Page 143 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

She thought of something else. “What about Addie? Does she know the truth?”

Corbin spoke up. “No. It’s better to keep Addie in the dark, for her own safety. Pops is the only one who knows.”

“I’ll come around mid-morning to check on you,” Wallace said.

Appreciation flashed in Corbin’s eyes. “Thanks, Pops.”

“Sure thing.” Wallace gave Corbin a hearty pat on the shoulder. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Delaney said as they went out the door into the frosty night air. A hundred large snowflakes pinged her face all at once. There hadn’t been a single snowflake in the air when they’d gone into the cabin and now, during the short time they were inside, it was coming a blizzard. All she could see were endless streaks of white against the black velvet darkness. She hugged her arms, chills racing through her. It was sunny and warm when they left San Diego this morning. And now this. Everything was happening so fast, she could hardly wrap her mind around it. When Corbin put an arm around her, she snuggled into the warmth of his shoulder as they walked, heads down to the SUV.

“Let’s get you to the cabin where it’s warm,” Corbin said, opening her door and helping her inside.

Regardless of the conflicting feelings she had for Corbin, she was grateful that he was here with her … keeping her safe.

Chapter Thirteen

The wheels spun a little, trying to gain traction until Corbin popped it into 4-wheel drive and maneuvered the SUV up the hill and around the bend to the cabin. He was grateful that the roads were clear earlier. If a storm had to hit at least it was after they’d arrived. The snow pounding against the windshield reminded him of a meteor shower. The windshield wipers were of little help. The instant they brushed the flakes away, thousands more took their places.

“Can you even see?” Delaney was leaning forward in her seat, her voice strained.

“Yeah, we’ll be fine,” he answered, even though he really couldn’t see very well. “The cabin’s just up here.” He could feel Delaney’s relief when they pulled into the driveway.

“Let’s get you inside, and I’ll come back for the luggage.”

“Thanks.” Delaney shivered, giving him a slight smile. “I guess you were right. I should’ve worn the thicker coat instead of leaving it in the suitcase.”

When they set out this morning, Corbin questioned Delaney’s choice of clothing, reminding her that Colorado winters were nothing like the mild ones in San Diego. Delaney brushed aside the comment saying she’d be fine. He couldn’thelp but smile a little inwardly. At least she didn’t mind admitting that she’d been wrong. “The good news is that you have lots of winter clothes in your suitcase.”

“Yeah, I’m glad Sutton thought of it.”

“Me too.” Birchwood Springs only had a handful of shops with a scanty selection of clothing. It was nice that they wouldn’t have to worry about it. The wind pushed against the driver door, making it hard to open. He tucked his chin into his neck as he went around to get Delaney’s door. Cabin eight was near the back of the property in one of the more secluded spots. Pops had chosen it for added privacy. Snow was accumulating fast, already a good six inches on the ground. Delaney got out, leaning into him for cover as they made their way to the door. Even though he knew she was only getting this close to him because he was shielding her from the snow, it felt good to be next to her.

He’d wondered how Delaney would react to his family. She seemed to do just fine, despite Addie’s intrusiveness. It felt so natural to sit in Pops’ living room, his arm around Delaney as they talked. They trudged up the steps to the door where Corbin shoved in the key, turned the lock, and pushed open the door. The two of them practically fell into the shelter of the cabin as they brushed off the snow. Corbin flipped on the lights and looked around.

It was the same as he remembered—exposed rough timber beams on the ceiling, log walls, a wooden staircase leading up to the bedrooms on the second floor, woodsy furnishings. An open floor plan included the living room and kitchen in one big area. He looked at the efficiency kitchen. A kettle was on the stovetop, a dishtowel draped over the oven door. His gaze moved back to the living room, his eyes resting on the emerald afghan draped over the back of the couch—Gram’s handiwork. His heart clutched as memories gushed over him. One autumn, Gram decided to crochet afghans for all the cabins to give thema homey feel. What she thought would take three months took seven, but she completed her goal.

Standing here in this cabin with a floor plan identical to all the others, Corbin got a sense of the years peeling away, almost like he’d never left. Despite the sadness of Gram’s situation, there was a certain comfort from the familiarity. Like Pops said, he knew this place like the back of his hand, and would be able to keep Delaney safe here. He breathed in the familiar scent of lemon cleaning solution mingled with cedar. Hilda Bryant had been cleaning the cabins for years, ever since Corbin was a boy. She loved lemon. “I’ll be right back. Make yourself at home.”

Delaney took off her shoes, then went to the tweed sofa and deposited her purse. She stood, looking around like she was unsure what to do. Corbin understood her hesitation. This was a far cry from San Diego, that was for sure. She rubbed her arms like she was cold.

“I’ll start a fire as soon as I get everything in.” Pops kept a large supply of seasoned firewood in a covered box beside the front door, along with an axe and chopping block. While there was no central heat, there was a fireplace in the living room and pot belly stove in the kitchen. The bedrooms had portable heaters. When a fire was going, the cabin was cozy and romantic. Although, Delaney would balk if he dared bring up the latter.

Once the luggage was in, he locked the door and clicked the deadbolt. Tomorrow, he’d do a thorough check of the perimeter to make sure everything was secure. It was good to know that Hugh and his goons had taken the bait and were far away in Northern Cal. Delaney was sitting on the couch, the TV on. There were only a handful of channels available, mostly local stations. She was watching the news. She glanced at the luggage. “Do you need any help?”

“Sure.”

She stood and reached for her guitar. “Which room am I staying in?”

It was a two-bedroom, two bath. “I’ll let you take the master, and I’ll sleep in the guest room next door.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

A smile touched her lips.

“What?”

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