Chapter 27
Owen made the 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 with us,” 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 from begging you to give me another chance. Most of all, I wanted you happy.”
Crushing her mouth to his, she kissed him hard. He held her in his arms as they watched the stars.
“Thank you for telling me about your doubts. It’s the only way we can get this to work,” he whispered. “Never be afraid to tell me. We’ll talk this through.”
Leslie slid her hand over his taut muscles. Fate tore them apart and brought them back together again. She planned to make the most of it. Rising, she unbuttoned her shirt, and Owen slid it down her shoulders, kissing her bare skin.
“Come here,” he whispered.
She cuddled into him while he covered her with the blanket. Their hands fumbled while they removed each other’s clothes. They giggled and laughed like their former selves and made love under the tree. They fell asleep with their bodies entangled together and waited for the sunrise.