Page 142 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Corbin and Delaney stood. Hesitantly, Addie did the same.

“I’ll go and get the keys. You’re staying in cabin eight.” Wallace shuffled out of the room.

“You’re staying by yourselves in a cabin?” Addie tsked her tongue. “What will people think?”

“I don’t really care,” Corbin said, his brows bunching.

Addie made a face, zeroing in on Delaney. “How do you put up with his foul moods?”

“It can be tough,” Delaney said, not cracking a smile.

Addie laughed. “Like I said, I like her.”

Corbin shook his head, his tone mellowing. “It’s good to see you, Addie. I’ve missed you.”

For an instant, Addie’s eyes went moist, then she blinked to clear them. “You know where I’ve been, big brother. You could’ve come home anytime.”

He nodded, his lips forming a grim line.

Addie gave him a hard look. “Are you gonna visit Gram while you’re here? You haven’t been to see her once since she moved to the home.”

Delaney looked at Corbin, saw the tension building inside him, felt she had to do something to relieve it. She put a hand on his arm, but he seemed oblivious. He glared at Addie, his face turning a shade darker. “She didn’t move to the home, she was put there.” The vehemence in his voice took Delaney off guard. But it didn’t quell Addie in the slightest.

Addie locked eyes with him. “You need to go and visit her.”

Corbin’s jaw tightened. “Why? She won’t even know I’m there.”

The hurt in his voice struck something deep inside Delaney, bringing tears to her eyes.

Wallace came back into the room. He stopped, concern washing over him. “Is everything okay?”

“As good as it ever is.” Addie waved a hand. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight, folks.” She turned on her heel and strode out.

“What was that all about?” Wallace stepped up to Corbin and placed the keys in his hand.

“Nothing,” Corbin grumbled.

Wallace looked at Delaney like he wanted her to explain, but she only shook her head and smiled politely. She had enough problems of her own without getting in the middle of this family’s.

“I’m really glad you came,” Wallace said to Corbin. “It’s the best place to keep her safe.”

Delaney’s jaw went slack as she turned to Corbin. “He knows?”

“Yes, I called Pops last night and explained the situation. I wanted to make sure it was okay if I brought you here. If Hugh were to find us, it could potentially put my family at risk. I wanted Pops to have all the information before he agreed.”

A shiver went down Delaney’s spine. She couldn’t stand the thought of Hugh doing anything to Corbin’s family. “I hadn’t thought about that. I don’t want to put your family in danger.” Tears pressed against her eyes, panic building inside her. “We have to go someplace else.” Her mind whirled trying to figure out where that place was. Maybe Anton was right. No place was beyond Hugh’s reach.

Corbin took hold of her arm. “No, this is the best place to keep you safe. The plan is set. We just have to follow it and trust that Sutton’s taking care of everything on his end.”

“He’s right,” Wallace said. “You’ll be safe here. Corbin knows this place like the back of his hand. I’m glad he brought you.”

She searched the man’s lined face touched by the wisdom of having lived a long, productive life. “Are you sure?”

He smiled. “Absolutely.” His gravelly tone held all the confidence in the world, the voice of reason amid chaos. “What you both need right now is a good night’s rest. Things will look brighter in the morning. I picked up a few things from the store today. You’ll find them in the fridge and on the counter.” He gave Delaney a reassuring look. “It’ll be all right.”

A tear rolled down her cheek. She wasn’t used to people being this kind. “Thank you.”

Wallace gave her a nod of acknowledgement.

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