The Summer of No Attachments by Lori Foster

Chapter Seven

Over the next month, Corbin and Ivey fell into a wonderful, comfortable pattern. Instead of Corbin and Justin visiting the clinic, they came by Ivey’s house at least three times a week. Justin got to play with Daisy, and Ivey got to enjoy them both. Most nights Corbin brought dinner with him so all she had to do was shower and change. Twice she had insisted on cooking dinner, and Justin made his food preferences clear. Meatloaf was his favorite, but he also loved her fried chicken, declaring it far better than what his dad got from the fast-food restaurant.

Maurice actually loved Daisy. When Ivey wasn’t home, the pups were kept in the mudroom, but they weren’t often alone. When the cat went over the barrier in the mudroom to use his box, he usually stayed to visit. Ivey had found them all together more often than not. It astounded Ivey, since the cat had never before met a dog he didn’t hate. Then again, Daisy was a very small, timid dog who treated Maurice like a friend.

Going up to the attic had become Ivey and Justin’s “thing.” That first time, my goodness, how Justin loved it all. She could still remember the awe in his voice as he looked around.

“Wow.” And then a few seconds later, “Wow. This is really all yours?”

“Collected over many years.” She put her hand on his shoulder. “You see? I love all things horror as much as you do.”

“Maybe more,” he enthused, before oh-so-carefully lifting an original Alien action figure.

Feeling the excitement of her finds all over again, she made a quick decision. “Let’s gather up all the Alien stuff and take it downstairs. What do you think? That way you can really check it out without all this dust and clutter.”

“For real?” Justin whooped loudly, and the figures had entertained him for a good long while before their visit ended. Rather than put it all away, they moved the stuff into her guestroom.

The next time he was over, they brought down all the classic monster movie posters, as well as a few unique Frankenstein items, like a ceramic coin bank, a few models that she’d put together and painted and a windup doll. Pretty soon her guestroom was filled with her collection. Shortly after that, she began gifting Justin with various pieces.

True, it was a valuable collection, but what did it matter when it only gathered dust in the attic? She knew she wouldn’t ever sell any of it. Justin was over the moon for each and every piece she gave him, and that was far more rewarding than hanging on to the stuff.

Lang built a shelf in Justin’s room where he proudly displayed each item, but his favorites were the poseable classic monsters. Corbin said he played with those most often.

They were at her house tonight, lingering over pie at the kitchen table while Justin, with all the animals, flipped through old comic books in the living room. Through the open doorway, Ivey could see him sprawled on his back, Daisy curled up on his right, Maurice right beside her and the puppies playing on and around him.

Corbin took his last bite, then sat back, his hands over his flat stomach. “I think I’ve put on five pounds since you started cooking.”

Ivey grinned. “You have not. You and Justin run too often to gain weight.” Corbin still hadn’t returned to work. Instead, he jogged with Justin. Or took out the kayak. Or swam. They were forever busy.

“When I started running with him, I never guessed he’d enjoy it so much. The kid has mad stamina. More often than not, I’m ready to quit when he’s still going strong.” Glancing toward Justin, Corbin’s voice lowered. “We’ve got a nice pattern going. Jogging in the morning, errands and chores during the day, dinner with you, then swimming or taking out the kayak before a movie in the evening. I hate to switch it up, but I need to get back to work.”

It’d make sense, Ivey knew, if Corbin’s time with her had to be cut short. She understood him well enough now to know he would continually build on his relationship with Justin. Anyone could see that he valued every moment with his son, which meant something else had to give. That would likely be some of the time he spent with her.

She got it, but that didn’t make it easier. “You said you work from home?”

He nodded. “I gave myself all of May and June off, but July is right around the corner so it’s time to get back to it. I’ll start with thirty hours or so, but eventually that turns into forty plus.”

Ivey reached out and took his hand. Their alone time was extremely limited already, but he usually found a way to kiss her at the end of each visit. He had a lot on his plate and the last thing she wanted to do was add to that.

