Quinton's Quest, page 21
I believed him. “What will happen to your mom and your house? Do you think we should move there? Or be there when I don’t have the kids? Or—”
“You bought this house to be near them. That’s a solid plan.”
“Did you ever notice the cabin on the other side of the driveway?”
He cocked his head. “Sure. I assumed that was your neighbors’.”
I shook my head. “The former owners of the house had a disabled adult son. They wanted to keep him close, but give him his own space. Eventually, he moved into Mission City and was able to achieve a level of independence. The cabin’s traditional on the outside, but very modern on the inside.”
“And you’re thinking I might live there?” He squinted. “I suppose. Although I kind of thought—”
“That you’ll be in here and in my bed? Hell, yes.”
“But—”
“You’re right, it’s a stupid idea.”
He blinked. “I don’t know what the idea is. Don’t assume you know what I’m thinking—that way leads to trouble.”
“Yes, you’re right.” I took a breath. “Do you suppose, I mean it’s silly, right? Because she has a house in the—”
“You’re wondering if Mama might want to move into a cabin in the woods?”
“When you say it like that, it sounds ridiculous.”
“Actually, it doesn’t. I mean, I have no idea what she’d say. But she doesn’t want to live in a big house. Personally, I’d love to see her move out of the basement—but this is a huge step. We just agreed to be boyfriends—”
“You agreed to move in.”
“Yes, I can hardly forget that. Even though you sort of forgot to mention that part of the plan.”
I burst out laughing. “You think I have a plan? You give me way too much credit. I just know I don’t want to be apart from you more than absolutely necessary. Oh, does this…is this going to be a conflict at work?”
“A doctor and a nurse living together? No. Will I have to tell Marlena so she doesn’t schedule me in your rotation? Yes.”
“Are you okay with that?”
“Sure.” He shrugged. “She’s been trying to get me to commit to the NICU.”
“That’s a rough place to work.”
“Yeah, I suppose. But I think oncology would be tougher. Which is the other place that needs more nurses right now.”
I placed a kiss on his forehead. “I’ll support you—no matter what.”
He sighed. “You make this sound so easy.”
I laughed. “Oh, hardly that. You’d be upending your life to be part of chaos.”
“The best kind of chaos.”
“Well, that’s true.” I pulled back to meet his gaze. “Why don’t you think about it? Talk to your mom? Speak to Marlena? I don’t want to feel like I pushed you into something you weren’t ready for.”
He gazed up at me though impossibly long lashes. “I was ready the morning after our one-night stand.” He grinned. “Until you stuck your foot in your mouth.”
“Oh God, you’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”
“Should I?”
“Nope. I was wrong to say what I said.”
“You had a reason.”
“One bad experience with one nurse shouldn’t have colored my perception of all nurses.”
“And I’ll own that all doctors aren’t arrogant.” He smirked. “Maybe even not all surgeons.”
“I’m not infallible.”
“Neither am I. Part of being human. Now, I’m thirsty and our hot chocolate is long cold. How about I heat them up?”
I yanked him close. “I’d prefer you warm me up…but that can come later.”
Later was the two of us falling asleep on the couch and being woken by two hungry kids just after dawn.
Oh, and the dog who wanted to be let out.
Yes, my life was perfect.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Quinton
Iclutched my mug of tea as I sat at the kitchen table with Mama.
She eyed me. “You want to move in with Dr. Rodgers.”
“Yes.”
“You love him?”
I squirmed. “Uh…yes?”
“Quinton Li.” She used her strict voice. “You know I would never tell you how to live your life—”
“Which is appreciated—” I stopped abruptly when she held up her hand. I sipped my tea.
“Okay.” She held my gaze. “Do you love Dr. Rodgers?”
“Leo.” Because no way was I calling my boyfriend Dr. Rodgers except in professional settings. Mad respect for his talents as a surgeon—but I wasn’t with him for prestige. I was… I swallowed. “Yeah. I love him.” I blinked. “I didn’t plan on this, Mama. You have to believe me.”
“I should think not. I remember your antipathy to him at the beginning.”
“He said something stupid. I reacted badly. We’ve both apologized and moved on.”
“Apparently.” She arched an eyebrow. “He’s the one you’ve been seeing? Staying overnight at his house?”
“Yes.”
“With his children there?”
“Not until last night.”
“Ah.”
“We slept on the couch—fully clothed.”
“Ah.”
“It’s not like that.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
I rolled my eyes. “Your tone always gives you away. You can pack a lot into one word.”
The corners of her lips twitched.
“Yes, we’ve been, uh, seeing each other.”
“Sleeping together.”
Well, I’m not going to say fuck buddies in front of my mother. “Yes. Something like that.”
She nodded. “And you’ve met his children, obviously. Do they know you’re in a romantic relationship? May I presume you’re in a romantic relationship? Kids these days do such odd things.”
Somehow, I assumed Leo and I were the kids in that statement. “Yes, romantic relationship. Yes, we told the children yesterday, and they appeared happy. Yes, Leo’s ex-husband knows since they share joint custody. In fact, we had brunch—Leo, his ex, his ex’s new fiancé, and the children.”
