Page 112 of Gideon's Gratitude

“He called me. Your Archer.”

My gaze shot to him.

“Oh, he didn’t tell me you were involved. Said he was your new lawyer, and that he wanted to enter into new negotiations. Said before this all got started that I should call Kennedy Dixon. Said you’d given her permission to talk to me.”

Had I? I couldn’t remember. Six weeks felt like a lifetime ago.

“His call came out of nowhere. I thought everything was settled.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I was still angry with you. I was maintaining the high ground—as far as I was concerned.”

“You were punishing me.”

Green eyes shot to mine. “I was.” A slight furrow marred his perfect brow. “Rationally, I know nothing bad happened that night. I knew you were all fine. Logically, I knew you were in rehab, and chances were decent you’d stay clean. I saw how much losing the kids cost you. But I was angry. Angry that you chose pills over our babies. Angry you weren’t trying hard enough to get better. Angry that our lives were so different. We’d had it great. I hadn’t appreciated that. I took it for granted until it all went away.”

I wanted to point out that I’d never gone away. I’d tried. I’d done everything in my power to get better. Now, however, was not the timefor recriminations. “Where do we go from here?” I was terrified to ask the question.

“We negotiate a new agreement. I think the kids should stay with me for now, and they can come out here most weekends.” He ran his hands through his hair. “Come February, though, maybe we can change that up.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been offered a position at a new hospital. It’s an amazing opportunity to hone my skills and to learn a new technique…”

“But it’ll take you away from the kids.”

“Who are my number-one priority.” He shrugged. “I work long hours and our nanny is lovely, but she’s pregnant and knows she doesn’t want to come back after maternity leave.”

My curiosity piqued. “Where is this new hospital?” I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something told me this was important.

“Abbotsford.”

My breath caught. “That close?” I pressed my hand to Leo’s, then was disconcerted by the now-strange touch. “I know the kids are your priority. I’ve always known that. I can come and stay with them while you’re working.” I could make the drive from Mission City to Surrey without too much problem. No bridges, which were always the biggest issue in the greater Vancouver area. For him, the commute from Surrey to Abbotsford wasn’t too bad. At least he wouldn’t be crossing a river. But he would be exhausted after those long shifts he worked.

Leo shook his head. “The townhouse is nice, but there’s nowhere for them to play. The nanny is pregnant, as I said. We’re talking weeks. I think…” He glanced around the house. “I think it’d be good for them to be up here with you when I’m working.” He cleared his throat. “I’ve looked at real estate in Mission City, and I can get a decent-sized house for the same price as our city townhouse.” He withdrew his hand. “I, uh…”

“I’m not asking for a second chance, Leo. I know we’re done.” The words were a gut punch, but also true.

Leo’s smile was less forced. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Maybe we would’ve grown apart in the end anyway. You’re a cardiac surgeon and I’m a guy on disability. Hardly an asset to you.” And hardly an asset to Archer, but the man didn’t seem to care.

“It’s not that.” Leo shifted. “I think…I’m willing to trust you with the kids again, but that’s as far as I can go. And God help me, if you do anything—”

“I won’t. I’d die before I hurt them.”

“I believe you.” He glanced over at the hearth. “So, you and this Archer guy…” He wrinkled his nose. “I didn’t realize you’d go looking for…someone like me.”

He didn’t mean looks of course. Because there were virtually no similarities. The coloring was different. The physical perfection was clear—although that wasn’t what Leo meant. He was wondering why I’d chosen another very powerful man. But I no longer saw my ex when I looked at Archer. “He’s not you. He’s not a replacement for you. He’s the guy living next door.”

“I think he’s good for you.”

“I think so too.” I hesitated.

“But…”

“But I don’t know if he wants kids. He never had them with his ex-wife.”

Leo’s right eyebrow rose.

“Bi.”

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