Hoping to make it easier on him, forcing herself to be stoic, she asked, “Are you trying to tell me we won’t see as much of each other?”

“What? No.” He quickly glanced toward Justin, then lowered his voice again. “Hell no. I was going to offer a different solution.”

Relieved, Ivey smiled. “I’m all ears.”

“What would you think of us taking Daisy and the puppies?”

Not what she’d expected. Take the dogs? But...she’d miss them horribly. “I don’t understand how that would help.”

“Ivey,” he said gently. “You don’t want to give the puppies away, and neither does Justin. Lang has said he’d help with them all. He’s also lending a hand with Justin, but I hate to infringe on him too much since he and Hope are now a thing.”

Yes, they were. Nothing too intimate, and they’d yet to share even a simple kiss. But Hope glowed with daily excitement. Lang made a point of seeing her every single night, usually for a walk around the property, or quiet time on the dock watching the sunset. Hope worried that he’d eventually want more and she wasn’t sure if she could give it.

But for now, her friend was in a fog of happiness. Even pet owners made note of Hope’s lighter mood at the clinic.

“I’ve gotten very attached to the puppies, that’s true.”

“And you trust very few people to treat them the same way you would.”

She considered that and admitted that she trusted Corbin and Justin both. “Wouldn’t that just give you more to deal with?”

He tugged on her hand until she stood, then he drew her around by his chair and urged her onto his thighs. Holding her on his lap, his arms around her waist, he smiled at her. “I was thinking, hoping, that you’d like to join us each night for dinner and maybe a swim.” Leaning forward, he kissed her, but with his son nearby he kept it light. “That would make a nice addition to our routine.”

Overcome with emotion, Ivey sank against him, her face turned into his neck, her arms around him. “I would love that so much.”

His hand went up and down her spine. “But?”

“I can’t leave Maurice each night.”

“Does he travel okay? You could bring him. He likes seeing Daisy anyway.”

Wow, it truly sounded as if they were combining their lives. She hugged him tighter. “Maurice does fine in his carrier for short trips.” Everything seemed to be changing suddenly, but she didn’t mind. She already knew how she felt, how she’d felt almost from the first day she’d met him.

“So what do you think? Yes?”

He smelled so good, and she couldn’t resist opening her mouth against his throat for just a moment. She felt him stir, and that stirred her, too. Sitting back a little, she nodded. “Yes. On one condition.” Not giving him a chance to ask, she said, “Any time it might not be convenient, you only need to let me know.”

“Same from you, okay?” He took her mouth in another brief kiss. “I want to spend time with you, but I don’t want you pressured to fit it in.”

When Justin laughed, they both looked toward him. He held the comic book high while one of the puppies tried to get it. Careful not to disturb Daisy or Maurice, he put the comic on the coffee table and snuggled the pup up close.

Awww. “I love your kid, Corbin. Just absolutely love him.”

“I’m glad.”

The way he said that and the weight in his words surprised her. She immediately got lost in his golden-brown gaze.

Oh, what she wouldn’t give to spend an entire night with him. How that would work, she had no idea, so she didn’t say it out loud. But she wanted it. So very, very much.

Carrying the pup, Justin came into the kitchen. “Is this one a boy or a girl?”

Ivey started to scramble off Corbin’s lap, but he held onto her and Justin didn’t appear to see anything amiss. Taking the puppy from him, Ivey lifted it high to take a peek, then declared, “Boy.” They all had the same coloring without any distinguishing differences yet, other than personality. “There are two boys and one girl.”

Tilting toward her, Justin whispered, “How can you tell?”

Wicked amusement lit Corbin’s eyes. “Yeah, Ivey. How can you?”

But hey, she’d been a veterinarian for a long time, so she whispered right back, “The boys have penises and the girl does not.” Gently, she cradled the pup on her thighs so that his little round belly was up. “You see?”

