Page 140 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Hey, Bro. Great to see you. I was beginning to think you’d never come back home.”

She stepped back and looked at Delaney. “And you brought a girl with you.” Her eyes danced as she clucked her tongue. “Wonders never cease.”

Delaney thrust out her hand to shake, but Addie just looked at it and chuckled. “No shakes in this family. Only hugs.” She pulled Delaney into a tight embrace. Delaney caught a whiff of Addie’s fruity shampoo and fought the urge to touch her wig. Hopefully, it wouldn’t fall off. The thought sent a burst of heat across her forehead, making it go moist. She’d not thought about that. What if she was out somewhere and the wig fell off?

Addie looked her up and down. “You’re very pretty.”

“Thanks.” Delaney looked past Addie to Corbin’s grandfather. He was Corbin’s height with a shock of silver hair and golden, wrinkly skin that suggested a lifetime spent in the sun. She offered a tentative smile. “Hello.”

“Hello. I’m Wallace. It’s a pleasure to have you in our home.” He returned her smile with a genuine one of his own, revealing neat rows of white teeth. It hit her. Corbin and his grandfather had the same smile. “Welcome to Birchwood Springs,” he said heartily, embracing Delaney in a tight hug.

Delaney decided right there and then that she liked Wallace Spencer. He’d only just met her, yet welcomed her with such genuineness. If she had a grandfather in her life, she’d want him to be like Wallace. Aside from their smiles and height, Corbin and his grandfather didn’t look that much alike. But there was something similar about them. She tried to pinpoint what it was. Maybe it was the fearless look in their eyes. Yes, could be. Although Wallace seemed tamer like he had a longer fuse, a fine wine that had aged gracefully.

Wallace turned his attention to Corbin. The two searched one another’s faces, some sort of silent information passing between them. “I’m glad you came home, son.” He hugged Corbin and patted his shoulder. Then he motioned. “Have a seat.”

Delaney followed Corbin to the love seat where they sat down. He draped an arm around her as if it were the most casual thing in the world. She ignored the attraction that buzzed through her.

Wallace and Addie sat down on the couch across from them.

“How was the drive?” Wallace began, looking from Corbin to Delaney.

“Not too bad,” Corbin said.

“Did you come in from Denver?” Addie asked.

Delaney tensed, hating the subterfuge. She glanced at Corbin, whose expression never changed. “Yes.”

“I love your Southern accent,” Addie said. “Where are you from?”

“Alabama.” Corbin had instructed her to tell as much of the truth as she could. That way, they’d have less chance of getting tripped up.

Addie’s eyes sparked interest as she tucked a curl behind her ear and leaned forward. “So, how did you two meet?”

A giggle rumbled in Delaney’s throat as she looked at Corbin who had a quirky grin on his handsome face. Yep, she’d known that question would be at the top of the list.

“Should I tell her? Or do you want to?” Corbin asked.

Crap. They’d started talking about their cover story then got sidetracked by their disagreement. “We met at a party,” she began. Corbin sniggered, and she couldn’t help but laugh.

“I don’t get it. What’s so funny?” Addie frowned, looking from one to the other.

“An inside joke,” Corbin said.

Addie harrumphed. “You and your inside jokes.” She looked at Delaney. “You’ll get used to those.”

“Oh, I already have,” Delaney agreed. “And you’re right. They can be annoying.” This won her a look of approval from Addie.

“I knew I liked you,” Addie chuckled, tucking her leg underneath her.

Corbin groaned giving Wallace a pleading look. “Now the two of them are ganging up on me.”

Wallace spread his hands, smiling. “That’s how it works. Better get used to it.”

Delaney laughed. “I’m sure you can handle it.” She turned to Corbin patting his cheek. “Right, sweet cheeks?”

“Sweet cheeks?” Addie howled with laughter.

Wallace’s eyes went large. He tried to hold back a laugh but it came out in a burst that gave way to a string of muffled chortles, his shoulders shaking. He held up a hand, giving Corbin an apologetic look. “Sorry, I shouldn’t laugh, but that’s funny.”

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