“I gave him most of Tucker’s old clothes. Conner never went without. I assumed he used the money your parents saved from the resort all these years,” she said, placing her hand in his sweater pocket.
Owen chuckled. “Because of his mismanagement, it barely survived. It’s too bad. The resort has potential.”
“What will you do when you move here?” she asked.
“I’ve taken on some security work and worked as a bodyguard for some dignitaries,” he said. “I’m sure I can do the same thing here.”
“I’ll have to return to work soon,” Leslie said. “I used my vacation time to care for Conner.”
“You’re good to him,” he said, kissing the top of her head. Ever since he touched her, Owen craved more contact.
“He’s a good kid and very bright. Kids pick on him at school because of his father. He doesn’t understand,” she told him quietly. “Someday, we’ll have to explain everything to them.”
His thumb brushed her cheek. “We have time. I’m not sure if I understand the man you describe.”
“Will you take me to get some things from the house? At some point, I’ll need to clean up the mess.”
“What mess?” he asked.
“The man tore my house apart and slashed all my furniture. I’m sure he searched for something,” she said, trembling as she recalled the night of the attack.
“It’s all right,” Owen assured her. “I won’t let anything happen to you. As soon as we get the boys fed, I’ll take you down. Hopefully, I’ll hear back from the attorney, and Charlotte’s friends will pick up dad’s body.”
“I hate we have to do this with Jeremiah. The boys need closure,” she murmured.
“I think it’s time we all have it,” Owen said. His gaze fell to her mouth and she peered up at him as she cupped his cheek, giving him a gentle kiss. The emptiness inside him disappeared as she ran her fingers in his hair and they stared at the older versions of themselves.
“Leslie and Owen sitting in a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G,” Cade sang, making them separate. Owen scowled and scanned the trees, finding his brother.
“Don’t you have something else to do?” he asked.
“Dillon made breakfast, the boys woke up, and set the table. Mason told me to come get you. It seems I don’t need to finish the rest of the rhyme, you already have the baby.”
Owen rose and held out his hand to Leslie. “The more I’m around them, I know why I left,” he muttered under his breath, making her giggle.
They walked hand in hand until the house came into view. Leslie let go of his hand.
“Do you mind if we keep this between us? I don’t want to confuse the boys, especially when we don’t have a plan.”
“Got it,” Owen said, feeling a bit disappointed, but he understood.
“Mom,” Conner lit up at seeing her. His arms wrapped around her waist as they entered the kitchen. “How do you feel? I made you a special pancake and Uncle Mason made bacon.”
“It sounds great,” she said, smoothing his unruly hair. “Why don’t you get out the milk and juice?”
Conner rushed to do her bidding while Owen pulled out her chair.
“I forgot to ask how you feel. Do you have any pain?” he asked her.
“It’s sore, but manageable. Charlotte mentioned she’ll come today and check it. I’m feeling much better,” she said, holding his gaze. Letting him know she didn’t refer to her injury.
“Me, too,” he murmured, aching to lean down and kiss her again. Aware of several pairs of eyes on them, he took her mug and refilled it with fresh coffee.
“Can you stir the eggs? Nathan and Noah will wake any moment,” Mason asked Owen, who took the spoon from his hand.
His phone rang, and he glanced down to find the sheriff’s office calling.
“Hello,” he greeted, wondering what they called about this early in the morning.
