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His question was rhetorical. And he was right. Nothing would keep me away. While we weren’t all brothers by blood, those of us who were part of Los Caballeros considered each other as such.
“Hi,” I heard Luisa say as she walked into the kitchen. Both Beau and I stood, and she embraced him like she had me the night before. “I’m so sorry about your mother.”
“Thank you,” he said, stepping back and motioning for her to take his chair.
“Can I get you a coffee?” I asked.
She put her hand on my arm. “Let me do it,” she said, her eyes meeting mine as she leaned closer. “Let me take care of you for a change.”
My brother and I retook our seats without argument. I’d woken when Beau whispered my name, feeling as exhausted and overwrought as I had when I lay beside Luisa after returning from the hospital. I had no idea what the day would bring, but I knew it would be draining.
14
LUISA
“Iwant to talk to Press first,” I said to Zin the following day when he told me he’d made arrangements for me to return to Butler Ranch, where my mother and I had been staying prior to Seraphina’s wedding.
“He’s got his hands full with the memorial service—”
“I want to be here for him and Beau. I want to help them. I’ll stay out of the way except for when one of them needs me.”
He sighed and looked in the direction of the main house.
Something occurred to me. “Did Press say he wanted me to leave?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No, but I know he’s worried about you when he should be focusing his energy on himself and his family.”
Zin’s words stung, but put that way, I knew he was right.
“Okay. I’ll go.”
“It’s for the best, Luisa. Let him get through this without distractions.”
“I said I’ll go.” I folded my arms and walked away. “I can be ready to leave in ten minutes.” I went into the bedroom. Truthfully, I could be ready in less time than that. I hadn’t unpacked more than a change of clothes and my toiletries. I tossed everything into my suitcase and was wheeling it into the main room when Press walked in the front door.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“Butler Ranch,” Zin answered before I could.
Press looked from me to him. “Give us a few minutes, please.”
“We’re scheduled to leave in fifteen,” he said, walking out the door Press had come through.
“It’s for the best,” I said when he walked toward me. “You and Beau need to focus on yourselves and your family without distractions.”
He stopped in front of me. “That’s Zin talking.”
“Yes, but he’s right.”
“Have either of you considered I’ll be more distracted if I can’t see for myself that you’re safe?”
“There’s practically an army making sure I am.”
I looked over Press’ shoulder and saw Beau headed in our direction. He turned and looked too.
“How is he?” I asked when Press faced me again.
“Same as my father, I suppose. Apart from when we were at the hospital, I haven’t seen either of them break down.” Press took a step closer. “If you feel at all uncomfortable about leaving, I want you to know you don’t have to.”
