Page 90 of Gideon's Gratitude

Heat raced to my cheeks. We hadn’t actually talked about who would top, but I had the distinct impression that would be his preference. And since I preferred things that way, we could make this work.

The drive to the therapy ranch passed in a blur.

Archer kept up a steady stream of conversation about his new house. Now ahead of schedule, thanks to the good weather, the place would be ready just before Christmas.

I’d gleaned some of this, having wandered over a couple of times and chatted with Riley. “I’m happy for you.”

He signaled to turn onto the road heading to the center. “Thank you. And I’ve taken your advice and have approved the plans for a cabin set farther back on the property. I’ve submitted those plans to the municipality to get their approval, but Riley’s pretty sure there won’t be any issues. Unless a neighbor complains.”

“Oh well, I won’t. I love the idea of your family being able to visit you.” Not only because it’d been my idea. But because, deep down, his love for his family was clear and abiding. The initial reaction of wanting a hideaway was logical. But so was admitting he wanted the ability to have them visit. Just on his terms, not theirs.

“I can’t wait for them to meet you.”

“Uh…”

“Well, I’ve told them about you, and they’re now quite insistent on introductions.”

What the…?“Well, um, that was quite a leap forward.”

He swore under his breath. “I should have consulted you.”

I placed my hand on his thigh. “You don’t have to consult me. Your family don’t know me. If it doesn’t work out between us, they’ll be none the wiser.”

“Not work out?” He shot me a glare. “We’ve barely started, and you’ve decided we won’t work out?”

What am I supposed to say?So I kept silent as he turned off the road and onto the long winding driveway. Dusk had set in, but without the pouring rain, I glimpsed tall, soaring trees. And as the ranch came into view, my heart settled a bit. I’d take whatever I could get. For as long as I could get it. The rest would just work itself out.

Rainbow and Tiffany were there to greet us by the time we were out of the SUV.

Lucky was thrilled to see his canine friend, and excited tails wagged.

The woman smiled. “Kennedy’s waiting in her office. You know the way?”

I nodded. Then glanced at Archer. I wanted to ask him to come, but also instinctively understood the relationship was too new for that. No, this I had to do on my own. “Thanks.”

She grinned. “No worries. I’ll take good care of Archer.”

“I can’t wait.” His dark-gray eyes flashed genuine happiness.

I suppressed the flash of jealousy. Archer was bisexual. Although I didn’t know for certain, I had the feeling Rainbow was single. They would make a handsome couple.

I clicked my tongue.

Lucky reluctantly departed from Tiffany, and we went in search of Kennedy.

Her office door was ajar, so I knocked.

She was there in a heartbeat with a huge smile. “Great to see you, Gideon. Come on in. Have a seat.”

Again, I nabbed the chair.Better for my back. And I don’t have to think about sitting on the couch with Leo, Melodie, and Trevor.

That didn’t make things any better.

Kennedy sat in the other chair and offered what I interpreted to be a genuine smile. “How has your week been? I’m very glad you came back.”

Slowly, I nodded. “I think I need to be here, right? Because I want to get better. I mean, that might not be possible physically, but I can get to a place of acceptance.”

She cocked her head. “Have you ever heard of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross?”

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