Page 92 of Quinton's Quest

The autopsy concluded a blot clot to the brain had caused the massive stroke. And that Leo’s surgery had been perfect. Although that didn’t bring him the comfort he deserved, he found the courage to step back into the OR on Wednesday. Then he went to Gideon’s for the family dinner that night. Finally, he went to counseling at Healing Horses on Thursday after work.

I’d been surprised when he mentioned he’d been going for some time. Yes, I’d suggested it. And Gideon had provided the number for the counseling center. But the choice to go, several times now, had been all Leo’s. Interesting his counselor was Justin Bridges-Powers. A friend of mine. Who would one-hundred percent keep Leo’s confidences. Was I curious if I ever came up in conversation? Sure. Was I ever going to be so arrogant and confident as to ask? Hell-fucking-no.

As I lay on my bed, after having stayed up for twenty-four hours, I yawned. At eight o’clock, I was barely coherent.But I needed to reset my clock. I was off this weekend and then back to days on Monday. Always flipping shifts could be hard sometimes, but I loved my job and so did whatever was necessary.

I turned off the light, but kept scrolling.So bad. Light before bed will mess with your sleep.I yawned again. No, I didn’t believe anything was going to mess with my sleep.

My phone buzzed with an incoming text.

—The kids are asleep. —

That made me smile. We’d managed only a couple of text exchanges since we were on opposite schedules. But he’d send me one before his bedtime and one before mine.

He’s smitten.

Yeah. So am I.

—Good night with them? —

—The best. Kraft dinner with ham and peas. Cuddles and snuggles while I read a few books. Now in bed. —

—Sounds like you survived. —

—I did. —

Then a long pause.

—I miss you. —

My hand hovered over the keyboard.Aw, fuck it.I hit Call.

He answered immediately. “Yeah?”

“How are you really?”Damn. I didn’t mean to go so deep so quickly.

After a long pause, he answered. “Better than I thought I would be.”

“That’s good to know.” I wasn’t certain how much I believed him, but his texts had been generally upbeat and positive—so I’d take that for a win. Even if he was putting on an act for my sake. “Can the kids hear you?”

“They sleep pretty soundly, and my bedroom is down the hall from theirs.”

“And you’re certain they’re asleep.”

“Oh yeah. They played outside for hours after school. Before I picked them up. Gideon wanted them to be as tired as possible tonight so the transition would be easy. Dinner, then bed. Tomorrow they’ll be up and ready to go.”

“Sounds like he thinks of everything.”

“He really does.” Leo sighed. “I’m a damn lucky man.”

“You make your own luck. You opened your heart to forgiving someone you loved deeply for a long time. That takes courage.”

He chuckled. “I suppose. Archer really knew which buttons to push—even as he was aware the possibility of reconciliation between Gideon and me existed.”

“Oh?”

“Well, no. But he didn’t know that when he approached me. He’s such a good guy that I think he would’ve accepted that outcome. Anything to get Gideon greater access to our kids.”

“Did you consider reconciliation?”Do you really want to know this?