Page 15 of Gideon

“Sure, if you are,” I replied. Still, a nagging thought tugged at me. Were we imposing? Gideon had already done so much for us.

“Why are you frowning?” he asked, his gaze catching me off guard.

I turned my head and smiled. “Do you notice everything?”

“Do you notice everything?” I said.

“Pretty much everything,” he said with a playful grin.

I laughed, shaking my head. “I was just thinking about how we’re disrupting your life.”

“You’re not disrupting my life,” he said firmly. “I’m always alone. It feels good having you and Haley here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Besides, I hope Gage made my favorite pie. I could eat a horse right now. What about you, Laney?”

“I’d love a Pepsi and a chocolate bar right now,” I said, watching Haley run ahead.

I stopped walking, noticing a man in the distance watching me intently. Something about him seemed familiar. His eyes—they were the same green as mine and Haley’s.

He approached, his steps purposeful but calm. “Hello, my name is Raven Ledger. You must be Laney Reeves.”

“Yes, that’s me,” I said, extending my hand. “It’s nice meeting you, Raven. Thank you for being so kind to my daughter.”

He shook my hand and gave a reassuring nod. “We won’t let anything happen to you or Haley. You have my word.”

“Thank you,” I said, gratefully but slightly overwhelmed.

“Gage, this is my Mommy!” Haley exclaimed, tugging me toward a tall man standing by the grill.

He turned and gave me a warm smile. “Hey, there, Laney. I’m glad Gideon found you.”

“Me too, I said honestly. “If he hadn’t, I’d probably be dead right now. Thank you for having us for dinner.”

I sat next to Kat, and a moment later, Gideon placed a Pepsi and a chocolate bar in front of me.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the look on Kat’s face. “Thank you, Gideon.”

“I need a Pepsi and chocolate when I get anxious,” I explained.

Kat’s expression softened. “There is no reason for you to be anxious. You’re among friends here.”

Her words, simple and sincere, warmed my heart. “Thank you,” I said quietly, letting the kindness around me begin to settle my nerves.

8

Gideon

Why the hellwas Raven looking at Laney like she was some sort of specimen under a microscope? His intense stare was making her visibly anxious. I decided to intervene. Kicking his foot under the table, I caught his attention. He glanced at me briefly before finally shifting his gaze away from her.

“Where are you from, Laney?” Raven asked, breaking the awkward silence.

“Farmington, Oklahoma,” she replied, holding his gaze. Her expression shifted slightly. Your eyes… they’re exactly the same color as mine and Haley’s. Where are you from?”

Raven chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. “I’m from Texas, born and raised. Maybe we are related.”

Laney laughed softly. “Haley is the only family I have. My mom died when I was eight, and I didn’t have any relatives. I believe the foster system checked every database they had. They’re overwhelmed with kids stuck in the system, so I don’t think they left any stone unturned.”

---