Page 61 of Shielding Maya

"It is. There's no change in him. But, I'm going to leave the cabin door open so we can hear you. Your father wants to hear you address the community."

"I'll go in and talk to him before we start."

He kissed his mom on the cheek and walked with his arm around her shoulders to their cabin.

He stepped inside his childhood home, and felt that sense of family and comfort he always felt here. His father was lying in bed, but his eyes were open.

"Hey, Dad. Mom said you want to hear me address the community."

His father's voice was frail, but he responded. "I do. Yes."

He took his father's hands in his and looked into his faded blue eyes. "Dad. I met someone. I'd like for you to meet her."

His mom's hand rested on his shoulder.

His dad nodded. Jasiah picked his phone from his back pocket and texted Maya. It was slow, and frustrating. Especially when he thought how quickly she could do this. But, when he tapped send, he felt a sense of accomplishment.

"She'll be here in a minute."

Softly his father asked, "Can you help me sit up? I don't want to meet your girl lying down."

Jasiah stood and moved to the front of the bed. Sliding his arms under his father's frail body, he lifted him up and his mom tucked pillows behind his father’s back.

Jasiah settled him gently back, and his dad smiled.

A soft knock sounded on the door and Jasiah smiled. "I'll let her in."

He eagerly walked to the door and opened it to see Maya's sweet smile.

He kissed her lips softly. "Come in."

Taking her hand, he pulled her to the back of the cabin to meet his parents. He'd never formally introduced his parents to someone special. Then again, they knew everyone up here.

"Mom, Dad, this is Maya Sager. You met her a couple of days ago, but things have changed now. Maya, my father, Gerard Weston and my mother, Liliana Weston."

Maya took his father's left hand in hers and squeezed. She smiled a bright smile and he saw his father's eyes come to life. "It's so nice to meet you, Mr. Weston."

She turned to his mom, and started to hold her hand out, but his mom wrapped her in a big hug. When his mom let her go, she smiled brightly. "It's nice to see you, Mrs. Weston."

"Lili. I'm Lili."

"It's nice to see you again, Lili." Jasiah pulled two kitchen chairs to the bedside and both Maya and his mom sat in them, he took up the spot at the edge of the bed and once again took his father's hand.

His father grinned. "I knew it would have to be someone strong to catch Jasiah. You're one of the special operatives from town. You're perfect."

Maya laughed. "I'd like you to remind him over and over how perfect I am."

Jasiah leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I already know that."

She stared into his eyes, a smile on her face, and he knew his heart was captured. Fully, wonderfully captured.

A knock sounded on the door and Reece poked his head inside. "I'm sorry to bother you folks, but Jasiah, it's time."

He heaved out a deep breath and squeezed his dad's hand. "I'll stop back later to get your take on my comments."

His dad smiled. "You'll do wonderfully."

His dad's eyes swept to Maya. He nodded, "Thank you."

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