Very seriously, Justin scrunched up his face and peered at the dog. “Yeah.” Typical of a child, he moved right on from that, his curiosity appeased. “Could I name him Freddy, like Freddy Krueger?”

“You still want that name, huh?” She pretended to consider it. “You know, I think he’d like that.”

Slyly, he asked, “Could I name the other boy dog Jason?”

Ivey barely swallowed her laugh. “Sure.” With a sigh, she added, “And now we’re back to the girl pup and the difficulty of a name for her.”

“How about Lily? In the comic book, Frankenstein’s monster married Lily.”

“Oh, that’s genius! I think Lily sounds perfect.”

Justin edged in closer, hesitated a second, and then his skinny arms went around Ivey’s neck and he gave her a fierce hug. Equally stunned and moved by the unexpected gesture, she drew him closer with one arm and breathed in his little-boy smell of sun-warmed hair and skin.

Since she was still on Corbin’s lap, Corbin easily enclosed them both in his long muscular arms, then kissed each of them on the head.

As Justin wriggled free, he asked, “Got any more pie?”

Ivey wanted to crush him close again, but apparently his tolerance for affection had its limits and the hug he’d just given was generous. “Yes.” Following Corbin’s example, she gave Justin a quick kiss on the forehead and handed him the puppy, then kissed Corbin, too, just for good measure, before standing.

Here she’d started out with the intent of having casual fun, and instead she’d fallen madly in love with the family life.

Go figure.

Hands in his pockets, head down in thought, Lang walked through the woods connecting the two properties. With plenty of direction from Justin, he and Corbin had improved the way. A few path lights wouldn’t hurt, too, but the moon was bright overhead tonight so he didn’t walk into any spiderwebs.

Having just left Hope, he felt...primed.

He wanted her. So damn much.

Yet odd as it seemed, he relished every small sign of her lessening fear. Initially, she’d watched him with wariness, as well as interest. He’d recognized that even if she hadn’t.

He’d also recognized the alarm. No woman had ever feared him before. It was an incredibly uncomfortable sensation—so how much worse was it for her?

When Corbin had first explained the situation to him, a variety of emotions had bombarded him. Sure, protectiveness. Lang was a big man with sizeable fists and plenty of brawn. He wanted Hope to see that as shelter, not as a threat. God no, never that.

When he’d chased down his brother to offer support and get to know his nephew, not once had he considered the complication of a relationship for himself. And definitely not with a woman like Hope.

But here he was, mired in need.

The need to touch her. The need to kiss her.

The need to have her trust.

Their relationship was a fragile thing, her skittishness still in evidence on occasion, forcing him to tiptoe on eggshells. Progress was made, though, each and every time they were together. Just tonight, she’d stared at his mouth with singular focus. She wanted him, too. Eventually he’d have her.

And then what?

The house was quiet when he let himself him in through the front door. Corbin and Justin might have already gone to bed, so he took off his sneakers and, without turning on any lights, made his way through the house. He was just about to head downstairs to his room when he heard muted voices upstairs.

Thinking he’d tell them both good night, he went upstairs instead of down.

A low light came from Justin’s room. He heard Corbin ask, “What’s wrong, son?”

“Nothin’.”

Not wanting to intrude, Lang stopped out of sight.

After a brief hesitation, Corbin said, “The thing is, you’re my son and I love you. I feel like we’re getting settled in, right?”

Silence.

“I can tell when something’s bothering you now, just like you’d be able to tell with me.” The bed squeaked, and Lang assumed his brother had just sat down. “We’re in this together, you and me.”

“And Uncle Lang?”

“Yes.”

“And Ivey?”

Wow, Lang thought. The kid was bringing out the big questions. He felt for Corbin, knowing the stretch of silence meant he wasn’t sure how to answer.

Finally Corbin said, “I care about Ivey. You do, too, don’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Is that what’s bothering you? Something to do with Ivey?”

