Page 6 of Her Hidden Smile

“He’s like a junkyard dog that barks a lot, but when you go up to him, all he does is lick your hand. He is like my wife. All of my children would welcome you into the family. I would welcome you into my family.”

“Why?” It seemed too good to be true. I didn’t trust him.

“I believe in your goodness. You proved it yesterday.”

“But why? Why bring another boy into your family?”

He reached out and picked up my fist. He gently pried it open and took my hand in his and squeezed.

It felt good.

Like he cared.

But that was impossible. Right?

“I’ll tell you why we want you as part of our family. When Sharon first saw you, and realized you had no one, she wanted you to be part of our family.” I didn’t say anything. I just listened.

“My wife has a big heart, so you’re probably not surprised that she would want to take you in, are you?”

I nodded, then shook my head. I didn’t know what I believed. How could that nice, pretty lady want me to be part of her family? It made no sense. Señor Drakos seemed to understand what I was struggling with.

“My son Jase is adopted. So is my son Malik. But they are my sons, the same as if Sharon and I had made them ourselves. We have three more girls and two more boys at our villa. We’re heading back for the United States next month. Sharon and I both want you to come with us and be part of our family.”

It was getting stranger and stranger, and my world felt like it was spinning out of control. “Is everyone adopted?”

“All except Elani. You met her. She’s the spitting image of my wife.”

When the room stopped spinning, I took a deep breath. The lady was a good lady, and so was this man. They adopted children. I had to tell the truth.

“I help steal things,” I whispered.

“I know,” he whispered back. It was like his dark eyes could see into my soul. Like he was a priest or something.

“Then why do you want me?”

“When I realized you were in on it, I was furious. I wanted you punished.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. I will not cry. I will not cry.

“So, why do you want me?” I asked again.

“Then you brought the police, and when the medical personnel were helping Sharon I saw that asshole beating you. I heard what he was saying. You put your life on the line to help my wife.”

I didn’t say anything. What could I say? He was right. I had to save her. She mattered, not me.

Slowly I squeezed his hand in return.

“Is that a yes? Will you give us a chance?”

I wasn’t sure.

But what did I have to lose?

I slowly nodded my head.

The big man looked down at me, his eyes gleamed with pride.

“I promise you Renzo, you will not regret this.”