Page 180 of Rescuing You

Sam called, “Levi!”

Four-year-old Levi burst into the room at top speed, dodged all the bodies, and slammed into Sam’s legs. “Hi, Daddy! Did you call? Is it time to eat?”

Sam chuckled. “This is Levi.”

The boy looked from his father to the twins, and his jaw dropped. “You look exactly alike!”

Leila laughed. “Do we?” She looked at Jasmine. “I guess we do a little, huh?”

Jasmine said, “I am so lucky to look like you!” But then she crouched down to Levi’s level. “I’m prettier, though, right?”

He looked from one to the other as if it was the most important question in the world. After a moment’s thought, he said, “I think you’re being silly.”

Everybody laughed.

Grant approached from the far side of the counter, scooping Levi up on his way and settling him on his hip. He held out his hand to Leila. “I’m Grant, fourth brother.” He shook both sisters’ hands, then introduced his wife. “This is Summer.”

The tall blonde stepped forward and greeted them. “Welcome. Glad you’re here.”

“Thank you,” Leila looked from Summer to him. “I knew you had a big family, but I didn’t realize how very…big they all were.”

He took in the sight of his tiny girlfriend surrounded by the tall Wright brothers. Even Summer was nearly six feet—almost a foot taller than Leila and Jasmine.

Mom stepped forward and stood between the twins. “We normal-sized humans have to stick together.”

From behind Grant and Summer, a hand went up. “Don’t forget about me.” Eliza managed to squeeze past them. “I’m normal-sized.”

Mom looked her up and down. Eliza wasn’t as tall as Summer, but she was a good half a foot taller than Leila and Jasmine’s five feet.

Mom motioned her forward. “You’ll do, I suppose.”

In the next few minutes, typical Wright family pandemonium prevailed as everybody filled glasses and carried huge serving dishes into the dining room, all talking at the same time.

Was someone supposed to be listening? Poor Leila and Jasmine were trying, but who could keep anything straight?

Sam had lived alone in this house for years, but he must’ve had family dinners in mind when he bought the table. It was round, large enough to accommodate the twelve people who sat at it now—and there was room for more.

Leila and Jasmine stayed together. Michael sat beside Leila, and Derrick—Michael couldn’t help but notice—hurried to Jasmine’s side and pulled out her chair for her. “You look like you feel better.”

“Thank you.” She sat, and he pushed her chair in. “I have slept many hours since we arrived in Maine.”

“I’m glad. Have you seen much of town? I’d be happy to show you around.”

Michael didn’t hear Jasmine’s answer. It seemed like Derrick was developing a crush. But Jasmine was married. And carrying a child. Perhaps that was information the youngest Wright brother needed sooner rather than later.

Michael couldn’t blame Derrick for his interest, though. Jasmine was the second prettiest woman in Maine.

The way Leila was looking at Michael now, eyes wide with wonder… She wasn’t just the prettiest woman in Maine but maybe in the country. In the continent. In the world.

The joy in her expression spoke of not only delight but surprise, as if his family were an amazing sight to behold. He thought so, but he was partial. Maybe it wasn’t just the family, though. Maybe it was the family, plus this big, impressive house overlooking the Atlantic, and in this charming little New England town, and the perfect weather they’d enjoyed since they arrived from Greece—crisp, sunny autumn days.

Dad cleared his throat, aiming a look at Levi, who had already grabbed a piece of bread and was about to shove it in his mouth. “Let’s pray before we start.”

They joined hands around the table.

“Thank you for this family and this day,” Dad prayed. “We are especially thankful that Leila and Jasmine are here—and Michael. You brought them safely through many obstacles, and we praise You for Your protection.”

Michael had told his father the story, wanting his guidance before he shared everything with his family. Or maybe just wanting Dad’s reaction first.