Page 114 of Gideon's Gratitude

Lucky’s ears perked. He ran to his favorite patch of grass, did his business, and once finished, barreled down the path between the properties.

I was slower to follow. If the man’s family was still there, I’d quietly back away. I didn’t want to intrude. Family time, as I well knew, was so important. It warmed me that Archer was making space for his family up here in his mountain retreat.

Plans for the cabin were finalized, and construction would start in the spring.

I'd ferreted out from the man that he was backing away from his practice in Vancouver. I just didn’t know what that meant.

One car remained in the long driveway, and I was about to whistle for Lucky to return when the front door opened.

Chad and Pia, clad in their coats, stepped out onto the porch, Archer fast on their heels.

Lucky barreled over and lunged for the newcomers.

Pia giggled and bent over to give the dog a thorough scratching.

My dog preened.

Chad spotted me and waved. “We were just convincing him to go find you. Sorry you missed the rest of the party.”

I met Archer’s gaze. “I am, too.” I focused my attention on Chad. “My kids came for a visit. Easy decision.” I shrugged. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Pia pressed a hand to her small baby bump. “Children always come first.”

Archer clapped Chad on the back. “You’ll make an amazing father.”

Chad’s expression was guarded.

Pia pivoted, took his cheeks in her hands, and planted a huge kiss to his lips. “Together. Forever.”

He smiled and took her hand. Together they crossed to the sports car. He glanced over at me. “We’re shopping for a minivan in the new year.”

I gave him a thumbs-up, unable to form words. The love I witnessed warmed my heart. In a moment of worry, Archer had shared Chad’s struggle with schizophrenia. I understood the concern, but also comprehended life was a crapshoot.

Yes, the baby had a slightly higher risk of developing the illness, but mental illness struck people who didn’t have a family history as well. With all those grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, the baby would have unending support. Chad had also been stable with his meds for almost a decade, so that was worth celebrating as well.

As the couple drove away, I approached cautiously.

“Are the kids still at your house?”

What’s he thinking?I sought answers in his guarded expression. I shook my head. “No. They were overwrought, and we thought it best they go home for now. They’re coming next weekend for New Year’s Eve and staying the weekend.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“Sad because I want them with me all the time, but so damn grateful Leo is open to renegotiating custody. I’ll get them most weekends until February, then Leo is taking a new job in Abbotsford. We agreed the kids will stay with me full-time while he’s working. I’ll enroll them in the Mission City school district. Leo plans to move to Mission City as well since it’s so close to Abby.”

“Sounds very…neat and tidy.”

Does that mean he doesn’t want to be part of this?I hesitated.

Oh.

“Leo and I aren’t getting back together.”

Archer’s eyebrow rose.

“You thought…? No way. We’re done. We’ve been done for more than a year. The fact he’s willing to share the kids with me is thanks to you, but there’s no way for us to get back to where we were.”

“No marriage resurrection.”

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