Page 76 of Gideon's Gratitude

“The dog helped?” Adam’s tone was clearly skeptical.

“No, his owner did.”

Maddox squinted. “I’ve never met Lucky. Is he new, too?”

Well, shit.

“Uh, no, he’s been here a while. His owner doesn’t…you know…”

“I do know.” Maddox puffed out his chest. “I built a house up here with my boyfriend at the time. He ditched me when I was injured—for which I’ve forgiven him and he’s a good friend, so don’t think that’s weird—and I became a hermit.” He shrugged. “Until a snowstorm stranded a gorgeous stranger, and he just kind of…stayed.”

Adam chuckled. “I’ve lived here for more than ten years, and I only met Maddox last winter when Chip got loose. I also never left my castle.” He gestured to his face. “Easier to hide away.”

Maddox nudged him with his shoulder. “But we’re super glad you’ve come out of your shell.”

“I’m sorry, did you say acastle?”

The men laughed.

“Yes, I bought a house off a guy who built an honest-to-Christ French Chateau on his property. He went bankrupt, and I got it for a steal. Now it’s just fun to have people over and to see the looks on their faces.”

“Okay, we have to trade—I show you my house and one day you show me your, uh, castle.”

“I think that can be arranged.”

“Great. Well, follow me.”

As a group, we headed back down the street toward my property.

“Wait.”

Maddox kept walking after he said the word, so I continued.

“Your house is next to the Rodgers’ place, right? I met them a couple of times. She passed, though, right? And he went to a retirement home? I heard the grandson was living there, but I’ve never seen him.” He pointed to Lucky. “Is this his dog?”

I drew in a breath and let it out. “I bought this property to get away from things. Like from my family. Although I’m rethinking that, and I’ll explain when we get to the property. Lucky’s owner… Uh…”

“We get it.” Adam nodded. “We won’t say anything—not even to Ravi and Dean. If the guy wants to be left alone, that’s up to him. But make sure you let him know there are people on the street who will help if he needs it.”

Maddox laughed. “Bet you never imagined saying that.”

“Well, frankly, no.” Adam eyed him. “Just like I can predict you’d never think you’d live on the same street as Stanley and be happy to call him your friend.”

“Stanley?” I was barely keeping up.

“My ex-boyfriend.” Maddox’s grin didn’t lessen. “His house is between mine and Adam’s. And yeah, who knew I’d not only be friends with my ex but godfather to his son, Angus? He’s got a foster daughter as well. Opal. Lovely child.”

“Holy terror, you mean.” But Adam kept smiling. “Just like your two-year-old toddlers are just wonderful. Violet and Victor.” He nodded to me. “A lot of kids on this street.”

“I’ll drive carefully. I almost hit a deer when I was coming out the other night.”

“Yes, and bears. Both have been known to randomly lumber across the road.”

“Bobcats as well.” Maddox gestured at the dogs with his chin. “They tend to keep to themselves, but sometimes they try to pick off the smaller dogs. Sofia’s not supposed to leave our sight.”

I would’ve sworn to God that the dog rolled her eyes.

“Here.” I gestured to my driveway. Then I pivoted to look back from where we’d come.

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