Chapter 12 - THE LOVE NEITHER EXPECTED
Months passed.
The criminal investigation continued.
Vivian faced serious charges.
Kessler cooperated with prosecutors.
Several families were reunited with children who had been unlawfully placed.
Others received answers that were painful but necessary.
Mallerie began rebuilding her life.
She left the hotel.
Enrolled in a nursing program.
And moved into an apartment near Gideon's home.
Not because he demanded it.
Because it made caring for Owen easier.
They developed a routine.
Mornings with Mallerie.
Afternoons with Teresa.
Evenings when Gideon came home early enough to read Owen a story.
Sometimes they argued.
About schedules.
About food.
About whether Owen needed another stuffed animal.
But they learned to listen.
One evening, Gideon arrived carrying a small stuffed elephant.
Mallerie laughed.
“Another one?”
He looked defensive.
“He liked it.”
“He's ten months old.”
“Eleven.”
She smiled.
Gideon placed the elephant beside Owen.
The baby immediately threw it on the floor.
Mallerie burst out laughing.
Gideon stared.
“Traitor.”
Owen squealed.
For a moment, the room felt like a family.
Not a temporary arrangement.
Not a legal complication.
A family.
Later, after Owen fell asleep, Gideon and Mallerie sat on the balcony.
The city lights shimmered below.
Gideon looked at her.
“Can I ask you something?”
She nodded.
“Do you ever think about what happens after the case is over?”
Mallerie looked toward the skyline.
“Yes.”
He hesitated.
“And?”
She smiled sadly.
“I don't know.”
Gideon looked down.
“I've spent most of my life knowing exactly what I wanted.”
Mallerie waited.
“Now I find myself wanting things I don't know how to ask for.”
Her heart began pounding.
“Like what?”
He looked at her.
“You.”
Mallerie stopped breathing.
Gideon continued.
“Not because of Owen. Not because of what happened.”
His voice softened.
“Because I love the woman who refused to let me make decisions for her.”
Mallerie's eyes filled.
She whispered:
“Gideon.”
He shook his head.
“You don't have to answer.”
She smiled through tears.
“Good.”
He looked confused.
“Because I need time.”
Gideon nodded.
Then she reached for his hand.
May you like
“But I think I might be falling in love with you too.”
For the first time in months, Gideon Vale smiled without sadness.
