Page 51 of Quinton's Quest

“The house came furnished. One of the many bonuses.” Leo appeared from a hallway. “If you want, why not keep your boots on? We’ll bundle the kids up and head out right away.”

Melodie offered the tin. “Your friend brought cookies!”

“For later.” Better to reiterate that. I hadn’t checked with Leo, and if he wasn’t okay with it, hopefully the kids would just forget.

Leo accepted the tin. “Remember I said my friend’s name was Quinton? I think he’d prefer that over Mr. Li.”

I laughed. “Oh heck, yes. Mr. Li was my dad.”

“Right.” Likely, he remembered I’d said my dad passed.

“And my mom baked the cookies—I don’t want to take credit. I was fast asleep.”

“You got enough rest?” His brow furrowed.

“Oh yeah, plenty. I’m ready for some exercise!” I attempted to inject as much enthusiasm as possible.

“Well, the hill’s not huge, but I’ll appreciate the help to pull the sleds back up.” He turned to his kids. “Okay—winter clothes and helmets.”

Where I expected grumblings, none were offered. Instead, I helped Melodie with her boots—after she put on all her outerwear—while Leo ensured Trevor had everything he needed.

As quick as anything, Leo donned his coat, boots, scarf, and mitts.

“You’re going to need a hat.”

He arched an eyebrow.

“We’re all wearing them.” Not that he needed to be reminded. “There’s a bit of a wind. Wouldn’t want your hair to get ruffled.”

“And putting on a toque won’t give me hat head?” He laughed. Still, he grabbed a hat with a pompom, and we all headed out.

A few flakes fell as we rounded the corner toward the back of the house.

Leo turned to me. “Do you mind hanging out at the bottom on the hill?”

“No problem.” I figured he’d want me there to catch any off-course kids. I jogged down the incline toward the bottom. The gentle slope was perfect for the kids, and the ground leveled out before the forest began.I wonder how far back his property goes?Because of being friends with Maddox, Stanley, and Adam’s families, I knew their houses were one street over—and Gideon’s house was right there. I couldn’t remember passing it, but I would have. Many times.

“Ready?” Leo’s voice carried down the hill.

“You bet!” I waved my hand—just in case he couldn’t hear me.

He waved back, then gave Trevor a push.

The boy squealed and screamed all the way down. Fortunately, he stopped well short of me, pulling up on the sled to slow it. He hopped off. “That was so cool!” He turned back. “Did you see, Papa? I’m the best.”

Leo waved. I couldn’t see his expression from this distance, but I wanted to believe I’d see pride. And joy.

Melodie came next. She was silent in her descent, but her rosy cheeks and huge grin when she reached me assured me she’d enjoyed herself. She gave me a wide smile. “Awesome.”

“Yep.” I snagged both sleds and began dragging them back up the hill.

“What are you doing?” Leo started to make his way down.

I’d planned to just do all the hauling, but these were heavier than I expected. “Uh, we’ll take turns?” I worried about his hands. I couldn’t spend all our time together worrying about them. Just like I needed be protective of my body, but I could still have fun.

“Oh, okay.” His green eyes flashed appreciation. He jogged down the hill as I carried the sleds the rest of the way up. “Ready?”

“I want to go first this time.” Melodie stuck out her lower lip.