It was Justin’s turn to be quiet, then in a voice so low Lang could barely hear him, he asked, “Will I ever see my mom again?”

Oh Christ.

Lang put a hand over his eyes, his throat going tight. Hearing the uncertainty in Justin’s voice broke his heart as nothing else could. And his poor brother, caught trying to find a way to answer that wouldn’t cause the kid more hurt. Damn Darcie for dumping him as she had. He locked his teeth so tight that his jaw ached.

“Do you want to see her?” Corbin finally asked.

“I don’t know.” Seconds ticked by, each one painful. “She’s my mom, so I guess I should.”

“Let’s not worry about what you should do, okay? Do you want to? And listen, bud, there is no wrong answer, okay? No matter what you say, I’ll keep on loving you, and I would never—”

“No.”

Lang tangled a hand in his hair and gave a small tug. Damn it, his eyes were getting damp.

“So...” Corbin floundered for a moment. “You were asking because you want to know what to expect?”

“Yeah.” More rustling in the bed.

Lang peeked in and saw Justin sitting up, his legs crossed yoga style, his bony shoulders hunched. “If I see her, I guess that’d be okay, but I don’t want to leave here.”

“Never,” Corbin vowed softly. “If your mom visits you, it won’t change anything. You’ll still live with me.”

“You sure?” Justin edged closer to him.

“You’re mine and I will never, ever let you go.” Corbin drew him into his lap and held him close. “I love you, Justin. So damn much.” He put his jaw to the crown of Justin’s head. “Your mom has some things to work out, but I know she loves you, too.”

Justin chewed that over. “She sent me away.”

“She sent you to me because she knows no one will ever love and protect you like I will. She was in a tough spot and she made the best decision she could. Okay?”

Rubbing his eyes and then his nose, Justin nodded. “Okay.”

“Good. So...that helps?”

“Yeah.” He twisted away and got back under the covers. “Thanks, Dad.”

Lang dropped his head silently back against the wall, tortured by his nephew’s pain. How could Corbin bear it? He was so proud of his brother for seeming to know the right thing to say and the right way to say it. To give credit to Darcie? No, Lang didn’t think he could have, but of course it wouldn’t help Justin to know that his mother had completely abandoned him. Corbin had understood that.

His brother was one hell of a man.

Lang stood there in the hall, eyes closed, his thoughts and emotions rioting, until Justin called out, “Good night, Uncle Lang.”

His eyes popped open. Oh hell. Busted. Leaning around the door frame, Lang peered in and saw Corbin giving him a sardonic smile.

“Did you want to tell Justin good night?” Corbin asked. “Or were you angling for a hug?”

“I was hoping to be asked.” Trying not to look maudlin, Lang grinned and sauntered in.

“I figured.” Corbin kissed Justin on the forehead—something Justin no longer shied away from. “Good night, son. If you need anything, or if you want to talk some more, just come to my room, okay? Anytime.” When Justin nodded, Corbin stood to give Lang room.

Sitting by his nephew, Lang asked, “You brushed your teeth?”

“Yup.” Justin gave a toothy grin to prove it.

“Did your dad read you a bedtime story?”

Curling his lip, Justin said, “I’m not a baby.”

“Definitely not, but how about you indulge me?” Lang picked up the comic book on his bedside table. “This looks like a good one.” Werewolf. With some really incredible artwork.

“I already read it,” Justin said.

“No kidding? You can read all this?”

Again, Justin said, “I’m not a baby,” but this time he laughed.

“Well, I’ll read it with effect.” He gave an eerie, very monster-inspired laugh. “What do you say?”

With new excitement, Justin nodded, then even scooted over to make room for Lang in the bed.

Corbin smiled. “Not more than a half hour, okay? It’s getting late.”

“You got it.” Once Corbin left the room, Lang got comfortable. Justin did as well, snuggling in against his side as if it were a nightly ritual. And by God, starting tonight, it would be. Having Justin there, so close, was something he knew he wanted to get used to.

