Page 119 of Quinton's Quest

“Well, if I’d been here for Valentine’s, then we would’ve seen each other.”Plus, I was still in the doghouse back then.Although he’d invited me. But I’d had the kids.

No regrets.

“I have to thank Archer’s parents for babysitting tonight.” When Gideon told me he and Archer were coming tonight, I’d assumed that meant I would be staying home with the kids—this was, after all, my weekend.

“You’ve already thanked Archer, like, five times. Clementine and Clivelovecoming out to babysit the kids. They couldn’t have been more thrilled.” Gideon continued to smile. “Given they’re going to be my in-laws, I figure keeping them happy is important.”

He radiated happiness.Radiant. That’s the word I would choose to describe him since he’d come home from Vancouver with a ring on his finger.

“And Lucky. Can’t forget Lucky.”

“Clementine brings dog treats in her fancy purse. It’s…adorable.” All dreamy smile. “How’s the hospital these days?”

“Busy. I’ve settled in and I have a great team. I think I anticipated more problems when transferring from Surrey, but administration has made the transition seamless.”

“That’s great.” Same damn smile. “I’m so happy for you, Leo. And Quinton? I think you’ve found the perfect guy.”

You were once perfect for me too. And I’m so damn sorry for letting that go.When I’d recently tried to apologize again, Gideon said that not only was in unnecessary, but that it sort of hurt him a bit. That he was moving on and he wanted the same for me—if that was possible.

I’d taken that thought to Justin in our next counseling session. He’d wisely agreed with Gideon and asked me whatmoving onlooked like for me. I’d saidQuinton. Justin said that was a pretty good choice—as long as I was doing it for the right reason. Because I loved Quinton, and not just because he was someone convenient.

I’d laughed. Not unkindly. Because I’d be hard-pressed to think of someone lessconvenientthan Quinton. Not just because of our wonky schedules. No. He got me in a way that only Gideon ever had. Quinton had my number and was never afraid to call me out on my shit. “Where is the host?” Gideon and I were ensconced in the kitchen.

“Nervous?” He arched an eyebrow. “This was your idea.”

I met his gaze. “Am I wrong to do this?”

He burst out laughing. “Only you can answer that question. I can tell you it’ll beepicif you pull it off.”

My stomach lurched. “You don’t think I can pull this off?”

“I didn’t say that.” He held up his hands. “I’m moral support—not the logistics person. That’s not my specialty.”

I hated that Gideon still put himself down. A learning disability made navigating the world challenging for him—but he’d done well as a longshoreman. Now, as a stay-at-home dad, he was even better. Much happier. He’d made noises about getting a job when Trevor started school.

Archer vacillated. He wanted Gideon to have a sense of purpose. He was also happy to have his fiancé home and focused on the family. They didn’t need Gideon to earn an income—and taking a job away from someone who might need it these days felt unfair.

Maybe you should suggest volunteering of some kind.Yeah, I’d do that. After the party, I’d see if I could find a few things that might suit him. Not being pushy—just offering another perspective.

“Oh my God.” Quinton breezed into the kitchen. “Why are pigs in a blanket so damn popular?”

Gideon offered up the basket of cooling little piggies he’d recently retrieved from the oven. He might’ve already eaten two.

I’d snagged one as well.

“You’re a dear.” Quinton grabbed the basket. “I think we can start looking at desserts. Lucia should—”

Even as he said her name, the doctor herself appeared.

“Oh, perfect. Can you organize the mini-Nanaimo squares? Might as well give them out first.”

“Sure.” Lucia snagged a pig in a blanket. “But they’re everyone’s favorite.”

“Right. So they’ll have room if they eat them first. Then we’ve got the egg tarts.” He gazed around the counter. “And something Irish, right?”

“Bread pudding and Bailey’s cheesecake.” Gideon moved to the fridge. “I’ll get it organized.” He winked at me as Quinton continued to fuss over the piggies.

“Sure. Thank you.” Quinton grinned. “Okay.”