Page 58 of Quinton's Quest

Ouch.“But now things have worked out?”

He sighed. “Archer fell in love with me before we secured joint custody. Did he fight extra hard because he wanted me to be happy? Sure. He would’ve taken me as I was. In his eyes, the kids are just a bonus—more people to love. His heart—” He swallowed. “Sometimes I forget what unconditional love is. Then Archer reminds me.”

That’s because of me. Because I didn’t give you that unconditional love.I’d tried. And failed. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks. And whether Quinton remains a friend or you become more to each other, that’s okay with me. It’s your life, Leo.” Again with a soft smile. “We met Quinton last weekend,and I have to say he’s a very kind man. Very…affable.” He laughed.

“He was great with the kids.”

“That’s all I can ever ask for.” He held my gaze. “Are you okay?”

I nodded. “Sorry to take your time.”

“You’ll always be part of my life, and if we need to talk—to keep an open line of communication—for the kids’ sake? I’m all for that. And Archer understands.”

“He must if he’s okay with you chatting for half an hour with your ex-husband.”

Gideon laughed. “We missed the kids. He’s making up for lost time.”

This time, I blinked. The idea that my kids had yet another person to love them meant everything. Neither Gideon’s nor my family had wanted anything to do with us after we announced we were together at age eighteen. Gideon’s parents were still alive, and knew about their grandchildren, but still wanted no part in our lives. My parents had both passed.

But knowing the kids had another champion? That was okay by me. I rose. “You’re a good man. He’s a good man.” I shoved my hands into my pockets. “And you’re okay watching them next weekend?”

“While you’re on call? Of course.” He moved toward me. “Whatever you need. You need to save lives. We have no complaints about watching the kids.” His smile was a little shy. “I never take a moment with them for granted.”

Again…because of me.

“I’m sorry, Gideon. So damn sorry.”

He held open his arms and, after a hesitation, I stepped into them. He felt both familiar and foreign at the same time. Two years was a damn long time.

“I’ll always love you, Leo. You put our children first. You continue to do that. You’re saving lives. You continue to do that. We just have to find a new way of dealing with each other.” He held me close. “I wish you the best.”

“Me too.” My throat tightened with emotion. For so many years, this man had been my everything. Through all the turbulence of medical school, he’d been my rock. He’d supported us financially and me emotionally. I owed him and, in a way, could never repay him. “I’m here if you need me.”

He gave me an extra-tight squeeze, and then let me go. “Same goes.”

We moved toward the front entryway.

I put my shoes back on. “I suppose I should be wearing boots.”

“You’ve got a garage, right?”

I nodded. “And a wonderful woman who plows the driveway.”

“Taryn?”

Again, I nodded.

“Lovely woman. She helps us out as well. I love being able to find local people to connect with. You have gone to Fifties, right?”

I smiled. “I thought I remembered you telling me about your grandparents taking you. Uh, Quinton and I went one night. To…settle some differences.”

Gideon arched an eyebrow. “Do I want to know?”

“Probably not.”

“That’s fair. None of my business. Sayhito him from us. We truly enjoyed his party.”