With exaggerated flair, Lang started to read. Justin was suitably enthralled. At one point, enjoying himself as he did, Lang decided he felt sorry for Darcie. Whatever misguided notions she’d had, whatever hardships life had dealt her, she’d deliberately given up this remarkable little boy.

Someday he’d like to understand her, to know why she’d never told Corbin he was a father, to comprehend what mindset led her to believe she’d be better off without her son. If she’d only told Corbin early on, the entire family would have helped her.

She’d made other choices and tonight, in this moment, he was glad that Justin was with them now.

By the time he finished reading, exactly thirty minutes later, Justin’s eyes were heavy and he kept yawning.

Carefully, Lang maneuvered him flat to the pillow and tucked him in. His hair was now smooshed on one side, so Lang smoothed it. “Love you, Justin.”

His eyes already closed, he mumbled sleepily, “You, too, Uncle Lang.”

Wow. Those profound words burrowed right into his heart, and he knew he’d never be the same. Funny how a man could go from never thinking of kids to loving one with all his heart in such a short span of time.

He set the comic aside, quietly clicked off the bedside lamp and, leaving the door slightly ajar, went to find his brother.

Corbin stood on the covered deck, drinking in the moist night air, listening to the soothing sounds from the lake and trees and wondering if he’d done the right thing, said the right words.

Give Justin up? Never, not under any circumstances.

“Hey.” Lang slipped through the sliding doors and joined him at the rail. After a second or two, he asked, “You okay?”

“I am,” Corbin said, though he wasn’t. Not really. Finally he admitted, “Justin’s worries are my own. What if Darcie changes her mind?”

“She signed over her rights to you.”

Yes, thank God. Legally, she didn’t have a leg to stand on. But morally, did it matter? She was his mother. Darcie and Justin had a ten-year history that Corbin couldn’t just ignore. “I wouldn’t let Justin go, so don’t misunderstand. If I had to, I’d fight her in court.”

“And we’d win,” Lang said, letting Corbin know he wouldn’t be fighting alone.

“He’s mine and I’m keeping him.”

Quietly, Lang said, “I know.”

“But that doesn’t mean Darcie won’t want time with him...or that he might eventually want time with her.” Growing tension knotted the muscles of his neck. His hands fisted on the railing. “I’d understand if she did, if he did, but Jesus, it scares me. Knowing what I know now, how could I ever trust her?” Darcie had kept his son from him, and when Justin became too inconvenient, she’d dropped him off like an unwanted pet. She’d seemed high that day, a little unstable, definitely uncaring. Now he kept wondering...what else might she do? If it suited her, would she try to take off with Justin?

Lang put an understanding hand on Corbin’s shoulder.

“She has the ability to hurt him so much.” Corbin closed his eyes. “It’s taken a little while, but now he’s happy more often than not. He no longer watches me like he’s expecting the worst. He’s acting like a little kid again.”

“And she could disrupt all that.”

Corbin’s mouth tightened. “Yes.”

Lang turned so that his back was to the railing and he faced Corbin. “I want to ask you something, and I don’t want you to hold back.”

“Have I ever?”

“No, but you’ve also never been a dad.”

“True enough.” Somewhere on the lake, a splash sounded. Bugs darted in and out of the floodlight beams. Clouds rolled over the moon, then cleared again. “Let’s hear it.”

Lang drew a breath. “I’d like to hang around a while.”

That was supposed to be news? “I already figured you would.” Justin was a huge lure for Uncle Lang, but Corbin knew it was more than that, too. His brother worried for him and wanted to be supportive. Plus he was growing closer to Hope every day.

Lang held up a hand. “Yeah, but I mean, I’d like to stay here. Not necessarily in your house, though I’ve enjoyed it so far.”

Finally catching on, Corbin asked, “You’d relocate to Sunset permanently?” That shouldn’t have surprised him. Their mom was currently traveling with Hagan in the RV, but he knew as soon as she could, she’d show up, too. It was a nice thing to know that even if something happened to him, Justin would always be protected and cared for. His family would see to it.

