“No.” I shook my head. “No, it’s not.”
“It’s what made your grandfather and the company so successful. Don’t you dare stand there and tell me otherwise.”
“He died with the company, grandmother. My father died with a family. He put his family first, not the company.”
“I know, and it was an issue ever since he married your mother.”
For years, I accepted everything she spewed at me and never stood my ground. But now, things were different. I was different. And I would no longer be bullied by her or the board.
“I know you think Sam is a distraction.”
My grandmother stood there, her eyes cold, not saying a word. She didn’t have to. Her silence confirmed it.
“But she’s not.” I extended my hand to Sam. She walked over and placed her hand in mine. “She’s the reason I’ve finally figured out what matters.”
“You’re making a mistake. A mistake that will cost you everything.”
“No.” I smiled. “The only mistake I made was being foolish enough to lose her once. I won’t make that mistake again. Samantha and Zoey are moving in with me. This is their home now.”
“This is reckless, Weston,” she said.
“That’s where you’re wrong. It’s a decision that I made.” I wrapped my arm around Sam’s waist.
“It’s a foolish one.”
“Wow. You really know how to make people feel welcome,” Zoey said, heading to the front door, opening it, and grabbing her Taco Bell from the porch.
“Zoey, please,” Sam said.
The thing was, I loved it.
“What? She’s acting like we just told her we’re joining the circus.”
“You’re allowing emotions to cloud your judgment.” My grandmother stared at me.
“I’m pretty sure that’s called being in love.” Zoey laughed.
“The adults are having a conversation, child. Now, take your disgusting food to the kitchen.”
“Zoey, you can eat your Taco Bell on the couch,” I said, and Sam shot me a look.
“Love you, Wes.” Zoey grinned. “Listen, Grandma. If the ‘adults’ are having a conversation, then maybe the adults should act like it. Not you, Mom and Wes.”
“You have no understanding of what it takes to build a successful life, child. And from what I can tell, you’ll never be successful with that disrespectful mouth of yours.”
“Grand—”
“It’s okay, Wes. Maybe I don’t. But I know what it looks like when people actually like being around each other.”
“Zo—” Sam started, and my arm tightened around her waist.
“You think this is amusing?” my grandmother asked Zoey.
“No. Honestly, I think it’s kind of sad.”
“Zoey.” Sam’s eyes widened.
“What? She thinks success means working all the time and being miserable.” Zoey looked at my grandmother. “If that’s the secret, I think we’re good.”
