Page 92 of Gideon's Gratitude

I shook his hand. “Archer Chamberlain.”

He grinned. “So, you’re the guy.”

I cocked my head, trying to make the connection.

“You met Maddox and Adam while you were walking a dog. A pretty black Labrador.”

“Yeah.” I squinted. “Oh, you said your husband’s name is Stanley?”

He nodded.

“ThatStanley?”

“Maddox’s infamous ex-boyfriend? Yep, that’s the one. And we’re all living on the same street as cozy neighbors.”

Rainbow laughed. “Everyone in Mission City knows that story.”

Justin, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Maddox, grinned. And his cheeks pinkened a little under his ginger beard. “Yes, well, small towns and all.” He turned his attention back to me. “I’m certain Maddox and Adam said they’d always be willing to help. Same goes with our household. Stainless-steel mailbox down the road between Maddox’s and Adam’s properties. No former hermits at our place.” His grin didn’t diminish.

“Hey.” Rainbow gave him a glare.

He didn’t relent. “Both men admit it. Both men are proud of having come here and gotten help. Not giving away any secrets.”

I blinked. “Yeah. I didn’t make the solid connection, but Adam did make a comment about this place and Maddox nodded. I wasn’t going to say anything because…” My voice trailed off.

“No worries. I know Kennedy’s in with a client and you’re here as a friend. All that stays within these walls.” Still with the affable smile. “I’ll share that I have two amazing kids and a dog we all spoil.”

“I kind of like spoiling Lucky as well.” I couldn’t help myself—the dog truly was special. He kept Gideon going.

“Well, hopefully Liba can meet Lucky. She’s as friendly as Chip and Princess Sofia.”

Rainbow chuckled.

Justin mock scowled. Then clearly relented. “Okay, Princess Sofia is in a league of her own. But she’s good with the kids and the other dogs. It’s Ravi and Maddox that she totally manipulates.”

“Oh, like Liba doesn’t control you.” Rainbow pointed. “I know the truth.”

“Well…” He winked. “What are we if not at the beck and call of our children and dogs?”

My heart seized.

“Hey.” He stepped toward me. “My bad. I was joking, but that can be a sore spot.”

I swallowed. “For those of us who told everyone we didn’t want kids because we couldn’t have them and we didn’t want the sympathy? Yeah.” I scratched my stubbled jaw. I hadn’t had time to shave again before racing out here.

“Wow, that’s rough.” Rainbow’s pale-blue eyes held empathy.

“It is what it is.” An expression I loathed—but used often.

Justin nodded. “I didn’t know if I was going to have kids. Hadn’t met the right man. Hell, I hadn’t really met any man. Then Stanley and his nephew Angus landed in my lap.”

“Not literally.” Rainbow laughed. “But close.”

“Right? And in the blink of an eye, I had a ready-made family. We are fostering a four-year-old as well. Opal’s…a spitfire. Angus is a very mature twelve and adores his baby sister. We keep explaining she might not be staying—” His voice caught. “The lies we tell ourselves. We want her to be able to go back with her family, but not if the situation isn’t safe. More, though, we want to keep her. We know we can provide her with a safe home. A forever home.”

“It might happen.” Rainbow nodded encouragingly.

I had no knowledge about Justin and Stanley’s situation. Why they had a foster child. Whether she’d ever be able to return to her biological family. If I could cite one thing I’d learned from being a divorce attorney, it was that biology didnotmake a parent.

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