Never again would his son be dependent on one troubled woman who, for whatever reasons, hadn’t been able to prioritize him.

“That kid’s already stolen my heart.” Lang looked out at the night. “But I worry about you, too. Yeah, I know, you can handle it.”

Corbin snorted. “Trust me, sometimes I’m completely lost.”

“Maybe. You wouldn’t be human otherwise. But damn, you’ve already impressed me so much.”

“I wish I could be as confident as you.” Lately it felt like he second-guessed his every decision.

“So would it be easier or harder to have me around?” Lang met his gaze. “I want to be here, for you and Justin both, but only if it’ll help and not hinder.”

“It helps,” Corbin assured him. “Like tonight...” He shook his head. “I was floundering, man. I wanted to just hug him, but I didn’t want to be dismissive of his concerns.”

“He’s only ten, Corbin.”

“Ten and with the weight of the world on his shoulders. That was the other problem. How to respect his question without over-answering it. I didn’t want to bring up court or responsibilities or any of the adult things he shouldn’t have to worry about it.” He gave Lang a grateful look. “Showing up when you did helped drag me out of the emotional quicksand, if you know what I mean.”

“I was drowning in it myself, so I get it.”

“Good. Then feel free to hang around as long as you like. The house is plenty big enough for you.”

“Awesome.” Lang nodded in satisfaction. “Then that’s decided.”

Together, they stared out at the bright moonlight reflecting off of the rippling surface of the lake.

It eased some of Corbin’s tension, knowing his brother planned to stay in Sunset. But then what? “I know you, Lang. You won’t be content just hanging out. So what’s the plan?”

“I was thinking about that.” He folded his arms and leaned on the rail. “Sunset could use a sports complex, don’t you think?”

Nope, that didn’t surprise him, either. Lang was the highly motivated type who liked a challenge. “People would love it,” Corbin agreed. “It’s a small town, though, so I’m not sure how lucrative it’d be.”

“Meaning I won’t get richer?” Grinning, Lang shrugged. “Like you said, I’m thirty now. Not ancient, but I’m ready to settle down a little.”

“Ah.” Corbin fought his own grin. “Does Hope figure into those plans?”

Lang shook his head. “Who the hell knows? Right now, she’s satisfied with just being friends.”

Corbin winced for his brother. “Got you caught in the friend zone, huh?”

“It’s not a terrible place to be,” Lang admitted quietly.

“With Hope?”

“She’s different. How I feel about her is different.” Lang gave a gruff laugh. “And isn’t that screwed up considering I’ve never even kissed her?”

Awed by his brother’s patience, Corbin said, “So kiss her.”

He shook his head. “You know what she’s been through.”

Glad for the diversion from his own turmoil, Corbin pulled up a patio chair and sprawled into it. “There are all kinds of kisses. Start easy and build on it.”

“I don’t want to rush her.”

A simple kiss would be too much? Poor Lang...and honestly, poor Hope. “Has she discussed it with you at all?”

“No. I know only what you told me.” Lang worked his jaw. “But I sense things, if you know what I mean. It doesn’t take a genius to put the pieces together.”

“Bring it up,” Corbin suggested. “From what I understand, she’s only ever talked about it with Ivey. Talking to you would be completely different.”

Lang grabbed a chair, too. “That’s the problem.”

Feeling philosophical, as if Lang’s troubles were a hell of lot more solvable than his own, Corbin shrugged. “You won’t know until you try. If she balks, back off, but otherwise...” He let that hang, then added, “She might appreciate your perspective.”

Lang considered it but didn’t look convinced. “How about you and Ivey? She’s a doll, by the way. I love how she deals with people.”

“You included?”

Grinning, Lang said, “Hey, she likes me.” He tipped his head at Corbin. “But she looks at you like you’re Thanksgiving dinner.”

