Love Unspoken

Landon watched Abigail's reaction, his eyes following her every move.

It was clear she hadn't given up on her plans.

Abigail said, "Why don't you stay a bit longer, at least until he's up and about before they let him go?" Even the doctor gave Abigail a weird look.

Abigail asked again, "How long until he's back on his feet?"

The doctor replied, "He needs at least three months of rest."

Abigail nodded. "Got it."

After the doctor left, Landon stared at Abigail. "You seem pretty bummed out."

Abigail nodded. "Of course, seeing you like this and knowing it'll take so long to get better, it hurts."

Landon scoffed, clearly not buying it.novelbin

She was all lively and energetic, and after leaving Landon, she went to find Quinn.

Alexander was in his study, so it was just Quinn in the living room with the two kids.

Since getting the walker, Quinn had been way more relaxed and didn't need to keep an eye on Sprout every second.

With two dogs playing around, the kids spent their days hugging Buddy and Liberty, while Quinn chilled on the couch, scrolling through her phone.

Abigail walked over and plopped down next to Quinn. "What are you up to?"

Quinn looked up, gave her a quick glance, and smiled. "Just looking for a school for Brandy."

Abigail asked, "Isn't Brandy a bit young for school?"

Quinn replied, "She's over two now. By next year, she'll be three and ready for school."

Abigail said, "So you're already looking for schools?"

Quinn explained, "Just gathering info. It's good to be prepared so I can send her off next year."

Abigail scratched her chin, thinking three seemed a bit early for school.

Quinn suddenly remembered. "Wait, what brings you here? You've been glued to Landon every day, worried he'd disappear. How'd you find the time to come here?" Abigail shrugged. "Just wanted to see you. It's been a while."

Quinn eyed her suspiciously. "Really? Nothing's up?"

Abigail insisted, "Nope, just wanted to see you. Do I need a reason?"

Quinn thought about it and nodded. "Alright, feel free to look around. I'm gonna keep checking out these schools."

Abigail hummed in response and then turned her attention to the kids. After watching them for a bit, she got up and walked over.

The kids were too busy playing with the dogs to notice her.

Abigail squatted down and called out, "Sprout, Brandy, what are you two up to?"

Sprout ignored her, hugging Buddy's head and rubbing his face against it.

Brandy turned and gave Abigail a sweet smile. "Hi, Abigail."

Abigail's expression softened, and she patted Brandy's head. "Good girl, you remember me?"

Brandy nodded seriously.

As for Sprout, Abigail didn't expect him to remember her.

Sprout was babbling something Abigail couldn't understand, leaving her puzzled. She turned to Quinn, "What's Sprout saying?" Quinn didn't even look up. "He says he wants to hug Buddy."

Abigail looked surprised. "You can understand that?"

Quinn explained, "You hear it every day, you get used to it."

She put down her phone and walked over. She squatted next to Abigail and asked Sprout, "Sprout, is Buddy being good?" Sprout tilted his head, trying to understand. After a few seconds, he babbled something.

Abigail asked, "What did he say?"

Quinn replied, "He said Buddy's being really good."

Abigail's eyes widened. Watching Sprout babble while drooling, she felt a wave of emotion.

She vaguely remembered the last time she saw Sprout, he was just making random noises. Abigail said, "That's pretty impressive."

Quinn couldn't help but smile. Abigail was still the same.

Abigail sighed. "Seeing these two kids, it feels like forever."

Quinn asked, "Time flies, huh?"

Abigail sighed again. "Yeah, maybe next time I see him, Sprout will be talking in full sentences."

Quinn responded, "That might take a bit longer."

She had a feeling she knew why Abigail was here. Suddenly, she asked, "Did your plan work out?"

Abigail said, "No, the doctor said he can't do anything strenuous right now."

Quinn suggested, "Then you should make the first move."

Abigail stared at her, shocked.

Quinn bit her lip, regretting her words.

She awkwardly looked away, petting Buddy's head.

Abigail teased, "Quinn, have you been having fun in your love life lately?"

Quinn looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Abigail gave her a knowing look. "I mean, with Alexander having more free time now, you must have more time together too. Have you two been... exploring?" Quinn denied, "No."

Abigail pressed, "Come on, you can even suggest that. Have you done it?"

Quinn repeated, "No."

Abigail looked skeptical, poking Quinn's arm and lowering her voice. "Teach me your secrets."

Quinn felt embarrassed. "Don't talk about this in front of the kids."

Abigail suggested, "Then let's talk over there."

Quinn dismissed her. "Go figure it out yourself. I don't know."

Abigail accused, "Come on, don't be like that! We're friends, aren't we? Why won't you share your secrets with me?"

Quinn, who hadn't blushed in a long time, felt her cheeks heat up. "I really don't know!"

How was she supposed to teach something like this?

Besides, lately, Quinn and Alexander hadn't had the kind of time Abigail was imagining. With two kids between them every night, where was the chance for any 'exploration'? Abigail waved her hand. "Forget it, maybe he's really not up to it."

Quinn asked, "What?"

Abigail explained, "He told me that. Tell me, what normal guy would calmly say something like that?"

Quinn, surprised, asked, "Did Landon really say that?"

Abigail confirmed, "Of course, do you think I'd make that up? I'm just thinking of finding a chance to test it. Landon will say anything to push me away."

Quinn pondered, "Maybe he doesn't want to hold you back. If you find someone else you like or regret it, having a kid would be bad for both of you." Abigail asked, "You think I'd fall for someone else too?"

Quinn clarified, "I don't. I'm just guessing that Landon might think that way. I know you wouldn't."

Abigail wasn't that kind of person. If she could easily like someone else, she would have had several boyfriends by now, instead of being single all this time.

Abigail rubbed her chin. "Anyway, I've made up my mind. No matter what, I will complete this plan. By the way, when you and Alexander were trying to have Sprout, was there any particular method that worked for you?" Quinn couldn't continue the conversation. She stood up and was about to leave when she turned and saw Alexander standing on the stairs.

Alexander's gaze was fixed on them, and it was unclear how much he had heard.

Quinn was so embarrassed that she wished she could find a hole to crawl into.