I smiled sheepishly. “That I will shower you with love every day.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“Fair warning, I might go overboard and smother you.”
“That’s really not possible.”
“Ah, that gives me so much leverage. You’re never going to win another negotiation.” He tugged with his teeth at my lower lip while his fingers feathered the sides of my breasts.
“I look forward to proving the opposite, my love.”
Chapter Thirty-One
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.”