Page 121 of Adrift in Retribution Bay

“I had a brilliant idea.” He hesitated. “I just gotta talk to Mum, but we’ll be right back.” He jumped off Arthur’s lap and tugged his mother into the lounge room. She crouched down so he could whisper in her ear. The image burned into Arthur’s mind. The two people he loved most in this world, planning something wonderful.

Gretchen grinned. “Do you want to ask him?”

Jordan seemed a little uncertain but nodded. He slipped his hand into Gretchen’s and they walked back to Arthur.

Arthur smiled. “What was your brilliant idea?”

Jordan glanced at Gretchen.

“It really is a brilliant idea,” she said.

Jordan glanced at the ground. “You might not like it.”

Arthur raised Jordan’s chin. “I’d like to hear what it is.”

“Well, here’s the thing… you said you didn’t want to let go…” He gestured to himself and Gretchen. “If you want… you could… you know… become part of our family. Move in with us. You know… if you want.”

Arthur’s jaw dropped. He glanced at Gretchen. “You agree?”

She smiled, a little nervously. “Yeah. Do you want to move in permanently?”

Giddiness rose so fast in him and he laughed. “There’s nothing I’d like more.” He lifted Jordan onto his lap. “There’s so much we can do together.” Jordan buried his head into Arthur’s neck. Arthur pulled Gretchen onto his other knee. “All of us.” He kissed her.

For the first time in his life, he didn’t feel adrift. He felt anchored, right where he needed to be.