been checking into property around here to open a sports complex, so I won’t be a man of leisure forever, either.”
That he wanted to share his plans with her filled her with warmth. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me.” Had she given that impression? “I know you’re here for your brother.”
“And my nephew, yes. And now you.” He squeezed her again. “I love the area, I love my family and I want us to have a life together. Here, in Sunset.”
So much excitement made it difficult for her to organize her thoughts. “Are you...?” Did she dare say it?
She didn’t have to, because Lang did. “Asking you to marry me? Yeah. What do you think of that?”
This time he couldn’t restrain her. She bounced up with a loud squeal that had him laughing again.
“Can I take that as a yes?”
Throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him multiple times, Hope said, “Yes, absolutely yes.” She could barely catch her breath. “I love you so much, and I think you’re incredible, but I wasn’t sure how you felt so I didn’t want to make assumptions.”
“I admire you, Hope. Especially your strength.”
That slowed her down enough to ask, “My strength?” Overall, she was pretty darned scrawny.
“Strength here.” Smiling, he touched her forehead with a fingertip. “And here.” He rested a hand under her breast. “The way you handled your sister today proved you have a great well of strength, enough to forgive, and that’s more than many people have.”
Her heart felt full enough to burst. “I admire you, too, you know. You’re so loyal to your family, and you’re funny and smart.”
“And handsome,” he teased.
“Definitely that.” Another thought occurred to her. “One thing, though.”
His dark eyes drifted over her face with so much heat, she felt singed. “Anything you want.”
She liked that idea a lot. “Let’s take our time. Not because I don’t love the idea of being married to you, but Justin is still adjusting and Corbin is already slammed. Plus I know Ivey feels a little bit in limbo right now. I want to share with all of them, but I don’t want to add to the chaos.”
“Understandable. As long as you don’t mind if I stay with you often. I like holding you like this, Hope.”
“I like it, too.”
“Then we’re in agreement.” Tugging her back into his arms, he said, “Now that we’ve got that settled, let’s get some sleep—and tomorrow I’ll store a box of condoms in your nightstand.”
Loving that idea, and especially loving him, Hope fell asleep with a smile on her face.
* * *
On Monday, silence reigned at the dinner table. Corbin glanced around, taking it in. Everyone seemed cautious, except for Justin, who chatted about everything, and his mother, who smiled conspicuously as if she knew a secret.
On her drive over from the RV park, she’d picked up barbecue for dinner with coleslaw, pasta salad and a cake for dessert. It was a simple meal, but the company was a little complex—or so it seemed to Corbin.
His mother had, of course, enveloped Hope with her boundless affection. And why not? Hope was a doll, plus she made Lang happy. Her quiet demeanor didn’t put off his mother, it just gave her additional opportunity for hugs because Hope didn’t protest.
A few times there, it actually looked as if Hope relished the embrace. Maybe because her own mother hadn’t been very demonstrative. Just the opposite, from what he understood.
Thank God she’d had Ivey.
Again and again, Corbin’s gaze was drawn to Ivey. Today she had her riotous curls somewhat contained atop her head, which produced a sort of poof that he thought looked adorable. He didn’t know how it happened, but every time he saw her, she somehow got prettier, and sexier.
Or maybe it was just his growing feelings for her.
Having her all to himself for the weekend had given him a taste of how it would be if they made things permanent. He wanted that. So damn much.
His gaze went to his son, currently with barbecue sauce smeared over the corner of his mouth and, somehow, across one cheek. His mother had apparently let him swim right up until it was time to head home; a touch of color brightened his cheeks and nose, and his hair had that dried-in-the-sun look.
Picking up a napkin, he handed it to Justin. “Right here,” he said, touching his own cheek.
Without much thought, too intent on his food, Justin swiped at the mess.
It made Corbin smile to see