Page 78 of Gideon's Gratitude

“Well, seven.”

“Oh dear God.” Maddox rubbed his eyes. “I have one very nosy, very wonderful, very overwhelming sister. That’s more than enough for me. My parents live down south, although they’re planning to move back to Canada. We’re looking at getting them an apartment in a retirement community.”

“We live in a great country. I’m kind of glad your parents are coming back.” Adam smiled, although a little sadly. He met my gaze. “My brother died over ten years ago and then my parents. It’s just me.”

I felt his pain. Viscerally. “Well, you’ll have to come and meet some of my tribe. Protect me from them.” I offered a smile.

Belatedly acknowledging a former hermit might not want to face seventeen people.

“That might be arranged.” Maddox linked arms with Adam. “We’ll be your shield.”

Adam chuckled. “Something like that.” His phone buzzed, and he unwound his arm from Maddox’s and pulled the thing from his back pocket. “Oh, Dean says he’s making pancakes and wants to know how many people he’s feeding.”

Maddox’s eyes lit. He grabbed his phone, typed quickly, and then grinned. “The four Laxamana-Baker crew are in.”

“And you? And Lucky’s owner?” Adam’s smile was a little shy. “All three of you are welcome. I’m not certain Maurice, the magical disappearing cat, will make an appearance for Lucky, but there’s always a chance.”

“You’re very kind.” I gazed over to Gideon’s property. “I’m going to take a pass. But perhaps we could exchange phone numbers? So I can invite you to my grand-opening party? Just for the neighbors.”

“Because your family will easily fill that place. Good plan to have a dining room that huge.” Maddox handed me his phone. “Type it in and I’ll text you.”

I did, and then repeated the process with Adam. Soon we all had each other in our contacts. That little gesture made me feel better. Two men I could ask for help if I needed it. “I intended the dining room to entertain friends.” I pursed my lips. “I’d sort of planned to keep this place to myself.”

Adam cocked his head.

“I won’t bore you with details, but I’m newly divorced with a meddling family. I just…sometimes I need a breather.”

“Oh, I get that. Before I met Ravi, my sister was always in my business. Now she’s in my businessandin Ravi’s.” Maddox grinned. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ll leave you be. Thanks for the tour.”

“Dean and Ravi are going to be jealous.” Adam chuckled.

“They’ll get their own tours when the place is finished, I promise.”

“We’re going to hold you to that.” Maddox waved as he steered Princess Sofia back toward the road.

Adam fell into step with him, Chip at his side.

Lucky gazed up at me.

“Yeah boy, let’s go home.”

Home.

I like the sound of that.

My architectural wonder was nothing like Gideon’s home.

And part of me ached for the small house through the trees.

So we went.

Chapter Thirteen

Gideon

Awareness came in degrees.

The hand job.

---