Page 25 of Quinton's Quest

“I suppose.”

“Maybe one day you’ll tell me yours.” I popped the piece of cake in my mouth.

“I just did. You know everything about me.”

“I know everything you’ve chosen to tell me—that’s very different from knowing everything.”

He pursed his lips. Then, slowly, he smiled. “You’re not so bad.”

“For a nurse who spends more time on his phone then tending to patients.”

He winced. “I’m never going to live that down, am I?”

“Nope.” I grinned. “But you might have fun trying.”

He gaped.

Oh, buddy, you have no idea…

Chapter Eight

Leo

“You look exhausted.” Gideon gave me a once-over. “We could’ve kept the kids until tomorrow morning.”

He would have. I’d known that. But the past five days had been the longest I’d ever been away from them. Pictures just weren’t enough. “Thanks, but I need to see them. I’m okay.”

“If you say so.” No censure or condemnation. Just the concern he always exuded when he worried about me. Memories of that flooded me—tinged with a bit of regret for what I’d lost when I sent him away and then insisted on a divorce.

“I got called in to assist with a heart transplant in New West yesterday. Things went sideways, and although the patient survived, there’s no guarantee she’s going to make it.”

“If she doesn't, it won’t be because of anything you did or didn’t do.”

I arched an eyebrow. “That’s quite a statement.”

“Leo, I know you. You did your very best. Shit happens.” He glanced around the entryway of the massive house he shared with Archer and the kids.

No little ears in sight.

“Archer’s helping them pack a bag. I know they have everything they need at your place, but a favorite stuffy won’t go amiss. And we helped them pick out a favorite picture of the five of us with frames so they can put them in their bedrooms. I hope that’s okay.”

“Five?” I frowned. “Did you have another child when I wasn’t paying attention?”

Gideon laughed. “Uh, no. Archer and I have decided two is plenty. I meant Lucky.”

As if on cue, the black lab sauntered into the room. He approached me with way too much enthusiasm.Oh well, I can always wash my hands.“Hey boy, are you taking care of my babies?”

He cocked his head.

“Melodie and Trevor?”

I’d have sworn to God he smiled—if dogs could smile. What he did do was woof and rub his snout against my hand.

Gideon grinned. “He’s a great dog. You never know how it’ll go with rescues. He was skittish at first, but then he opened up, and now he’s everyone’s best buddy.”

The words brought a pang to my chest. We’d discussed getting a dog—once my practice was settled, and the kids were a bit older. Another experience Gideon was providing them that I couldn’t.

“Oh, the kids haven’t eaten dessert. No big deal if you don’t have something—”