fear eases from their bodies and I congratulate myself on making a good suggestion.
My thoughts have sobered by the time Quinn joins us as reality sets in. Just because I made the right choice this time, doesn’t mean I will again. Or that I’m good parental material. These children have had an emotionally devastating experience today. I will do anything in my power to prevent more trauma.
Including distancing myself from their lives.
Quinn seems to sense my thoughts. His brows lower over his eyes in question, he takes my hand. I’m instantly grounded and able to gather my racing thoughts. He gives a sharp nod. “I’ve got a lot to tell you and Helene later. First, the kids and I need your calm support. Will you stay with us through this?”
The answer is easy. “Of course. What do I need to do?”
Instead of answering me, he crouches next to his kids. Once they say goodbye to Grammy, he looks at each of them with a serious expression. He’s still fighting for his own calm, so hoping it helps, I rest my hand on his shoulder. His eyes flick to me then back to the kids.
“I am so proud of both of you,” he says and gives them an encouraging smile. “You were in a bad situation. One that should never have happened. It’s mostly over now.”
“Did the police catch that woman?” Emmerii interrupts.
“Yes. And they want to ask you and Isaac some questions about what happened. We’ll go to a special office where they’ll make a video of your answers. It might be scary.”
Isaac thumps his chest. “I ain’t scared. Can we get ice cream then?”
Quinn’s chuckle seems to chase away some of the tension surrounding us. He focuses his attention on his daughter. “What about you?”
“Will you be there? Or Storm?”
“I honestly don’t know, sweetie. We might be able to sit with you, or maybe they’ll want us to wait in another room. No matter what, I won’t be far away and if you get frightened, all you have to do is ask for me. Do you understand?”
“I’ll be nervous, but that’s okay. I can do it. Although…” She draws out the word for a long moment. “When we’re done I’d rather go to the candy store.”
“I think we can arrange that.”