The restless spirit took a chance on him, despite her ingrained safeguarding. She didn’t open up so easily. He understood her. He’d been around a few army brats. Like Kaydee, some grew numb from all the moving, figured why bother to open up, and eventually adopted a vagabond lifestyle in adulthood. Kaydee didn’t let too many people close because she drifted. But she’d opened up to him. He was one of the lucky ones she let in, and when she had, she gave everything. Held nothing back.
And he repaid that by walking out.
He shook his head. “I’m a fuckingasshole.”
Cord grinned. “Think we’ve already established that.”
Stone started coughing to hide a laugh. Vince and Brick didn’t bother to hide a damn thing.
Before her, he’d been existing, fooling himself into thinking he was living and experiencing life, moving forward, planning a future. But none of that got his blood pumping or heart racing or body aching like a simple glance from Kaydee.
She did it for him. Without her, he only skated through life.
He didn’t want to skate anymore. Or just exist. He wanted to fly. With his superwoman.
And right now, he wished he could kick his own ass.
“So, are you ready to let Kaydee fully into your life?” Brick asked.
Vince cocked his head. “And not worry about your past?”
“It’s done,” Stone said. “Over. Time to move on.”
He blew out a long breath and rubbed his temple. “If she’ll have me.” He had to make up for walking out with only a half nod and no words…she deserved the words. Deserved the world.
“She will.” Stone placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’ve seen the way she looks at you like you hung the moon. She’s crazy about you.”
He met his buddy’s gaze head-on. “She’s also pregnant.”
The room grew silent. No one moved. No one blinked. Just stared at him with their mouths stuck open.
Stone was the first to recover. He blinked, then squeezed his shoulder. “Congratulations, man. That’s terrific.”
Then Leo went through one backslapping handshake after another. Starting with Brick, followed by Vince. Then the door guard, who finally left his perch.
“It is a good thing, right?” Cord asked. “You okay with being a dad?”
Every damn emotion in the alphabet hit Leo at once. After a few stuttered heartbeats, he finally nodded, then shoved a hand through his hair. “What if I suck at it, though? I don’t want to ruin this child’s life. Don’t want to mess it up.”
Stone shook his head. “Again, no one’s perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. The fact that you’re concerned about it will keep you motivated to do your best. And that’s all anyone could ask. I think you’re going to make a fantastic father.”
“Hell yeah.” Vince grinned. “You help so many people.”
“I do what you all do. Nothing more.” He snorted. “Except screw up. I’m not the type to inspire.”
Stone stilled. “Are you serious? Leo, you’re the reason half the veterans chose to give At-Ease a chance.”
“I am?” His heart stuttered again. “What do you mean? Why?”
“Because you’ve lived in the shadows where some still dwell. You survived, and now thrive,” Stone said. “You give them hope that they can climb out, too. You’re living proof it is possible.”
Well, hell. Air left his lungs, and it felt like Lula Belle kicked him in the ribs.
“You get them, and they gravitate toward you,” Brick said.
Vince pointed at him. “They get acceptance, not judgment, from you. That’s huge. So huge, man.”
“Some look up to you,” Cord said, and effectively knocked the air from Leo’s lungsagain.
