Page 102 of Gideon's Gratitude

I reviewed everything in my mind. “A recliner or two that tilt up in the television room. Dad’s getting older.” And it would help Gideon if he was having a bad day.

“All the recliners in the movie room are automatic. But I can swap out a couple for the tilting kind. Anything else?”

“Not off the top of my head, but let me think on it. Are you going to have enough time?”

“Darling, I’ve been planning this for months. Riley’s kept me in the loop. I’ll head out tomorrow to receive the deliveries.”

Darling?I sighed, then checked the calendar. December thirteenth. I was cutting it pretty close. “And you’ll add Christmas decorations?”

“But of course. You’ll have the most fabulous house in all of Mission City. Still not sure why you didn’t pick Whistler.” He laughed. “I mean, I adore this small town and wouldn’t leave for anything…but we’re not exactly high-end.”

Which made me consider the choices I’d made for decorations if he thought I was more show than substance. I sighed. “Because I’m not a skier. And I wanted privacy. No tourists up my way.”

“Fair enough. I’ll be in touch.”

With what I assumed was a flourish, he hung up. I smiled to myself. And made a note to speak to Gideon when I went up next.

Friday arrived in no time. Traffic was heavier, and I barely had time to greet Gideon and Lucky as they hopped into the SUV.

“I’m sorry. Traffic was heavy on the Number Seven.”

“I should really be responsible for getting myself to my own appointments. It’s silly for you to have to rush out.”

I took a moment to lean over and press a kiss to his cheek. “It’s my pleasure. Literally. It gets me out of the office on time, and I get to spend time with the lovely Rainbow. I can’t think of a better way to spend my Friday nights.” And Gideon was making real improvements because of the therapy. Even in this short time, I could spot the changes. I was so proud of my boyfriend.

We’d settled onboyfriendsto describe our relationship. Part of that seemed juvenile, but we both agreed the relationship required some kind of label. Two divorced bros hanging out didn’t cut it. Neither did two guys who spent their entire weekends in the sack. No, our relationship involved genuine feelings—genuine affection. That deserved a proper label.

On the return trip, Gideon was all smiles.

“What’s up?”

“I spoke to the kids today.”

“Was this planned? I thought you saw them last week.”

“I did. But Leo contacted me and said I could see them again. They sang a carol for me. Badly, but still…” He wiped his forehead. “I didn’t cry. I was so proud of myself. Of course, when the call was over, I bawled. Leo seemed…more involved. I don’t know how to explain it.”

My gut clenched. “Do you think he might take you back?”

Gideon barked out a laugh. “Oh, hell no. I just wonder if maybe Kennedy has reported something to someone, and it’s gotten back to Leo.”

“Did you ask her?”

He shook his head. “If she is, and it’s working, I don’t want it to stop. And if she’s not, and this is just Leo getting into the holiday spirit, I’m okay with that as well. I’ll take whatever he gives me. I’m like a dog begging for scraps.”

I thwacked him on the shoulder. “That’s bullshit. You’re their father. You have every right to want to spend time with them. I’m glad Leo is being more reasonable.”

“But it might just be this one time.”

“Or it might not. Did you let him know how much it meant to you?”

“I did. I sent him an email thanking him. I don’t know if that will mean anything to him or not.” Gideon rubbed his forehead again. “He’s not an evil man. I need you to know that. He’s just, you know, protective of our children. I can’t say I wouldn’t be doing the same thing, were our positions reversed.”

“You wouldn’t.” Of this, I was certain. “If he did rehab and stayed clean, you’d be more forgiving. You’d give him a second chance.” And I viewed Leo’s refusal to do that as the man’s loss. Or maybe he’d met someone else. That was always possible. “Let’s celebrate. I didn’t call ahead, but we should be able to get a table at Stavros’s. We can drop Lucky off at the house.”

“Maybe tomorrow night?”

I hadn’t picked up on the weariness, but I could hear it now. “Sure. Do you have the strength to visit my place?”

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