Page 75 of One Little Kiss

Halton chuckles but removes his hand. “Yeah, ah, I don’t like to leave anyone out. Is that okay?”

He seems so unsure, and I feel like a jerk. “Oh my gosh. Sorry, of course. Come in. I feel weird inviting you into your brother’s home. Ah, I’m not really a very good hostess, I guess.”

“Winnie, Colton wants you to feel at home here. You host or don’t host, whatever works for you. No one in this family will ever judge you for that,” Rylan exclaims.

“You’ve known them a long time?” I hate that I sound insecure, but I don’t trust easily, and I’ve never had many female friends.

She smiles, grabs my hand, and leads me into the family room. Once we’re seated on the sofa, we position ourselves so we can chat, but also watch as Halton lowers himself to the floor next to Wes.

I’m about to help Wes with introductions when Halton whispers something to him, and I watch in shock as he elicits a belly laugh from my little brother.

“He comes off gruff, but he’s really good with kids.”

Turning my gaze to Rylan, I see the love in her eyes as she watches Halton at the train table, and I relax into the cushions.

“But yes. I’ve been friends with Colton since I was six years old, and Halton almost as long.” I nod as I take in her words, and she keeps going. “I know you’ve been through a lot, but I’ve never met better men than the Westbrooks. I hope you’ll give Colty a chance to show you that. I’ve never seen him like this with anyone. He watches you like he’s loved you his entire life, and I think if you give him the chance, he just might prove that.”

I’m saved from answering when Halton’s phone chimes loudly in his pocket, and Wes backs into the corner with his hands over his ears.

Halton’s panicked eyes search for me. “I’m so sorry. When I was in the studio, I had the volume up. I forgot to silence it.”

Rushing to Weston’s side, I talk in hushed tones.

“It’s okay, Wessy. It was just Halton’s phone. Look.” I point to Halton, and Weston’s harried gaze follows.

“Jesus,” Halton mutters. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I assure him while making eye contact with Wes. “It just startled him. Noises he isn’t expecting seem to bother him the most. Right, buddy? But we’re okay, see?” I give Wes a smile I hope he returns.

It takes a minute, but when he relaxes, he holds up his helicopter to Halton. An olive branch of sorts, and I’m not sure if my heart can take the sweetness of the moment.

Halton holds out his palm, and Wes places it there, then snatches it back quickly.

“He tried to share.” Halton laughs. “I’m not great at sharing either, buddy.”

I know I should use this as a teaching moment, but little Wes slides out of the corner and takes a seat next to Halton, and I let it go. Within minutes, Wes is back to playing, and Halton pulls the wrapped package closer.

“I’ve got something for you, buddy. Do you like presents?”

Weston’s eyes shine with hope. He hasn’t had many presents in his short life. Really, he’s had more in the last couple of weeks than he’s ever had in his life.

“Yup. Yup.” He bobs his head happily.

Halton chuckles and sets the package on the floor between them. “I thought we could hang this in your room, you know, if you like it?”

Wes twirls in a circle around it, too excited to sit.

“Want me to help you open it?” Halton asks gently.

“Yup.” Wes doesn’t even hesitate as his fingers dance with excitement.

Halton tears open the paper with a kind smile, revealing a portrait of Wes standing on a platform next to his favorite train. Halton has drawn Wes as the conductor, and my little brother beams with a happiness I rarely see from him.

“Wessy!” Wes screeches, pointing at the portrait. He runs off toward his room, and we all stand there confused until he comes barreling back into the room with a conductor’s hat I’ve never seen.

“Where the heck did that come from?” I ask, confused.

“Coto. Coto lubs.”