Page 179 of Rescuing You

As they walked into Sam’s house, his hands tingled, his body tensing as if danger were imminent. Ridiculous, of course. He’d been staying here with his brother since he’d brought Leila and Jasmine to Shadow Cove, thinking it wise to give them privacy in his house. He was going to need to rent an apartment for the twins or himself soon. Staying here wasn’t ideal, especially considering Sam and Eliza were newlyweds. Their lovey-dovey looks and stolen kisses were starting to get on Michael's nerves.

His emotionally reserved brother was over-the-moon in love with his bride.

Michael had an inkling how he felt. He felt a little more over the moon every time he saw Leila.

Mom hurried through the foyer toward them, a huge smile on her face as she approached Leila and Jasmine. She embraced them both like old friends.

“I’m Peggy Wright.” She looked from one sister to the other. “Oh, my word. You two are absolutely gorgeous! Which one is which?”

Michael stepped in. “Mom, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Leila.” He took her hand so there would be no confusion, then smiled at the other twin. “And her sister, Jasmine.”

Jasmine said, “Thank you for having us.”

Leila’s smile was shy. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Wright.”

“Call me Peggy, and I’m so glad you’re here.” Mom looked back and forth from one sister to the other. “It’s going to take me some time to tell you apart.”

Michael could tell them apart with a glance. They did look alike, but not as much as he’d first thought. How he’d ever confused Jasmine for Leila, he couldn’t know. Leila’s eyes were a little bigger, and there was a spark in them that was uniquely her.

Now that Jasmine had gotten some rest and some food in her stomach that didn’t come back up, she was nearly as pretty as her sister.

The girls dressed differently as well. Michael had taken them shopping the day after they’d arrived in town and bought them clothes. Today, Leila wore a pretty teal turtleneck sweater that hid her bruises, along with black slacks.

Jasmine was still getting accustomed to Western-style clothes, having donned loose-fitting Iraqi garb all her life. She wore a flowing black dress that was probably meant to be knee-length but hit her about mid-calf. She’d added a brightly colored scarf.

Hopefully, the very different styles would help his family tell one sister from the other.

“Come on, ladies. Everybody’s dying to meet you.” Mom gripped Jasmine’s hand, then hooked her arm with Leila's, leaning close and mock whispering, “Our Michael has been keeping secrets.”

Leila peered at him over her shoulder as Mom led them away. “He is very good at that.”

“Hmm.” Mom shot him a scowl but said nothing else.

He and Dad followed the ladies into the kitchen, where the rest of his family had congregated.

He stood beside Leila and took her free hand. “Leila and Jasmine, meet the Wright family.” He waved toward the two farthest back. “You know Bryan and Derrick.”

The youngest brothers lifted their hands.

“Glad you made it,” Bryan said.

Derrick seemed almost dazed. There was a protracted beat before he managed to focus on Jasmine. “You look good. I mean, rested.”

Okay.

Michael moved on. “This is Sam.” He nodded to the brother closest to him in age, who pushed off from the counter and approached, hand outstretched.

“Great to meet you both.” He shook their hands, then indicated the brunette behind him. “This is Eliza, my wife.” Did his whole face brighten a little with the word?

Eliza had cut her hair and wore jeans and a sweater that somehow, on her, looked like high fashion. Knowing Sam, they probably were high fashion. Her smile was wide as she shook their hands. “It’s so nice to meet you. Have you been comfortable at Michael’s house?”

“It is very nice.” Leila’s gaze flicked to him. “He has been kind to us.”

Eliza said, “Of course he has⁠—”

“—Michael? Kind?” Sam said.

Eliza fake-elbowed him in the ribs. “Be nice.” She shook her head, clearly delighted by everything Sam said and did. “Our son is around here somewhere.”