“New fiancé?”
I nodded. “Gideon—he’s the ex—was in Vancouver with his partner Archer. That’s why we had to help out yesterday when Leo got called into surgery. Saved two lives.” Because slipping that in there felt like the right thing to do. “Leo, Gideon, and Archer are all grateful to you for stepping up and helping.”
Mama frowned. “Did they think I wouldn’t?”
“Well, only Leo knows you. And only in a professional capacity. None of the men would’ve asked or presumed they could just leave their children with a virtual stranger.”
“I’m not a stranger. I’m your mother.” She smiled rather dreamily. “They’re wonderful children.” That gaze sharpened. “And what are you going to be to them?”
“Uh—” I frowned. “Leo’s boyfriend?” That sounded…odd. Because, yeah, when kids were involved things were definitely more complicated.
“And you’re moving in.”
“Yes.” Here I could be confident. “Leo asked. Well, sort of. In the end.”
Mama snickered. “Are you sure about that?”
“Well, now I am. Leo told everyone at the table that he’d asked and I’d agreed. Which I had. So that’s all figured out.”
“And you’re happy?”
I grinned. “Mama, I’m over-the-moon happy.”
She placed her hand on mine. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted—for you to be happy. I kept thinking the right man would come along for you. I just didn’t know if I’d be alive to see it.”
“Mama.” Said with plenty of admonishment.
Again, she rolled her eyes. “Calm down. I’m not going anywhere.”
“So, uh, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“About me going somewhere?”
I bit my lower lip. “It’s complicated.”
“How? You said you’re moving in with Leo? And he has the children on the weekends?”
“Yes. He sees them Wednesday nights as well. He has dinner at Gideon’s house. I’ve been invited—if I’m not working.”
“Will you need backup if you’re working and Leo’s called in?”
“That wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Mama laughed. “Right. Like medicine works on a timetable. I’m available.”
“Theoretically Gideon and Archer will be around. Them being in Vancouver was unusual.”
“Well, I’m still around. In fact—” She gazed at her nails. “I’ve put in my retirement papers. My last shift will be Easter Sunday.”
My jaw dropped. “Just like that?”
“I’m tired, Quinton. Not of life, of course, but of being a nurse. Standing upright all those hours. Helping other people through some of their toughest times. I’m ready to call it quits. I qualify for a full pension. Now—” She eyed me. “Am I going to have grandchildren to spoil?”
I sputtered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You’re moving in with Leo.”
“Yes.”
“He has children.”
“Yes.”
“You’re going to be part of their lives.”
“Of course.”
“Well, where do you see me?”
I blinked. This was exactly what Leo, and I had discussed. Only we hadn’t used the term grandmother. Probably because Leo’s parents were dead and Gideon’s had disowned him—the children hadn’t, until recently, even had grandparents. Archer’s parents were easily stepping into that role, though. They already had so many grandchildren—what with most of Archer’s six younger brothers and sisters married with children. Yet the Chamberlains were welcoming of Melodie and Trevor. Like they were blood. “We see you as having an active role in their lives—if that’s what you want.”
Yet another eye roll. “You think I wouldn’t want that? Especially now I’m retiring. I would say that’s good timing.”
Which she couldn’t have possibly known about.
Right?
With mothers, one never really knew.
“Here’s where things get complicated.”
“Yes?”
“I’m moving out.”
“That was a given. This is a lovely house, but if the kids can live on the mountain, why wouldn’t they?”
“And they’re close to Gideon. Same school bus, same friends…same environment.”
“There you go.” Her gaze narrowed. “Are you worried about me alone in the house?”
“Well, frankly? Yes.”
She pursed her lips. “Just because I’ve never been alone, doesn’t mean I can’t be now. I can always find a boarder, or rent the house to someone, or—”
“You could move in with us?”
“Excuse me?” She blinked. “You want your mother living in your house? With your boyfriend and his children? Exactly how many bedrooms are in this house?”
“Three.”
“Is there a basement?”
“Yeah, but it’s not set up for someone to live down there.” I tried not to smile as she did the math. “But there is a separate cabin on the property.”
“Oh really? That sounds convenient.”
“Honestly? Leo hasn’t even paid attention to it. He bought the property for its proximity to Gideon—not for some outbuilding on the property.”
“Outbuilding?”
“Actually, it’s a luxury one-bedroom cabin with vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, full kitchen, soaker tub, separate shower, and—” I flailed my hand. “I can’t think of what else.”
“And Leo doesn’t use it?”
I shook my head.
“But he might need time away from you.”
“Hey!”
“Just being honest. Sometimes you can be overwhelming.”
I laughed. “I resemble that comment. And no, Leo isn’t thinking about using the cabin to get away from me—and you’re not going to give him any ideas.”
“All right.”
“May I show you the photos?”
“All right.”
Her tone warned me that she wasn’t convinced—but was willing to give me the benefit of the doubt.
