Page 240 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

I’ll absolutely love you … for the rest of my life … until the stars fall from the sky.

They say I’m damaged goods, and I admit it absolutely, but baby you give me more hope than a person ever should.

Damaged goods.That’s what Addie was. Her stupid fear kept her apart from the man she loved, and she was too chicken to rise above it. A tear escaped the corner of her eye. Quickly, she brushed it away, embarrassed for anyone to see her crying. She glanced at Delaney and could tell from her concerned expression that she knew something was wrong.

“Hey,” Delaney began, glancing at the clock. “They’re bringing Hope in for me to bottle feed in about twenty minutes.” She looked at Corbin. “Why don’t you go and find Maddox?”

Corbin frowned. “Hey, are you trying to get rid of me?”

A smile broke over her lips. “Absolutely.”

Everyone laughed at the reference.

Corbin stood. “All right. I hear ya.” He ruffled Addie’s hair, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Love ya, sis.”

Addie flashed a mischievous smile. “I love you too, Dad.”

He straightened to his full height. “Hmm …” he mused. “Dad. I like the sound of that.”

“Fatherhood looks good on you,” Delaney added, a secret smile passing between her and Corbin.

Addie wrinkled her nose. “Enough of the lovey dovey junk. You’re making me want to puke.”

Corbin patted her cheek, pursing his lips, his voice going taunting. “Don’t worry, sis. Your time will come.”

She slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me.” Corbin got great delight out of pestering her.

He just laughed. “All right, Pops. Let’s go find Maddox, so Delaney and old sour puss can have some girl time.”

“Thank you,” Delaney chimed, blowing him a kiss.

“I’m not a sour puss,” Addie grumbled, then stuck out her tongue as he left the room.

Chapter Eighteen

“Okay, what’s going on?” Delaney asked when it was just the two of them.

Addie let out a long sigh, shifting in her seat. “Oh, you know. Life.”

Delaney laughed. “Yep, it can be a real kick in the pants sometimes, huh?”

A giggle gurgled in Addie’s throat. Man, she liked Delaney—how real and down to earth she was, calling it like it is. “Yes, it can be.”

“I’m glad you’ve been safe. Corbin and I’ve been worried about you.”

Guilt soured her stomach. “With all you’ve had going on, I’m sorry I added to your stress.”

She waved the comment away with a flick of her wrist. “That’s what family’s for.”

A wave of tenderness went through Addie. “Corbin and I may give each other grief,” her voice caught, “but I’m so grateful for him. I don’t know what I would’ve done if he hadn’t stepped in to help during all this.”

“He only wished that he could be there himself.” Delaney gave her a perceptive look. “Knowing he couldn’t, he sent thenext best man to do the job—someone who loves you as much as Corbin.”

Addie choked out a strangled cough.

Delaney smiled. “You’ve got it bad for Maddox, don’t you?”

It was on the tip of Addie’s tongue to deny it sheerly out of spite, but she knew the answer was written all over her face. “Yes,” she admitted, “I’m in love with him.” It felt good to say the words out loud.

---