Page 110 of Gideon's Gratitude

Chapter Twenty-One

Gideon

This made no sense.

I’d been doing so well. Or so I thought I had. I’d tried to be charming and witty. A credit to Archer. And the family seemed to like me. His mother planning my wedding felt over-the-top, but I’d rolled with it. I hadn’t found a moment to tell Archer how I felt about him, but that time would come. That insane group would head home soon.

Cherry—the sane one—had insisted all canines be left at home. So animals awaited their owners back in Vancouver. And, thank God, no one had brought overnight supplies. No, shortly we’d have the place to ourselves.

A home I still didn’t feel completely comfortable in. Everything was so…new. And expensive. And fancy. Although I gleaned the décor was less high-end than Archer had initially planned. Something about needing the house to be more kid-friendly.

I agreed wholeheartedly with that sentiment. I’d have my family over all the time if I could.

God, I miss my kids.

I held Archer’s hand as we walked along the path between the two properties. Snow was forecast for later tonight. Fortunately, the Chamberlains would all be home safe by then. And if it meant I got snowed in with Archer for a few days? I was okay with that.

We emerged from the clearing, and I jerked to a stop.

Archer stopped as well, turning to face me. “You can do this.”

“That’s Leo’s car. Why is Leo’s car here?”

“He wants to talk to you.”

My heart stuttered. “Is he taking the kids away from me forever? Is that why he’s here? To tell me off once and for all?”

Archer took my cheeks in his hands. “You know that’s not why he’s here.”

“You know.” A realization dawned. “You did this.”Am I pissed or grateful?Depends what happens next.

The front door opened, and I barely had time to register what was happening before Melodie raced across the yard with her arms flung wide. I knelt so I could catch her mid-stride.

She nearly knocked me over, but Archer’s muscular arm at my shoulder held me steady.

“I love you, Daddy. I missed you, Daddy.” Her words were garbled, but a more beautiful sound, I couldn’t remember hearing.

Leo stepped aside and Lucky, who had been inside the house, barreled over, running circles around the new cluster.

Trevor was slower to approach. He held Leo’s hand, and the two of them moved together toward us.

“Hey, buddy.” Damn the catch in my voice.

“You really here?” Trevor’s brow furrowed.

“I am. I really am.” I wanted to scoop both children into my arms, but no way could my back support them. My heart broke.

“Doggie?”

Lucky took that as his cue. He gently approached Trevor, dropping to his belly. Clearly he’d steered clear in the house.

The young boy tentatively rhythmically petted the Labrador’s head.

The dog angled himself to lick Trevor’s hand.

My son pulled back, giggling.

“Why don’t we go inside?” Leo’s voice was a low rumble. “I think Daddy needs to be sitting down for a proper hello.”

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