“What?” she exclaimed. “He’s ridiculous. My boys know not to play with fire,” she spat angrily.
“He’s on top of my list of suspects, concerning my dad. Every time, I suggest another theory, the man chalks it up to Dad’s drinking,” Owen said, frustrated. “Now, this business with the barn. My brother and the kids might’ve gotten seriously hurt, and I don’t want to think about anything else.”
“It’s getting late. You’ll be anxious to start in the morning. Let’s get our guests settled, and then you can show me where we plan to sleep,” she said, rising on her tiptoes and kissing him.
“Grab some warm clothes and things for the morning. I have to stay on watch,” he informed her.
Disappointment filled her, but she’d rather remain safe than sorry. This afternoon felt like a dream. She wanted a second chance more than anything. But a small seed of doubt made her wonder whether Owen wanted the chance because he felt guilty about the past and what he missed with Tucker. Brushing the idea away, she gathered her clothes and headed downstairs.
CHAPTER 27
Owen madethe rounds with his brothers, Gunny, Jake, and Max. His father’s friend brought up excellent points about the resort, but it’d take all of them to pull it off.
“Did you take everything?” he whispered to Cade.
“Yeah. We can’t watch the entire mountain, but we can keep watch over the house and cabins. We won’t be near the lake. Be sure to return early in the morning,” Cade said, handing him his truck keys.
“Thanks,” he said, meaning every word. “I’m surprised. In all this time, I’ve never seen you settle down with one woman, and yet you’re willing to help me win back Leslie.”
“You two were meant for one another. I understand we put enormous pressure on you, and why you left. Leaving her behind shows your stupidity,” Cade said, pouring himself more lemonade.
“Yeah. I know. What about you?”
“Women love to spend time with me, especially when the cameras come around. They love our time spent in bed, but I want what you have,” Cade confessed. “I want someone who lights up when I walk into a room, as Leslie does for you. I want a woman who becomes a mama bear and goes feral when someone threatens her cubs. I’m assuming you’ll let her keep custody of Conner?”
“Conner will stay withus,” Owen said. “He’ll never have to question where he belongs.”
“By the way, good move by reminding us about the Wolfe Family howl,” Cade said, sipping his drink. “I almost forgot about it.”
“Some traditions will never die,” Owen said as Leslie entered the room. Taking her clothes, he added them to the pack. “We’ll see you in the morning.”
Cade winked as Owen took her hand and led her out the door.
They hiked to their favorite spot, and Leslie stopped short when she saw his truck parked under their tree.
“Owen,” she whispered.
“This place represents our first kiss, when you agreed to marry me, and where we conceived Tucker. It’s only right we spend the first night of our second chance under it,” Owen softly explained, putting his arm around her.
Her eyes filled with tears as she turned and kissed him.
“It’s perfect,” she choked out. “How did you plan this after today?”
“It seems my brothers have a great fondness for you. Cade especially. He concerns me,” he said, leading her to the back of the truck.
“Why?”
“Because he seems lonely. You’d think he’d find someone with as many people as he’s met in his underwear career,” Owen said, lifting her onto the mattress inside the bed of the pickup.
Slipping off her shoes, she scooted back and slid under the blankets. Owen jumped up and slid his off, joining her under the covers.
“Can I ask you something?” she asked hesitantly.
“What?” he asked, turning toward her and plumping his pillow.
“You and the boys have a lot of catching up to do. This thing between us, I don’t want it to happen because you feel guilty. Tucker and I will be fine. You can spend time with him whenever you want. I’m including Conner, too,” she babbled.
Owen put his finger to her lips. “Don’t. Don’t cheapen this moment. I know the younger me might’ve given your words some thought. I’ve lived halfway around the world. When I returned, I briefly considered returning home. I didn’t know if you ever married and kept myself a state away to keep frombegging you to give me another chance. Most of all, I wanted you happy.”
