Landon smiled and took the coffee Anna’s brother handed him. Although Jack was only a few years older than Anna, it was clear taking care of their mother had taken his toll on the man. He had dark circles under his eyes, and an expression of age and knowing how hard shit could be covered his face.

“Thanks,” he said to Jack, and watched as the other man sat across from him. Anna was in the living room with her mother, who was resting on the couch. “How’s she doing?” Landon asked Jack.

Jack glanced at him, this guarded expression on his face. Hell, Landon didn’t blame him. Here Landon was, showing up at Jack’s house with his mail order bride, which happened to be Jack’s sister, asking how their mother was doing like he knew all about their troubles.

“She’s better,” he said and exhaled, staring at Landon, that wall still up. “The new meds and treatment are helping tremendously, but she’s still weak.”

Landon nodded, not sure what to say in response. He didn’t want to cross lines by making small talk like he knew them or what they were going through. He didn’t, but he wanted to. Landon wanted them both to know that he was here, that Anna wasn’t a prisoner, that he wasn’t going to keep her from her family.

“Listen,” Jack finally said, this seriousness in his voice and face telling Landon that he knew what was coming. “I know how you and my sister met, and although I can’t tell her what to do or how to live her life, I won’t pretend like it’s not slightly fucked up.”

Landon ran a hand over his jaw, the scruff under his palm a days’ worth. “Yeah, I guess in a sense it is.”

“I mean, why not just go out and find a woman the normal way?”

“Normal way?” Although Landon knew what Jack was talking about, he didn’t want to go here with Anna’s brother, but assumed it was inevitable.

“Yeah, like meet a woman not through the internet because you bought her.” Jack lifted an eyebrow. It was clear he was protective of Anna, and Landon couldn’t blame him.

“Listen,” Landon said and leaned forward. “I care about Anna, a lot. I’m not the social type of guy, have lived off the grid for years. Because of that I haven’t dated, my social skills are pretty nonexistent, and I wanted someone who I could start my life with.”

“And you found all that from a mail order bride service?”

Landon exhaled. Yeah, he supposed it sounded crazy. “I found that with Anna.”

There was a moment of silence between them, and then Jack exhaled and leaned back in his chair. “You care about her?”

Landon nodded. “A hell of a lot.”

They were both silent for long moments, and finally Jack nodded. “You treat her well. She’s special.” He leaned forward. “And if you hurt her I’ll hurt you.” Although it could have been a scene out of a movie, this was genuine and Landon saw the love in Jack’s eyes for his sister.

“I’d rather hurt myself than do anything to make Anna upset.”

Jack grunted, but he held his hand out to Landon.

Landon took it, giving it a shake, as if sealing their agreement that everything was fine now.

Anna came into the kitchen moments later, leaning against the entryway corner and smiling at both of them. “Would you, possibly, be okay with us staying the night?” She looked nervous asking him, and Landon hated that she felt that way. Although he rarely stayed away from his place, he’d do anything for his wife. It was the realization that he truly did care about her that rocked Landon. He wanted her forever, wanted her by his side, the mother of his children, the woman he’d share everything with.

“Of course. You never have to ask.” And she didn’t.

“Your room downstairs is still set up. Figure it’s the place where you guys can have the most privacy.” Jack got up and took his cup to the sink.

“I can stay up with Mom to give you some sleep,” she said to her brother.

Jack shook his head. “The doctor has her on some meds to help her rest. She’s out once she takes those.” He faced his sister. “She needs to sleep anyway. It helps her get her energy and heal.”

Anna nodded. “You need me to do anything?”

Jack shook his head. “Nah, it’s just good having you here. I know Mom really likes it, and it’s got to help her.”

Anna smiled, looking like she might cry.

“Hey now,” Jack said and gave her a hug.

“I’m fine. Just crying because I am happy to be here. She seems like she’s doing so much better.”

“She is.”

Landon excused himself, giving the siblings some time alone, knowing they needed it. He stepped out onto the back deck and sat in one of the patio chairs. He stared at the houses that lined either side. He missed his home, the space, the trees … the isolation. The sound of a car driving by, someone honking their horn, kids screaming and playing, and rap music blasting, all surrounded him. But he’d walk through hell if it made Anna happy. He’d do anything to make sure she smiled.

He’d do anything for her. He loved her.