Page 54 of Quinton's Quest

Leo and I exchanged a grin as he offered the container to each of his children. Finally, he held it out for me.

I snagged one. “Mama’s cookies are the best. Just…the best.”

“Does your mother speak Cantonese or Mandarin? Or neither? Or both.” Leo winced. “That’s a really personal question.”

“She grew up speaking Mandarin and learned Cantonese when she came to Canada so she could interpret both at the hospital.”

“How do you say thank you? In either language.”

I told him.

He repeated it.

Then he had both the kids say it.

With varying degrees of success.

We laughed.

He held my gaze.

I whispered, “Thank you.”

He smiled back.

Three hours later, as I was on my way to the hospital, I acknowledged that, aside from not being able to kiss Leo, today had been as wonderful as any of my epic parties.

Maybe even better.

Chapter Fourteen

Leo

When I delivered the kids on Sunday night, that familiar pang of pain shot through me. I’d never wanted to be a weekend parent. Gideon and I were supposed to be doing this together—both always there. Even if I was working, I’d known my kids waited for me at home. Likely with Gideon, who often got home before I did because of his early morning start.

None of that was happening now.

As Melodie and Trevor chatted on about their awesome weekend, Gideon caught my gaze. He cocked his head.

I blinked.

Archer stepped forward. “Lucky really missed you. Why don’t we have some cuddle time before bed? Then maybe I can read you a story?”

“Daddy.” Trevor crossed his arms.

Gideon crouched as best he could. “Absolutely. You cuddle with Lucky then change into your pajamas, brush your teeth, get into bed, and I’ll be there to read you a story.”

“Promise.” Melodie twirled a lock of her ebony curls in her fingers.

“I promise.” Gideon straightened.

No missing the expression of concern on Archer’s face—including the little furrow in his brow.

Gideon offered him a smile that I knew was meant to reassure.

It had for me, because I hadn’t wanted to acknowledge the depth of his pain.

What did Archer see?