Chapter 7
seven
DECLAN
As soon as I heard Scott was in the hospital, I knew I wanted to stop by to see him. I had been aiming to show up after Quinn and Max had already left. Not that I didn’t want to see her, or even Max, for that matter. But it was news to Quinn how close I am to her family, and I don’t know how she feels about that yet. I don’t want to shove it in her face if she’s not okay with it. Plus, I’m still trying to figure out everything going on in my head when it comes to Quinn Marks.
If only I had waited just one more minute.
“How are you feeling?” I ask as I take the seat next to Caleb. “What happened?”
Scott gestures to his leg propped on a few pillows and wrapped in a temporary cast. “I wasn’t paying attention and missed a step. Fell down the stairs and broke my leg in a couple of places. I’ve got to get surgery to fix it, but they’re doing it first thing in the morning. So I should be out of here by this time tomorrow.”
“I’m glad it wasn’t worse.” I relax into the chair, knowing Scott will be fine, at least for a few months longer.
“Now that you’re all here,” Scott says, turning to look at Caleb, “Let’s talk about this surprise party your sister wants to throw Max.”
Caleb shakes his head in exasperation. “She’s missed out on the last few birthdays and thinks throwing him a surprise party will make up for it.”
“When does she want to throw it?” I ask.
Caleb turns to me. “On his actual birthday. So, just under two weeks from now.”
“Isn’t Max already planning something for his birthday with a few friends?” I think I remember him telling me about it not too long ago.
“Yes. That’s why we’ve tried to convince her this is a bad idea.” Caleb falls back in his chair, exactly like I’ve seen his little brother do when he’s frustrated.
“That’s a little harsh. You know Max will love it. You just don’t want to have to do anything other than show up,” Emily says with a big smile on her face.
I chuckle. “That sounds about right. I think you normally leave the planning to Emily and the setup to Scott and me.”
“Exactly,” Caleb says, a smirk forming.
“All right, well, what does Quinn want to do?” I’m still laughing when I look back at Emily.
“Honestly, it’s nothing big. She wants to set up a scavenger hunt in the afternoon and then an outdoor movie night in the backyard. Probably a bonfire.”
“That’s easy enough.” I look to Scott for his confirmation.
“I agree. You and Caleb did a great job creating an outdoor space. I think it would be a waste not to use it.”
“So, why don’t you like it?” I look at Caleb.
“Well, when you all put it like that, you make it seem as if I’m the jerk.” Caleb throws his hands up in exasperation. I can tell he’s giving the rest of us a hard time and probably aiming to keep us all from thinking about the fact Scott is sitting in another hospital bed.
Caleb has never been good at expressing his feelings, or dealing with them for that matter. Humor has been his go-to during difficult times since I’ve known him.
“Well, you are a bit of a grumpy bastard,” Scott says, causing Emily and me to laugh even harder.
“Hey now, that’s just mean.” Caleb tries to be serious but can’t hold in his own laugh.
I’ve never known Caleb without Emily in his life, but from some of the stories Scott’s told, I know she has softened him up quite a bit.
“No, you’re all right. It’s not a big thing she wants to do, and Max will love it. Plus, it will get cold here soon, so it will be good to use the backyard one more time this year.” He looks down at his watch and straightens in his seat. “We’ve got to go, Em. You’ve got an early shift tomorrow, and I know you need your sleep.” He stands from the chair, moving in for a quick hug from his dad.
“No, I’m fine. We can stay longer to figure out the party.”
“You’ve been here with me practically all day. Go home and get some sleep,” Scott tells her.
“What about the party? We haven’t actually figured anything out.” Emily slowly sits up in her seat.
Caleb moves to Emily’s side to help her up. “We’ve still got a little time, and I think Quinn has already figured out the logistics of the party itself. She’ll probably need help with the invites.”
“Oh, well, I can definitely help her with that.” Emily smiles up at Caleb.
Scott reaches out a hand to her, pulling her close for a hug. “I love you both. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I stand to hug them before they say their goodbyes and head out the door.
“What about you? Do you need to head out?”
“Nope. You’re stuck with me.” I move to take the chair Emily vacated, offering him a smile.
“Ah, kid, being stuck with you would never be a hardship.”
I was close with my parents before everything with Melissa happened. I loved them, and I knew they loved me, but Scott has shown me a completely different meaning of being a father. He is the kind of father I hoped to be one day. Knowing he won’t be around much longer both breaks my heart and terrifies me.
Scott must see something on my face because before I can say anything, he speaks again. “I know it’s not something we’ve ever discussed, and it’s probably not something you want to talk about, but I want to make sure you know how blessed I feel you came into our lives, Declan.”
I lean forward in my seat, clasping my hands and leaning my elbows on my knees, looking down at the floor between my spread feet.
Scott is right. I don’t want to talk about this because it feels like a goodbye. Far too early for one. I squeeze my hands, almost to the point of pain, before looking back up at him. “I know, Scott. I feel the same. I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for all of you. You gave me a family when mine let me down. I’ll never be able to repay you for that.”
“You don’t have to. Family means never having to repay us for anything. We don’t do anything for each other expecting something in return. We do it because we want to, and because it feels right. Blood doesn’t make a family, Declan. You are as much a part of us as I am.”
“Why are we talking like this is goodbye? You’ve still got plenty of time with us.” I feel the tears burning the back of my eyes and cough, trying to clear the lump in my throat. I know my time with Scott is limited, but I’ve still got time. I’m not willing to cry about Scott, not yet.
“I don’t have as much time as we all want.”
“Maybe not, but you’re not dying tomorrow. So, this conversation can wait.” I stand from my chair, wiping at my face with one hand and reaching into my back pocket with the other. “Now, how about some rummy? I brought some cards with me.”
Scott offers me a small smile, nods, and pulls the table in front of him closer.