64. Mate

The phone buzzed on the wooden nightstand, rousing Gideon from a restless sleep. Rubbing his eyes, he grabbed it and squinted at the text message. It was from his contact at social services. The message read, "Would you like to meet Avery? If so, maybe just bring Avla, yourself, and one of the boys—perhaps Tanner—to keep things low-key."

His thumb hovered over the keyboard as he pondered the reply. Eventually, he texted back, "Yes, we would love to meet her. Will arrange and let you know."

Setting down his phone, he padded out of the room, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotion and anticipation. As he descended the stairs, he found Tanner in the living room. "Get ready. We've got something important to do today," he said, meeting Tanner's curious gaze with a reassuring smile.

Gideon then proceeded to the bedroom, where he expected to find Avla. Upon entering, he noticed her by the window, her shoulders shaking softly. She was crying.

Alarmed, he approached her cautiously. "What's wro