Page 115 of Gideon's Gratitude

I took a step forward, right into his personal space. I gazed up at him. Into those beautiful storm-gray eyes. “If you want me, I’ll be yours. But I come with a lot of baggage.”

“I hope you’re not referring to the children.” His brow furrowed.

“Possibly. And a broken body. And a former addict. I’m a lot to take on.”

“First, you’re making improvements physically. And since I didn’t know you from before, I won’t be comparing you to that man. I get you. That’s all I want.” He ran his hand through his hair. “You’re in counseling. And you’re aware how easy it would be to slip back intoaddiction. We both know it’s a lifelong battle, but it’s one we can face together. As for the kids…”

His voice trailed off as he looked over to my home.

Dusk settled, with the threat of snow in the air.

God knew, it was cold enough.

“I told everyone I didn’t want kids.” He sighed. “Well, I told myself that as well. In part because Thea never got pregnant.”

My heart constricted.

“I mean, I helped raise my family’s brood. Except Channing,” he was quick to correct. “I was finally at the university by the time he came along.”

What is he saying?

“I didn’t have kids with Thea because we couldn’t. And I felt our lives were complete without them. I’m glad I didn’t, because we might’ve stuck in an unhappy marriage for the sake of the children. That’s never a good thing.”

As a divorce lawyer, he’d have witnessed that plenty of times.

“When I first found out you had kids, that put a big redXover any relationship we might have. I wasn’t going to step into a custody battle.”

“And yet you did.” I longed to reach out but couldn’t. “Thanks to you, I have my kids back.” Tears stung my eyes. “I’ll always owe you for that.”

“What if…” He finally met my gaze. “What if they don’t like me?”

“They’ll love you. Leo was making little positive comments, and Melodie’s already expressed an interest in meeting Daddy’s new friend. Trevor’s an easygoing kid. If Melly accepts you, he’ll be right there with her.” I rubbed my forehead. “It might not be easy, but we’ll make it work.Ifyou want this. If you don’t, I’ll respect that.”

“But it’ll be the end of us.” Archer’s finality bit. Hard.

“I suppose I could see you when they’re not around.” Why was this so tough? “But I don’t want to ever lie to them.”

“You don’t have to.”

I met his gaze.

“You wouldn’t be the man I love if you were willing to lie to your kids. Today really opened my eyes. If Chad and Pia are willing to take the risk, why can’t I? Being a stepparent was never in the plan, but is it so bad to change plans? We could even look at making the two spare bedrooms here kid-friendly.” He grasped my hand. “I’ve fallen in love with you. I want to make a life with you. Whether it’s in this house, or your house, or some combination…I just don’t want to spend another night without you.”

“But Vancouver—”

He shook his head. “I’ll commute on the train for a month or two, but I’m coming home every night to you. I’ve called Cadence, my realtor. He’s looking for a storefront for me in Mission City. Or I might join an existing practice. And I’ve also contacted legal aid in town. I want to do more to help those less fortunate. I’ve gotten a nibble from an up-and-coming lawyer who wants buy my practice in Vancouver. If I sell that, as well as my Point Grey home, I’ll be pretty much set for life.”

While I would continue to struggle on my disability payments.

Archer tapped my forehead. “You’ll be raising our children. I think that’s a much more important job.”

Ourchildren. “Leo will always be part of our lives.”

“He’s a good man. Perhaps a little misguided, but I think he’s seen the changes in you and will give you another shot.”

“He is.”

“Well then, all that’s left is for you to say yes.” He held out his hand and caught the first falling snowflake. “And make it quick. I’ve got thefire going, and I can’t think of a better way to spend the night than with you in front of it.”

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