Santiago takes the initiative and starts the cleaning process.
Ángel narrows his eyes playfully. “Who are you calling senile?”
Walker rises to his feet, gathering plates. “We should be heading out anyway. I have to be at the station early in the morning.”
Levi piles dishes on his and carries them to the kitchen.
I get up to do the same when Ángel stops me, holding up his hand. “Sit.”
“But I can help,” I reason.
“I know.” Ángel gets to his feet and grabs the remaining dishes, then heads for the kitchen. “That’s why I’m telling you not to.”
His demand confounds me.
No expectations.
No conditions.
Just kindness.
Once the dishes are done and leftovers are put away, we move to the front door and put on our shoes. Bear rises from where he lies on a rug in front of the fireplace, stretches, and trots to my side.
The guys each hug Ángel, thank him for dinner, and head to Levi’s truck. I do the same, but Ángel stops me before I exit.
“If any of them ever give you a problem, you call me. ¿Sí?”
I nod. “Yes, s—Ángel.”
His expression turns serious. “I heard about the barn. If you need anything, anything at all, call me. You’re always welcome here.”
I let out a contented sigh. “Thank you, Ángel.”
“You know,” Ángel gestures to the truck, “those boys haven’t smiled that much in years.”
My lips purse. “Really?”
He nods. “You’re good for them.”
Ángel’s sincerity has me grinning from ear to ear.
“I think they’re the ones that are good for me.”
Ángel smiles back. “That’s usually how it works.”
Confusion takes over my expression. “What works?”
He pats my shoulder. “Love.”
In a daze, I turn and amble to the truck.
I don’t remember buckling my seatbelt.
I don’t remember the drive back.
I don’t even remember getting ready for bed.
There’s only one thought going through my mind.
