Landon

I held my hand around Maddie’s shoulders as we headed toward Val’s house the next evening for Friday dinner. I kissed the side of her head and nuzzled her temple with my nose. I couldn’t stop touching her—wouldn’t stop. She was mine, and I planned to take advantage of that every waking minute. I loved the way Maddie leaned into me, her warm, soft curves fitting perfectly against me. I would never get enough of her, and I couldn’t wait for her to be my wife. If it were up to me, I’d pop the question right now, marry her at the nearest city hall. But I wanted to do everything the right way: the proposal, the big wedding, let her have her dream dress. I wanted to fulfill every dream of hers for the rest of our lives.

I couldn’t help imagining the clan’s reactions when I broke the news of my return to LA. I’d simply told them I was visiting, and they hadn’t pushed for more. The door swung open before I’d even knocked.

“I’m so happy to see you! Both of you!” Val grinned, looking between Maddie and me. Her cast had been removed, but she was still using one crutch because the muscles in one leg had atrophied somewhat. “When did this happen?”

“Yesterday.”

Val cocked a brow. “You flew in yesterday? And didn’t tell us?”

Maddie tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at me. “You were pretty confident you’d spend the night with me, huh?”

“What can I say? I knew I had strong arguments.”

Maddie huffed. She was adorable. I focused on my sister again.

“So, are you going to let us in or what?”

“No, I’m considering keeping you out there as punishment that you flew in incognito. But you brought Maddie, so you’re forgiven.”

Dinner was delicious and loud. Business as usual at the Connor table.

Before dessert, I cleared my throat. “I have a few announcements to make.”

“Obviously you two are back together,” Hailey remarked.

I took Maddie’s hand, pressed it to my lips.

“Yes, we are. The second thing is this: I’m selling DBC Payment Solutions and moving back to LA.”

The table fell into a stunned silence for a few seconds before everyone started talking at the same time.

“Wow, that’s unexpected—”

“When exactly are you moving back?”

“When did you decide to sell?”

I explained everything in a few quick words. Once I’d realized I didn’t want to continue living the way I’d had and that I was ready to let go of the company and the past, I hadn’t agonized over the decision to sell. It was time.

“Welcome home, brother,” Jace said. “That’ll give us more leverage when these three”—he pointed at our sisters—“decide to band together.”

Lori rolled her eyes, muttering, “Men.”

I grinned. I loved being back, knowing I’d be here for weekly dinners, bickering with my siblings like we’d done since we’d been kids. I was sure we’d be doing the same well into our retirement.

Most of all, I was grateful my Maddie was right next to me. I still hadn’t let go of her hand, and I felt like holding it a while longer.

She shook her head, laughing. “Jace, sorry to break it to you, but I’m tipping the balance in the girls’ favor.”

I whipped my head to her. “No you’re not. You’re on my side.”

“I won’t automatically take your side. Only when I’m convinced it’s the right thing.”

“Ouch,” Will exclaimed.

I glared at Maddie. She returned my glare, even though her cheeks were turning a delicious pink. I would have pressed the point further, but I didn’t want her switching sides before I’d brought up my next point.

“So, since you know I’m selling the company, you know I’ll have a lot of spare cash in the near future,” I began. Maddie squeezed my hand. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw she was suppressing a smile.

“You could buy yourself a decent car,” Will suggested. “You know, not sensible.”

I cocked a brow. “Since when is a Mercedes sensible?”

“Since you can afford a Maserati.”

“I’ll stick to what I know,” I informed him.

“So what are you going to do with all that wad of cash exactly?” Val asked. Ah, how I enjoyed keeping her on the edge. I could tell she was wondering how she’d missed all this. Truthfully, I was surprised they didn’t know about the sale. I had to give Adam more credit. But even Adam didn’t know about my plans. I’d only shared them with my Maddie.

“I will set up an investment fund.”

