Page 162 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

It was amazing how fast Delaney had diffused the tension. Everything hung in the balance. He couldn’t believe he was actually considering going. But he did want Delaney to meet Gram. “All right,” he finally said. “We’ll go.” Had he really just agreed to this? Could he stand seeing Gram in her state? The truth was … he wasn’t sure, but knowing that Delaney would be by his side made the situation tolerable.

“Sounds good,” Addie clipped. “See you both tomorrow.” She patted Corbin’s arm. “I’ve gotta run. You two enjoy the rest of your day … and your lovefest,” she cooed. When she got a couple of steps away from them, she turned and blew a kiss over her shoulder, laughter in her eyes.

“Lovefest, huh?” Delaney mused.

“I’m sorry about Addie,” he began with a pained expression. “She can be a pill sometimes.”

Delaney waved a hand. “No worries. I like her.”

He tipped his head. “You do?”

“Yeah, she’s got spunk.” She chuckled. “She obviously knows how to put you in your place. Maybe I should get some pointers from her.”

He laughed. “Oh, I think you do a pretty good job of putting me in my place all on your own.” As he gazed into her mysterious dark eyes, he couldn’t help but feel lucky. He would go to the end of the earth for Delaney Mitchell. Or to the care center, which was the harder task of the two.

Chapter Nineteen

As they drove to the care center, Delaney’s mind skipped back to the previous night. Spending time with Corbin had been so glorious that her feet had hardly touched the ground since. It was crazy that she was feeling so joyous in the face of impending danger with Hugh. Biscuits were temperamental, especially at higher elevations, but they turned out perfect, as did the sausage and gravy. Corbin ate so much she was afraid he’d make himself sick.

Afterwards, they cuddled in front of a fire, sharing long, drugging kisses until late in the evening. Delaney was eager to find out everything she could about Corbin. She asked him questions about what it was like to grow up in Birchwood Springs. As he shared memories of growing up in a comfortable, stable home, she couldn’t help but compare his upbringing with her chaotic past. She’d shared a few experiences with him … how there was never much food in the trailer … how the truancy officer was always on their case due to the large amount of school Delaney missed … how there’d always been random men coming and going until Hugh entered the picture. She let out a bitter laugh. “To think, I was actually excited when Hugh Allen and my mom started seeing each other because we no longerhad to worry about scraping rent money together. Hugh threw money around like it was paper, and I could buy whatever I wanted to eat.” Corbin’s expression had gone solemn as he pulled her into his arms and held her close. Just as she drifted off to sleep, she heard him say that he loved her.

She glanced at his rugged profile, his hands on the steering wheel. Corbin had been unusually quiet since they left the cabin. “Are you okay?”

For a second, he looked surprised that she’d spoken. Then an automatic smile crossed his lips. “Yeah.”

But he wasn’t okay. Fear clutched her. Was he having second thoughts about them? Maybe he regretted telling her that he loved her. She took in a breath, willing herself to calm down. She couldn’t keep assuming the worst every second. Corbin was probably just nervous about visiting his grandmother.

He pulled into an empty parking space, taking in a deep breath. “Thanks for coming with me.” A slight smile touched his lips. She reached for his hand, which was cold. “Do you wanna talk about it?” she asked, searching his face.

His lips pulled into a taut line. “No. I just wanna get this over with.”

“When’s the last time you came here?”

“Never.”

Her eyes widened. Never? No wonder he was so keyed up. And no wonder Addie made such a big deal about him coming.

He got out of the SUV and came around to open her door. As he helped her out, she realized he was shaking. “It’ll be all right,” she said, putting a hand on his arm.

He nodded, forcing a smile. “Let’s do this.”

A middle-aged woman with a cap of shiny red hair and lipstick to match was sitting behind the reception desk. She smiled brightly in recognition as they walked through the door.“Corbin Spencer,” she boomed. “This is a nice surprise. It’s great to see you.”

“Good to see you too, Tina,” he said mechanically. She came around the desk and gave him a hug, then looked him up and down with open appreciation. “You look great, as usual. Addie and your grandpa come in all the time, but I never see you,” Tina continued. “I’m glad you were able to make it by.” She turned to Delaney. “I’m Tina Johnson.”

“Dee.” Delaney clasped Tina’s hand in a firm shake.

“Nice to meet you.” Tina smiled broadly, winking at Corbin. “Is she your girlfriend?”

“Yes,” he said matter-of-factly.

“She’s a beauty. I would’ve expected nothing less from you.” She motioned to the empty waiting room as she went back to her desk and picked up the handset of her phone. “Have a seat, and I’ll let the nurses know you’re here.”

“Addie’s meeting us,” Corbin said.

Tina nodded. “Sounds good.” No sooner had she spoken the words than Addie came through the double glass doors.

“Hey, Tina,” she said, flashing a smile. Then she saw Delaney and Corbin in the waiting room. She went to them, giving each a hug. Her eyes stopped at Corbin. “You okay?”

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