Page 116 of Quinton's Quest

I bit my lower lip. “It’s complicated.”

“How? You said you’re moving in with Leo? And he has the children on the weekends?”

“Yes. He sees them Wednesday nights as well. He has dinner at Gideon’s house. I’ve been invited—if I’m not working.”

“Will you need backup if you’re working and Leo’s called in?”

“That wasn’t supposed to happen.”

Mama laughed. “Right. Like medicine works on a timetable. I’m available.”

“Theoretically Gideon and Archer will be around. Them being in Vancouver was unusual.”

“Well, I’m still around. In fact—” She gazed at her nails. “I’ve put in my retirement papers. My last shift will be Easter Sunday.”

My jaw dropped. “Just like that?”

“I’m tired, Quinton. Not of life, of course, but of being a nurse. Standing upright all those hours. Helping other people through some of their toughest times. I’m ready to call it quits. I qualify for a full pension. Now—” She eyed me. “Am I going to have grandchildren to spoil?”

I sputtered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re moving in with Leo.”

“Yes.”

“He has children.”

“Yes.”

“You’re going to be part of their lives.”

“Of course.”

“Well, where do you see me?”

I blinked. This was exactly what Leo, and I had discussed. Only we hadn’t used the termgrandmother. Probably because Leo’s parents were dead and Gideon’s had disowned him—the children hadn’t, until recently, even had grandparents. Archer’s parents were easily stepping into that role, though. They already had so many grandchildren—what with most of Archer’s six younger brothers and sisters married with children. Yet the Chamberlains were welcoming of Melodie and Trevor. Like they were blood. “We see you as having an active role in their lives—if that’s what you want.”

Yet another eye roll. “You think I wouldn’t want that? Especially now I’m retiring. I would say that’s good timing.”

Which she couldn’t have possibly known about.

Right?

With mothers, one never really knew.

“Here’s where things get complicated.”

“Yes?”

“I’m moving out.”

“That was a given. This is a lovely house, but if the kids can live on the mountain, why wouldn’t they?”

“And they’re close to Gideon. Same school bus, same friends…same environment.”

“There you go.” Her gaze narrowed. “Are you worried about me alone in the house?”

“Well, frankly? Yes.”