“Smart,” Jace said. “What will you invest in? Real estate? The stock exchange?”

“Start-ups?” Will followed.

I shook my head. “I’m keeping my options open. I have my eyes on a very promising cosmetics company.”

I was looking directly at Val now. She opened her mouth, closed it again.

“No, no, no,” she croaked finally. “We—it’s your money, Landon.” She looked around the table helplessly. “Back me up.”

The rest of my siblings seemed as stunned as Val, but I was banking on them being less stubborn and proud. And if they were, I’d pull on my creativity. The stubborn streak was strong in the Connor clan.

“This extends to everyone, by the way. You need funding, tell me before you go to a bank or external investors.”

“The purpose of an investment fund is profits,” Jace said. “You don’t owe any of us anything, and we’re not kids anymore. You and Val did more than your fair share raising us.”

I sat up straighter. “That’s not what this is. An investment fund invests in worthwhile ventures, like our family’s future. As your older brother—”

Val held up a hand. “You can’t play the older brother card on me. We’re twins.”

“Still fifteen minutes older than you,” I reminded her. “And still 500 percent more stubborn than you.”

Val shook her head, but I saw the small smile playing on her lips. The development of the line for the department store chain was progressing well, but if she took my offer, she could expand sooner.

“At least wait until we finish dessert to start attacking my defenses,” she said.

Maddie laughed, smiling at me. “Come on, Val. Your brother is a man of opportunity. He sees an opening, he takes it.”

“By the way, the offer extends to you too, Maddie.”

She gasped, squeezing my hand. When I told her about my plans, I’d skipped the part where I could invest in her business. Now, when she’d openly agreed that my fund was a great idea, was the best time to bring it up.

“We don’t have to discuss specifics now. I just wanted everything out in the open, give you all food for thought,” I said.

“That was sneaky,” Maddie commented a few minutes later as we headed to the kitchen. We’d offered to bring the dessert to the table.

“I disagree. It was smart. Just think about it, babe.”

She took the tiramisu out of the fridge, setting the tray on the counter. I was supposed to take out the plates, but instead I pushed her hair to the side, kissing the back of her neck. She shuddered, her skin instantly turning to goose bumps.

“Landon, stop.”

“Why, you don’t like it?” I teased.

“I like it too much, you terrible man. Stop.” She fidgeted as if trying to break free, but her attempt was so halfhearted, it only made me smile. But I did stop and spun her around to face me.

“We need to talk about you not being on my side.”

She pinched her nose, poking my chest with one finger. “If I see Neanderthal attitude, I have to call you out on it.”

I grabbed her wrist, kissed her finger. “You didn’t seem to mind that attitude this morning.”

She’d tried to tease me this morning, walking half-naked around the kitchen. Emphasis on tried. I loved her so hard on that counter, it creaked with our movements.

“I can’t believe you’re using that as bargaining chip. You’re even more terrible than I thought. First you get me to fall in love, now you show your true colors. Typical. You almost demolished my kitchen this morning.” She was so adorable that I had a hard time keeping a straight face.

“About that.... I like your bungalow, but it’s small. I want to build a big house on that lot of land we both love so much. Could you draw up a plan?”

“I’d love to, but it’s been years since I worked on anything other than outdoor spaces. I can recommend a top-notch architect.”

“But you’ll help? I want you to plan it just the way you want it. It will be our home.”

“Our home?” she asked quietly.

“Yes, Maddie. Our home. I want you to be my wife. And—”

I stopped, but too late.

“Landon,” she whispered, her eyes wide.

There went my grand plan to wait and do it with a ring and right atmosphere and everything. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Maddie. Will you marry me?”

“Of course I will. I love you.”

“I’ll wait for as long as you want, but... I’d really like our life together to start soon.”

She sneaked her arms around my torso. I hugged her tight, then even tighter as she said, “You don’t have to wait at all, Landon. I love you. I can’t wait to be your wife.”