Funny how his brother could lighten his mood. “I know and it’s killing me.” Ivey held nothing back, including her sexual interest. “Eventually we’ll get together, but for now, I’m prioritizing.”

“Justin first?”

“First and foremost.” Where Darcie had failed, Corbin would succeed, in large part because he’d had advantages Darcie hadn’t. He knew love, knew what it was and what it wasn’t because his parents had shown him. God willing, he’d pass that along to Justin, too. “Luckily, Ivey’s been understanding.”

“I’m not surprised. She really is terrific.” Lang held out his arms. “But, hey, Justin and I could use a few hours of alone time. You know I wouldn’t mind. We could take in a movie, or go fishing, or—”

Corbin grinned. “There are probably a dozen ways for you two to amuse yourselves.”

“So let me,” Lang said. Sobering, he added, “Actually, I could invite Hope along. Justin would be a buffer for her, a way to make her more comfortable. It’d be a win-win for me, and it’d give you some free time, too.”

“Maybe,” Corbin mused, wondering if it was selfish of him to want time alone with Ivey. Even just a few hours. Long enough to kiss her the way he really wanted.

And more.

Lang sat forward. “I’m here anyway, right? This is one way I can make things a little easier.”

“Ivey is coming over each night this week. She’s even bringing Maurice.” At Lang’s questioning look, Corbin said, “Her cat. Trust me, that’s a huge concession on her part. The plan is for her to leave the dog and puppies here so Justin has company when I get back to work.”

“I’d be great company.”

“You can help supervise the dog and puppies.”

“Yeah, I can handle that. But what about a date? I can’t believe I’ve offered you a perfect solution and you’re dragging your feet.”

Was he? At the moment, his relationship with Ivey seemed so perfect, he didn’t want to risk changing the dynamics and possibly ruining it. At the same time, they were both adults and the chemistry between them was through the roof. “Next weekend?” Corbin asked.

“Sure. Whatever works for you. As it happens, my schedule is wide open.”

Corbin smiled. “I’ll have to ask Ivey.”

“Like you don’t already know she’ll be a solid yes.” Lang scoffed. “Thanksgiving dinner, remember? She’ll be all about it.”

Corbin gave in to a satisfied grin. Ivey was rather plainspoken about wanting him. He said only, “I’ll keep you posted.”

Lang was quiet a moment. “This is nice, right?”

“The setting?” There was something very relaxing about being near the water. It was like your problems got sucked away. “Yeah.”

With a twist of his mouth, Lang said, “I meant this.” He gestured between them. “Brothers talking. Sharing concerns and shit.”

Corbin laughed. “Yeah, that’s nice, too.”

“Hope never had that.” Showing his frustration, Lang rubbed the back of his neck. “She went through everything and her sister wasn’t there for her. What the hell kind of family is that?”

“Not our kind, that’s for sure.”

“If Hope ever really opens up, she’ll like us. As a family, I mean. I get the feeling she could use that foundation, you know? Not that Ivey isn’t great because she is. Hope thinks of her as a sister. That’s obvious. But her own sister should have backed her up, too, even if her parents didn’t.”

“No argument from me.” There’d been many times in his life when Corbin had relied heavily on his mother and brother, and vice versa. He couldn’t really imagine life without them. “Maybe someday they’ll come around, but until then, she’s got Ivey.” Taking in Lang’s determined expression, he added softly, “And now us.”

“Yeah.” Tiredly, Lang got to his feet, then clapped a hand to Corbin’s shoulder. “The squirt will be up early. You should get some sleep.”

“I’ll head in soon.” Corbin waited until Lang had closed the sliding doors behind him, then he sat forward, his hands held loosely between his knees. His head dropped wearily. It was a disturbing realization that for the first time in his life, he was actually terrified of things out of his control.

He loved his son. He would do everything in his power to make a good life for him. But he couldn’t predict if Darcie would come back, or if she did, that she’d have Justin’s best interests at heart.