Page 150 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Don’t mind that. I’ve been meaning to put some new pads underneath the chair legs, but I haven’t gotten around to it.” Wallace placed the platter of pancakes in the center of the table. Before Delaney sat down, he held up a finger. “Oh, I forgot the orange juice. Would you mind getting it out of the fridge?”

“Not at all.” She went to the fridge and retrieved it, suddenly realizing how hungry she was. She and Corbin had grabbed a quick sandwich for dinner the night before, eating it in the SUV as Corbin drove. Not super hungry, Delaney had only eaten half of it. But now that she was in a safe, comfortable place, her appetite had returned with a vengeance. She placed the juice on the table, then sat down.

Wallace put the syrup, butter, and bacon on the table before joining her. “Sorry we don’t have any whipped cream. I forgot to get that when I went shopping.”

She reached for a napkin, placing it in her lap. “This looks great.” She was about to reach for a pancake, then stopped when Wallace bowed his head to pray.

Quickly, she closed her eyes and lowered her head, embarrassed that she’d forgotten. She needed the Lord’s help to see her through this situation and didn’t want to be one of those people who only prayed when desperate. Wallace named everything he was grateful for, even expressing thanks that she was here. “Please keep Dee and Corbin safe,” he implored.

Tears wet her eyes, an unexpected warmth filling her chest. Maybe everything would turn out okay, after all.

“And please bless Dee and Corbin to understand their feelings and come together as a righteous couple in thy sight.” He ended the prayer with a hearty “Amen.”

“Amen,” Delaney mumbled, opening her eyes. She wasn’t sure what to make of that last part. Wallace knew her situation, was aware that the boyfriend/girlfriend thing was a façade. Why in the heck was he praying for them to come together as a couple? She gave him a questioning look, but he seemed totally oblivious.

He shook out his napkin before placing it in his lap. “Dig in.”

She filled her plate with two pancakes and two slices of bacon. Then she placed a pat of butter on top and spread it with her fork before pouring on a generous amount of syrup. She cut off a section of the pancakes and placed them in her mouth, appreciating how they melted. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d tasted pancakes this good … if ever. “These are delicious.”

“Thanks,” Wallace beamed. “I love big breakfasts, but Addie leaves so early for work that there’s no time to eat. I don’t like going to the trouble of cooking up a lot of food for just me, so I usually have coffee and toast. This is a welcome change.”

“Well, I’m glad I can be the beneficiary of your skill.” She bit off a section of crunchy bacon, chewing appreciatively.

“I’m sure you were wondering about my prayer.”

The bacon went down the wrong pipe. Delaney coughed to clear it. She’d only thought he was oblivious.The sly dog. Wallace was direct like Corbin. Or maybe it was vice versa. “Yeah, it took me off guard,” she admitted. “Especially since you know my situation.”

He took a long swig of juice and placed the glass down with an audible plunk. Then he took a large bite of pancakes. He seemed to be deliberately chewing, making her wait for his response.

“I watched the two of you together last night, could tell there’s a lot more brewing than a pretend relationship.” He took another drink of juice.

A shaky laugh escaped her throat as she touched her neck which felt hot enough to combust. “Maybe we’re just good at acting.”

“I don’t think so.” He pinned her with a look. “You care about my grandson, maybe even love him.”

She belted out a laugh, then clamped her lips shut to cut it off. “Love him? I hardly know him. We’ve only been together for a few days.”

He shrugged. “Time is irrelevant when it comes to matters of the heart. Did Corbin ever tell you how Lou Ella and I met?”

“No.”

“We were at the county fair. Lou Ella was with a date, standing by the Ferris Wheel. I saw her and my world shifted. She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on. She looked at me and we had this connection … something that defied words.” His eyes sparkled. “I knew in that moment that I’d move heaven and earth to be with her.”

She jerked slightly, the irony not lost on her as she thought of the strong connection she and Corbin had when they first saw each other. “How could you be so sure that the two of you were meant to be together?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. But I knew it to the depth of my soul. Lou Ella knew it too.” He grinned. “But it took a while before I could get her to admit it. I must’ve asked her out a hundred times, but she turned me down. That’s okay though, because I’m persistent. I knew I’d eventually win her over.”

Was that how Corbin felt about her? Would he be as persistent? A spark of warmth shot through her as she realized that she hoped he would. A tumult of feelings rushed through her, feelings she didn’t fully understand. Since moving to San Diego she’d found a church to attend, one where she felt welcome. Pastor Simmons was always saying that the Lord’s time is not the same as ours. And that He works in mysterious ways. Maybe the Lord had put Corbin in her path for more than just protection from her awful situation. Her eyes misted as she blinked a few times to clear the emotion. “That’s a beautiful story. Thanks for telling it to me.”

“Absolutely.”

She smiled at the reference.

Wallace’s voice grew reflective. “This coming May, Lou Ella and I’ll celebrate our fiftieth wedding anniversary.”

“Congratulations.”

A trace of sadness flitted over his features. “I only wish Lou Ella realized.”

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