Page 151 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“I’m sorry. Corbin told me about her Alzheimer’s.” The depth of feeling in Wallace’s eyes struck something inside Delaney. This wasn’t some storybook romance that would vanish like the dew at sunrise. She got the distinct feeling that what Wallace and Lou Ella had was deep and abiding … a love that would transcend age, even death. When she was younger before Tuck’s cruelty had jaded her, Delaney had wished for something like this. She’d held onto that dream to stave off the loneliness that consumed her, while her mother was passed out cold in the next room. Sure, the timing was lousy, but what if Corbin was thevery thing she’d been searching for her entire life? A haven for her heart.

He nodded. “Before Lou Ella got sick, she had a memory like an elephant. She was smart and loved to read, would devour every book she could get her hands on. She was always helping, tending to someone who was sick, making casseroles. She loved to bake and crochet. In fact, she made the green afghan over the back of the couch.”

Delaney had been so exhausted the night before that she’d not paid much attention to the furnishings. She made a mental note to look at the afghan. “Lou Ella sounds like a remarkable woman.”

“Her greatest strength was her kindness. She and Corbin were really close.” He paused, his jaw working. “It nearly killed Corbin when Lou Ella went into the care center.” His eyes moistened. “It hurt me too, but I didn’t see any other option. Lou Ella’s condition was deteriorating to the point where she was becoming belligerent. She’d get out of the house while I was asleep. One night, I found her wandering in the snow. I was worried about her safety.”

There was a hint of pleading in Wallace’s voice, like he was defending himself. He felt guilty for putting Lou Ella in the care center. Delaney was surprised Wallace was telling her such personal things. Maybe he didn’t get much of a chance to talk to other people. The cabins were in a remote area and Addie worked a lot. “I’m sure you did what you thought was best.”

“Yes.” He hesitated like he wanted to say more but didn’t know if he should.

She leaned forward slightly. “What else?” The instant the question left her mouth, she thought she probably shouldn’t have asked it, but she did want to know the rest. And Wallace certainly seemed like he needed to get it off his chest.

“I wish Corbin could understand.”

“I’m sure he does, how could he not?”

“My grandson’s very stubborn.”

“Tell me about it,” she chuckled.

“The two of us don’t always get along.” A rueful smile touched his lips. “Lou Ella used to say it was because we were too much alike.”

“I can see that, even just now getting to know you.”

“You’re good for Corbin. For some time, he’s been drifting. I’d hoped joining the military would help anchor him, but it only seems to have exacerbated the problem.”

“Because of what happened to Doug?”

A look of surprise washed over him. “You know about Doug?”

“Yes, Corbin told me about him and the little girl.”

He cocked his head. “What girl?”

Crap!She assumed that Wallace knew.Time to backpedal.Fast. She could feel Wallace’s perceptive eyes, scrutinizing her. She put down her fork, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, I thought you knew. But if Corbin didn’t tell you, I don’t think it’s my place to say anything.” Her voice dribbled off.

Wallace nodded in disappointment. “I understand. And I certainly wouldn’t want you to divulge a confidence.”

She sought for the words to smooth over the situation. “I’m sure he’ll tell you if you ask.”

He gave her a sad smile that said,You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.“Corbin would’ve told Lou Ella and she could’ve helped him sort through his feelings. Now that she’s not in her right mind …” he sighed “… well, it’s just been festering.” He paused, looking thoughtful. Then a new light came into his eyes. “But he told you.”

“Yes,” she said quietly, just now understanding the significance of all that had taken place the night before. She could argue that Corbin had told her due to circumstance. Shecame in right after the dream. No, Wallace was right. Corbin had opened his heart to her and she’d pushed him away.

“Like I said, you’re good for Corbin. You give him a sense of purpose, make him want to be a better man. I’m so grateful he has you in his life.”

Panic fluttered in her stomach. “No, I can’t take on that responsibility.” She’d tried to help her mother, but everything had blown up in her face. The harder she tried to get her mother off alcohol and drugs, the more her mother hated her for it. Her voice grew brittle. “I can’t help Corbin because I can’t even help myself.” Tears burned her eyes. “I’m sorry.” She pushed back her plate, no longer hungry. “I’m a train wreck,” she muttered. She scooted her chair back to leave, but Wallace caught her arm.

“Hey.” His voice was gentle but authoritative like he was talking a jumper off a ledge. His eyes held hers. “Don’t run off. Just hear me out, okay?”

Tears dribbled down her cheeks. “Okay.” He let go of her arm as she sat back down, wiping at the tears.

“While I don’t know all the details of your situation, I know your ex-husband was abusive.”

She gave him a curt nod of acknowledgement as shame burned through her. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, her eyes fixed on her uneaten plate of food. If only she’d had enough sense not to get involved with Tuck. Yes, she’d finally summoned the courage to stand up to him and look where it had gotten her—on the run for her life from a demon even worse than Tuck.

Wallace leaned back in his seat. “Do you know much about the Native Americans indigenous to Colorado? They’re known as the Plains Indians, making up several tribes. Shoshone, Apache, Navajo to name a few.”

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