Page 109 of Quinton's Quest

Now in the hands of the most competent nursing staff I’d ever met.

I’ll never say anything negative about nurses again. They’ve got a tough enough job without me being an asshole.

The mass casualty in Vancouver—a guy stabbing multiple people before being subdued by bystanders—had been, for the most part, resolved. No one had died. Yet.

New West’s heart transplant had been a success. So far. Those things were always tough, and organ rejection was a real possibility.

As I pulled into the driveway and spotted my SUV, a rightness settled over me. I never could’ve left the kids if not for Quinton. Even if… What? Taking them to the hospital and asking someone to watch them? Calling Gideon and praying he arrived home in time for me to save lives?

Having the nanny had meant I’d never been without continuous backup. I’d thought Gideon would be that person now—but he deserved moments away from our kids.

But I wouldn’t have changed today.

So where did that leave me?

I just didn’t know.

The front door opened, and Quinton waved.

Then his expression turned worried, with a frown line appearing between his eyebrows.

He thinks someone died.

I hopped out of the SUV with way more verve than I should, armed the alarm, and headed toward him. “They’re fine. Everyone’s fine—as far as I know. The hospital will— Oof.”

He’d yanked me into his arms. “You had me so scared.”

“I’m okay. Truly, Quinton. But maybe we can go inside where it’s warm?"

He pulled back and offered me a watery smile. “I’ve been so worried all day. And yes, let’s go where it’s warm. I even turned the fireplace on.”

“Sounds good.” We stepped inside. I removed my coat and boots. “But first—”

“Still asleep in Melodie’s room. I checked on them a few minutes ago. Smart move, buying her a large bed.”

“She flails a lot. I never saw they might need to share it.”

“They were really okay, Leo. Mama’s…she’s amazing.”

I grasped his waist and pulled him to me. “You’re amazing. I couldn’t have left them with anyone else.” Confirmation, aloud, of the realization I’d had in his SUV.

“You’ve got backup. Between Gideon and Archer, Mama, and me—you’ll always have someone.”

“My job shouldn’t be the be all and end—”

He placed his index finger against my lips. “None of us can do what you do. You’ve spent your entire life getting to this point. Two people are alive today who likely wouldn’t have been otherwise.”

“Yeah.” I blinked. Gideon had always understood. Never questioned my drive. To have someone else in my life feel the same way meant everything. “Kids, now. Then maybe a decaf coffee or a hot chocolate?”

“With marshmallows? That’s how Mama made it for the kids earlier.”

“She’s amazing. You’re amazing.”

“I’ll always be here.” He slapped my ass. “Go see the kids. I’ll get the mugs.” He sauntered off to the kitchen, jiggling his ass in justthatway.

Despite my exhaustion, I smiled. I made my way to Melodie’s room and snuck a peek.

Lucky raised his head for a fraction of a second, then settled back down in his protective stance at the foot of the bed.