Page 38 of Quinton's Quest

“After facing that situation, day in and day out, anyone might find it difficult to have faith in things. Especially things they can’t see.”

“I don’t believe in God. At least not the one my parents believed in. That Gideon’s parents believed in.”

“That’s fair. I tend to place my trust in my fellow man—all the while knowing life can be a bitch and throw us curve balls we’re not expecting.”

“He let me down. He broke my trust.”

Justin began to speak, but I cut him off.

“I’m not here to talk about his personal demons. Through our conversations, it’s clear that his counseling with Kennedy has made a world of difference. Basically, he’s a different man than the one he was two years ago. He’s more like the man I married.”

“The divorce was…”

“My idea.”

“And you’re now regretting that?”

I shook my head. Then paused. “I can’t undo the past. I can’t unring the bell. I can’t make different choices. All I can do is make better decisions moving forward. I trust our children with Gideon and Archer. At least my head does. My gut still churns at the thought.”

“Because of his previous behavior.”

I nodded. “Yeah. But this is on me. He’s better. He’s so very much better. And I have to learn to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

“But your past experience is telling you that’s not as easy as it sounds.”

“That’s right.” I continued to stroke Tiffany’s ears. “But it’s even more complicated.”

“Okay.” He said the word tentatively.

“I’ve met someone. And I got off on the wrong foot with him, and then I think I’m not ready for a relationship anyway. Except he’s always around, and now I can’t stop thinking about him.”

“Do you work together?”

I nodded. “Complicated, right?”

“Well…workplace romances are common because we spend so many hours at work. In your job, I suspect you spend most of your time in the hospital.”

“Yeah.” I sighed. “I’ve never been on a date.”

He blinked.

“Right? I married my high school sweetheart and then, even after the divorce, I didn’t see anyone. I finally get up the courage to try to find someone and I wind up in bed with my future coworker. And that’s when things got interesting.”

Justin straightened. “Okay. Let’s take this from the beginning.”

Chapter Eleven

Quinton

“Welcome to my Absolutely Amazing Valentine Shindig.” I held the door open for Dean and Adam.

Dean grabbed me and pulled me into a hug.

Adam managed to close the door while holding a tray.

We were going through a warm spell. Well, warm for southwestern British Columbia in February. But the cold weather was coming back with snow in the forecast.

I pulled back from Dean. “Blue-and-green plaid? Seriously? Where’s the Valentine spirit?”