I brought up the first photo—of the lovely structure. Very much fitting into the woods behind it. Although the cabin appeared old, it’d been built just eight years ago with all the finishings. Slowly, I scrolled through each picture—explaining how great a place this really was. Trying to be persuasive. Trying not to influence her one way or the other.
The final photo was from the front door of the cabin—facing out toward the main house. “Close…but not too close.”
“Who are you trying to convince?”
“You?” I squinted.
She pushed the phone away. “That’s a big change.”
“I know.”
“I had plans.”
“Oh?”
She gave me that look.
“Do you not want me to ask?” She might be my mother—but after twenty-six years, she still was an enigma.
“If you must know.” She straightened. “I’ve been down to the animal shelter. After my time with Lucky? I want a Lucky of my own.”
I blinked. “He’s a good dog.” Oh God, where is she going with this?
“Oh, I want a smaller version. I want to put my name down as a foster—for after Easter. And you’ll never guess what happened.”
“I seriously cannot guess.” Because I was still stuck on the Lucky of my own.
“They have a litter of dachshund/bichon frise puppies.”
“Say that again?”
“Right? Unusual mix. The puppies are adorable and will be ready for foster or adoption in about six weeks. Now, is that not perfect timing?”
I did the math in my head. Easter was… If Mama moved in with us, then that would be…
“Perfect.” I echoed her word.
“Do you think the children would like another dog? How would Lucky be with a puppy?”
“I can confidently say that Lucky would love another dog. You should’ve seen him at the park. But he doesn’t live with us full-time. He’s Gideon’s dog.”
“But he visits.”
“Well, I guess so.”
“Then it’s important they’re introduced properly. And the children?”
“They love Lucky, so I’d say it’s safe to assume they’d love another dog. Are you serious? You’ve never said anything about wanting a dog.”
“I’ve been watching videos on the internet. And there’s a dog trainer in town, Torah Dixon. I’ve nabbed a spot in her puppy class starting at the beginning of May.”
I blinked. “Just like that?”
“Yes, my dear, just like that. Only I thought I’d be living here with the dog. Now I think it might be in the country. Sounds lovely.”
My mind couldn’t process this.
“And I can make large meals in that lovely kitchen. Now, I haven’t seen the main house. Is it big enough for your parties?”
“Yes. Well, perhaps a tight squeeze—but we’d make do.” I tried to tamp down the feeling of excitement. “Speaking of parties…”
“I’ve got everything planned for next Friday night. St. Patrick’s Day, eh? It will be your last party here.” She gazed around. “Do you want to sell the house or just rent? Renting gives you an out if things go badly.”
“This is your house. This is your secure retirement fund as well. If you need the money—”
She placed her hand over mine again. “My pension is plenty generous. Now I have children and a puppy to spoil. I think that’s perfect. Why don’t we rent? There are always families who need a place. Find someone trustworthy. If things don’t pan out, then we can always move back.” She gazed into my eyes. “But I think things are going to work out.”
“Yeah.” I cleared my throat. “Me too.”
She placed a kiss to my temple. “Now—tell me what else you have planned.”
And so I did.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Leo
Gideon grinned at me. “This is your first Quinton shindig, eh?”
“Well, if I’d been here for Valentine’s, then we would’ve seen each other.” Plus, I was still in the doghouse back then. Although he’d invited me. But I’d had the kids.
No regrets.
“I have to thank Archer’s parents for babysitting tonight.” When Gideon told me he and Archer were coming tonight, I’d assumed that meant I would be staying home with the kids—this was, after all, my weekend.
“You’ve already thanked Archer, like, five times. Clementine and Clive love coming out to babysit the kids. They couldn’t have been more thrilled.” Gideon continued to smile. “Given they’re going to be my in-laws, I figure keeping them happy is important.”
He radiated happiness. Radiant. That’s the word I would choose to describe him since he’d come home from Vancouver with a ring on his finger.
“And Lucky. Can’t forget Lucky.”
“Clementine brings dog treats in her fancy purse. It’s…adorable.” All dreamy smile. “How’s the hospital these days?”
“Busy. I’ve settled in and I have a great team. I think I anticipated more problems when transferring from Surrey, but administration has made the transition seamless.”
“That’s great.” Same damn smile. “I’m so happy for you, Leo. And Quinton? I think you’ve found the perfect guy.”
You were once perfect for me too. And I’m so damn sorry for letting that go. When I’d recently tried to apologize again, Gideon said that not only was in unnecessary, but that it sort of hurt him a bit. That he was moving on and he wanted the same for me—if that was possible.
I’d taken that thought to Justin in our next counseling session. He’d wisely agreed with Gideon and asked me what moving on looked like for me. I’d said Quinton. Justin said that was a pretty good choice—as long as I was doing it for the right reason. Because I loved Quinton, and not just because he was someone convenient.
I’d laughed. Not unkindly. Because I’d be hard-pressed to think of someone less convenient than Quinton. Not just because of our wonky schedules. No. He got me in a way that only Gideon ever had. Quinton had my number and was never afraid to call me out on my shit. “Where is the host?” Gideon and I were ensconced in the kitchen.
