Page 52 of Two Steps Ahead

She’d gotten a text a few minutes ago that there was no danger at the house and Weston would call in a while.

But here Kayleigh was, hiding and sipping coffee, allowing herself to be left behind.

Sheila smiled. “Weston is the most trustworthy human being I know. Although I have four others, including Clinton, who run very, very close seconds. Plus, Weston knows what he’s doing.”

“I know. And Weston didn’t demand I stay behind. I’m frustrated because I didn’t even try to convince him otherwise despite how I feel about Dad being overprotective. It’s like the thought didn’t cross my mind, and now all I can think about is that I should be there, not here.”

Sheila was quiet for a second as she stepped around Kayleigh to fill a glass of water. Kayleigh could tell it was just a way for her to collect her thoughts, so she sipped her coffee and waited patiently.

Eventually, Sheila nodded to herself. “All of my boys are fierce protectors of the people around them. They’ve seen so much and been through the worst life can offer. I’m not sure how much Weston has told you.”

“He told me about his father and the burns.”

Sheila shook her head. “I’m glad he talked to you about it. It’s not something he finds easy to share.”

“He didn’t give me much detail.”

“No, that’s his way. He doesn’t want to burden anyone else. Wants to carry it all on his own wide shoulders.” The older woman gave a sad shake of her head. “He wanted to do that even when those shoulders were much smaller and frailer.”

Kayleigh had no doubt that was true. “I’m so thankful you and Clinton came into his life.”

“You know, when he first came to live with us, Weston was so quiet, I honestly wondered if he’d ever talk to us. He was with us in the house and present at meals, but it was like he was trying to be a shadow on the wall. Day after day, I watched him look at the world like he was outside of it—part of it but still alone.”

Kayleigh gripped her coffee cup, almost overwhelmed by the thought of a lonely, young Weston.

“One day, about three months after he started living with us, we all went out to eat together. It was nothing special, just a night I didn’t want to cook. But while we were out, we took a picture. It was one of the first ones where Weston was smiling. As soon as I got it printed, I hung it in the hallway. Come here, I’ll show it to you.”

Kayleigh followed Sheila into the hallway by the front door. There were at least a dozen pictures there. Some of the full family, a few of the boys on their own. A couple of the women who had joined their tribe.

“This one.” She pointed to an older picture of the family sitting in an Italian restaurant. The boys were all thirteen or fourteen. Brax was making a goofy face at Luke, with a fork of balled-up spaghetti in his hand. Chance had dropped his arm around Weston’s shoulders.

And, sure enough, Weston was smiling. Nothing huge, but enough to see it.

“When the boys got home from school the afternoon I hung it, Weston was the only one who noticed the new photo. Everyone else ran upstairs in their normal way. I came and found him just staring at it. When he saw me, he dropped his book bag and walked over and hugged me.”

Sheila dotted at the tears in her eyes. “First hug I’d ever gotten from him. Then he followed me into the kitchen andasked if he could help with dinner. He talked to me the entire time we chopped vegetables and stirred pots. From that night on, little by little, his trust grew for all of us. We adopted him a few months later.”

Kayleigh had to wipe tears too.

Sheila smiled at her. “Weston thrives best when people see him, when he knows that he’s a part of something. It’s part of the reason he went into business with his brothers. He works best when he’s a member of a team, even if he won’t say so. That’s why this family is so close. We’re a team who will do anything for one another. If you want to be with him, you’re going to be part of that team too.”

“I want that more than anything.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“So, you’re saying that I was right to stay here and not argue with Weston about going to my house.”

Sheila reached out and squeezed Kayleigh’s arm. “Weston’s and his brothers’ protective instincts are what make them so good at their job. San Antonio Security is one of the best for a reason.”

“Dad knew that. That’s why he brought Weston in.”

“You’re something special to Weston. I can tell by the way he looks at you. He doesn’t want you to get hurt.”

“I know.” And she really did. But, also, she didn’t want to have to be smothered just to make Weston happy, as much as she wanted him to be happy. “So, you think I should just stay put?”

“Hell no.”

A surprised laugh escaped Kayleigh. She hadn’t been expecting that.

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