Arthur woke, a soft warmth by his side. Slowly his awareness returned. This wasn’t his bed. Gretchen was curled into him, her arm stretched across his waist, hugging him in her sleep. He smiled, his heart expanding with more love. He felt great, wonderful even. The normal foggy eyes and clouded head he’d woken with since the accident were gone. He’d slept solidly the whole night, not dreaming at all. When had he last taken a pain pill? He’d been too distracted yesterday by his concerns at the Ridge to ask Sam for one. In fact, the lingering constant pain was all but gone.
Progress. Finally.
He grinned and checked the time. He needed to move in case Ed’s flight was on schedule. Now, how to extract himself without waking Gretchen? Gently he shifted, lifting Gretchen’s arm off him and sliding out from under it.
She grumbled and opened her eyes. She stared at him a second before she gave him a sleepy smile. “Good morning.”
He kissed her forehead. “Sorry for waking you. I wanted to check whether Ed’s flight is on time.”
She stretched and moved away. “I should get up.”
Arthur placed a hand on her arm. “Stay in bed. You don’t have work today. I’ll bring you a cuppa and breakfast.”
“You don’t have to.”
“But I want to.” He bent to kiss her again. “Would Jordan like breakfast in bed as well?”
“Both he and I would love it.”
“Then stay there. I won’t be long.” He attached his leg, grabbed his phone, and headed for the kitchen. After putting on the kettle, he did a round of the house to make sure it was all secure and then checked Ed’s flight. He had just enough time to make breakfast before he needed to leave.
He made the porridge and found a tray in the cupboard for the bowl and mug. He walked into Gretchen’s room to find she’d fallen back asleep. Arthur didn’t want to wake her, but Jordan would need to get up for school soon. He placed the tray on her bedside table and then called, “Wake up, honey.”
She smiled and opened her eyes. “Did I fall asleep?”
“Yeah. Your breakfast is ready. Sit up for me.”
When she was seated, he handed her the tray. “Enjoy. I’ll go wake Jordan.”
Concern crossed her face. “Maybe I should do it.”
“I’ve got this.” He’d make sure not to startle the boy.
He headed into Jordan’s room with a bowl of porridge and a mug of Milo. “Morning, Jordan.”
The boy barely stirred as Arthur placed the breakfast on the bedside table and switched on the light. When that didn’t work, he opened the blinds as well. “I’ve made you breakfast.”
Maybe it was the words, or Jordan could smell the food, but he stirred and opened his eyes, frowning when he saw Arthur. “Sherlock?”
“Hey. Sit up. I’ve made you breakfast.” He gestured to the bedside table and Jordan’s eyes widened and he shuffled up.
“That’s for me?”
“Yeah. Be careful you don’t spill it.” He passed the bowl over. “I’ve got to go to the airport. Finish your breakfast and then get ready for school. Your mum will drop you off today.”
“Thanks, Sherlock. You’re the best.” Jordan shoved porridge into his mouth and grinned at him.
Arthur showered and hesitated before putting on shorts. No point hiding his fake leg. It was part of him now, and he was thankful he was alive. To think he’d almost missed out on meeting Gretchen and Jordan. He cringed. That would have been a tragedy. He headed back to Gretchen and outside a car horn beeped. Sam. “I’m off.”
“Tell Ed I said hi.”
Arthur kissed her. “I’ll see you later.”
He joined Sam in his car. “What did Dot and Nhiari say?”
Sam chuckled. “That it was a whole lot of trouble they didn’t have time for,” he said. “But they’d make some enquiries. A couple of their colleagues working down in Blackbridge had some issues last year that they needed federal help with. They might have contacts they can ask, so no one knows the questions are coming from up here.”
“Dot trusts them?”
