Page 191 of As The Shifter World Turns

“But we’ve seen it before, Dad. Remember? When we had the facial and foot massage.”

“Yes, but I wasn’t looking at it with the idea of moving in.”

Toby was bouncing on the balls of his feet. “And it has a garden and guess who lives in the house upstairs, Neil?”

I tapped my lips. ‘Gosh, let me think. I know. Micah.”

“Yes, but who else?”

“Archer. I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Neil,” Toby protested. “You’re being silly.”

“Of course you’re thinking of Elune.”

Toby had obviously had enough of this game. “Patch. I’ll be living with Patch.”

“Not exactly,” Martin interrupted. “And we haven’t made a decision yet.”

Toby grabbed his father’s hand. “Let’s go.” He glanced over his shoulder at me. “Neil, come with us.”

Super awkward. What should I say?

“Just as a friend,” Martin said. “No strings.”

A friend. Had I been put in the friend zone because of my refusal? I sensed a cloud of depression heading my way. But Martin clarified, “More than a friend. You’re the person I love most next to Toby.” He jerked his head toward the door. “I’d like your opinion, but if it’s suitable, it would be great for Toby to have Patch there and we’d be a two-minute walk from Sunshine Manor. And you.” He held out his hand, and I took it.

“I love you too.” I hoped this was a sign our relationship was back to what it had been.

“Wait, Dad. I forgot something.” Toby raced up the stairs and returned with two plastic swords.

“He’s been reading about medieval history and is fascinated with the stories of kings and the knights who served them,” Martin explained. He nuzzled my head as we wandered hand in hand toward Archer and Micah’s place. Toby skipped ahead and chatted about his plans to build a fort in the garden where he and Patch could pretend they were knights fighting the king’s enemies.

When we reached the house, Archer stood at the front door, his pregnantbelly on full display, and told us to go around the side to the basement’s entrance. It was a beautiful location because the house was built on a slope and so the apartment below looked out on the garden. Toby dropped the swords and tumbled onto the grass. Archer let Patch out, who jumped on Toby, and the two rolled around with the dog licking the young boy’s face. Toby yelled, “I might be coming to live with you, Patch.”

“Don’t you want to look at what might be your bedroom?” Martin asked.

“Yes.” Toby ran inside with Patch at his heels.

The kitchen and bathroom had been renovated and the living area was spacious with big sliding doors leading outside. Both bedrooms were a good size though anything would be an improvement on their current situation where they only had one bedroom. And it was furnished.

“What do you think?” Martin asked his son.

“I love it. Please can we live here, Dad?”

“Let me talk to Archer first.”

“Okay. Come on, Patch.” The pair raced into the garden.

“About the rent,” Martin began.

That was my signal to join Toby. It was none of my business what Archer wanted for the place and as I wouldn’t be sharing it, me being here would be super awkward. “I think that knight is looking for his king and I’m it.” I gave a half wave and joined Toby. He insisted on bowing and saying he’d lay down his life for me.

We were so involved with the game, I didn’t notice Martin and Archer bringing out lemonade and cookies.

“You’re looking at my new landlord,” Martin told me, indicating Archer.

“Congrats. I’m so glad, This is the perfect place for you and Toby.” While it would be different not having them in the manor, this was the next best thing.

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