Leaning forward, I dig out my wallet, grab a card with Griff’s number on it, and hand it to her. The thought makes me ill, but I’ll have to call him after this and let him know what’s going on.
Frank nods slowly. “You think that work’ll continue should we proceed with guardianship?”
Proceed? Like it’s a done deal? My heart skips a few beats.
Holy shit.
“Don’t see how it can,” I say, raking a hand through my hair, my thoughts racing. “I’d have to quit.”
“And income?” she asks, tone cutting. “If you quit your job, how will you afford to care for a child—”
“I have money,” I interrupt, hackles high, heart rate higher. “Despite my shitty house, I do know how to balance a checkbook, Ms. Walker. I spent over ten years in the Rangers. Saved every penny. Now I live in a studio apartment that costs less than most people’s weekly groceries.” Her eyes narrow and my temper flares. “I could quit today and be set for years, so don’t worry your pretty little head about how I’ll provide for her. You can be damn sure I take care of what’s mine.”
The silence hangs thickly in the air between us.
Frank clears his throat, and leans back, fingers steepled over his chest. “So, let me ask you, son—do youwantthis? To be Aurora’s guardian?”
I open my mouth.
Then close it.
Because I have no fucking clue what I want.
Georgia shifts awkwardly, but gives me time to process. They both do.
“I didn’t ask for this,” I say slowly. “But I… I don’t think I can walk away.”
He arches a bushy brow, but he doesn't look all that shocked. Maybe satisfied, or mildly impressed. Minutes pass, but they stretch on, tense and thick, feeling like a hell of a lot longer.
When he finally speaks, even Georgia looks nervous.
“Kade, I knew your daddy most of my life,” he says softly, gutting me. “Known you since you were a baby. You’ve been gone a long time, and you’ve seen horrors only few can even imagine, but if you want this, I have every faith that you can handle it.” He releases a breath. “William is in you, Kade. Youhear me? You are your father’s boy, and son, William Archer was the greatest man I ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
I swallow so hard, it hurts, but he continues, barely letting me process.
“I just need you to understand that this is a serious responsibility. A child’s life will be in your hands. Can you rise to the challenge, or are you walking away?”
I don’t know what it is—my father’s spirit writhing in my soul, or the reminder that he still lives on in more people than just me—but it’s the push I need to do what my heart’s been begging me to do since this whole thing started.
“I’m in—” My voice cracks, my eyes burn, but I square my shoulders. “I want to do this.”
The man doesn’t even skip a beat, just nods and gives me a serious look.
“You have one month to secure suitable housing that is far away from Agnes Whittaker’s property. No drinking. No drugs—”
My jaw snaps open. “What? I don’t do drugs!”
Frank ignores me and turns to Georgia.
“Georgia, I understand you’re only with us temporarily?”
She jerks a nod, and my brows furrow. “I’ve been filling Ethel Sorrenson in on the progress. She’s on medical leave, but should be back any day now.” Her eyes flick to me, throat bobbing, before she glances away. “After that, I’ll likely be moved to Serenity Falls and Ms. Sorrenson will take over where I’ve left off.”
“Makes sense. I’ve known Director Finch a long time. Know he likes to keep one or two good people per town—less red tape, more trust. It’s how we’ve always done things here in Summit. We look after our own.” He sighs, smiling softly. “Serenity’s got its own courthouse, so I won’t see you much, but I’ll be sure to let Finch know you’ve done a fine job here.”
Her cheeks turn bright red, and she ducks her head. “Thank you, sir—I mean, Frank.”
Chuckling, he gives her another soft look, then turns to me. The smile drops, and I nearly scoff.
