A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 7

After dropping off his sister and little nephew at their cozy suburban home, Gideon was all set to head back to his studio to power through some deadlines. Slipping behind the wheel of his car, he gave a half–hearted wave before driving away into the evening.

Matilda, ever the caring sister, grabbed a Tupperware of homemade lasagna from the fridge and handed it to him. “Don’t work yourself to a frazzle, you hear?”

Gideon tossed back a grin. “Keeping you fed is a full–time job. And talk about exhausting–l don’t even have a ring on my finger yet.”

With a playful shove, Matilda locked her brother out, turning to find Logan, her little rascal, giggling on the couch. “Uncle Gideon, the eternal bachelor!”

She joined in the laughter. “Did you have fun today, champ?”

Logan nodded vigorously. “Super fun!”

“That’s the spirit. And remember, when we get back…”

“I know, I know – thank Uncle Gideon.” Logan’s eyes sparkled with a wisdom beyond his years. “Got it, Mommy.”

Matilda couldn’t help but feel like she’d hit the jackpot with such a bright kid–better than winning the lottery!

Just as she was about to call it a night, the doorbell chimed.

out to Logan to answer the door. He hopped down from the sofa and scampered over. “Maybe Uncle Gideon forgot

when Logan swung the door open and saw the face on the

Logan to greet him. He had played out many reunion scenarios in his head: Matilda could have been cold, indifferent, or even still harboring resentment after five long

In the next heartbeat, he slammed the door shut.

Damn!

the door slammed in his

took pride in his son’s spirit, which seemed to mirror

“Mom, there’s no one

wore

rascal, where did he learn to lie

Chapter 7

startling Logan, who braced against it and looked back

rushed over, scooping Logan into her arms. His frightened expression made her think of all the dangers that lurked for a single mother and her son. She stepped

be scared; it’s the Boyd family’s

Matilda’s heart plummeted!

her and Logan? Was he here to take

determination mixed in her eyes as she clenched her teeth. “Don’t