Page 14 of Gideon

“We’re having dinner at Gage’s place later,” Kat added. “He’s an amazing cook.”

“So I’ve heard,” I replied, smiling. “By the way, Kat, have you ever tried meditating? It helped me a lot when I was pregnant with Haley. I’d row out to the middle of the lake and just breathe. Maybe it could help with the waiting.”

“I don’t need to meditate; I’m not antsy,” River said, his tone amused but firm.

I met his gaze and smiled knowingly. “Meditation isn’t just for you. It’s to support your wife. You might be surprised how much it helps when you do it together.”

River raised an eyebrow, and I could tell he wasn’t entirely convinced.

Kat placed a hand on his arm. “River will meditate with me. When should we start?”

“How about tomorrow morning? Seven o’clock on the beach,” I suggested. “Gideon can join us too.”

“I love to meditate,” Gideon said.

I picked up Haley again, hugging her tightly. “We’ll never see Jonah again,” I whispered. “You won’t have to worry about him anymore. He’s gone for good.”

“Okay, Mommy,” she said softly, resting her head against my shoulder.

“Have I told you how proud I am of you?”

“Yes, you told me on the phone,” she said with a small smile. “I’m just glad you’re here. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, sweetheart,” I said, kissing her forehead as she clutched Little Bit.

Gideon stepped forward. “Let me show you where you’ll be staying. Then you can get settled before we head over to Gage’s.”

I followed Gideon into his house, taking in the open, inviting layout. Bear trailed closely behind us. He led us down a wide hallway and stopped at a door.

This can be Haley’s room,” he said, then gestured to the next door. “And this one is yours.”

I shook my head. “We’ll share a room for now. I want Haley close to me until I’m absolutely sure the danger is behind us.”

“I understand,” Gideon said. “My room is at the end of the hall. If you need anything, just let me know.”

He opened another door, revealing a cozy bedroom with its own bathroom. “This will be yours,” he said.

After being shown the bedrooms, we returned to the main living areas. “The kitchen is here, and the family room is just down there,” Gideon explained.

The house was warm and welcoming, but most importantly, it felt safe. For the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to breathe deeply and feel at ease.

The television is in this room,” Gideon said, gesturing toward the living area. Make yourself at home. The cleaning lady comes every Monday morning.”

Haley looked at him expectantly.

“Now, do I get a hug from Haley?”

Haley wrapped her tiny arms around his neck as he bent down to her height, resting her head on his shoulder. “Thank you, Gideon, for saving us. I never want to leave here. River said no one will get me from here. And Raven said he’d kill anyone who tried to take me away.”

“So Raven is back?” Gideon asked.

“Yes, Haley replied, her voice confident. “He said he never wants to go to that place again. His eyes are the same green as mine and Mommy’s.”

“I knew I’d seen that color of green before,” Gideon said thoughtfully, then added with a smile. “But his eyes are not as beautiful as yours and your mommy’s.”

Haley giggled.

“Are we ready to head to Gage’s place?” Gideon asked.

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