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“We just covered songs that were popular back then. Maddox, I really appreciate you and Zane doing this for me and my sons. You can’t imagine how much it means to me to have you here. I’ll never be able to repay you.”
“You don’t repay people who care about you, sweetheart.”
She smiled. “I care about you, too.”
That was music to his ears.
“Maddox, maybe after seeing all that has happened you and Zane can understand why I have difficulty trusting. I always tried to protect myself and did very little dating after the divorce. In fact, I only went out a few times and each of those was for one or two dates with the same guy. I never went out on a third date with anyone. Ever.” Her eyes l
ocked with his. “So when you and Zane asked me out, I was scared because I couldn’t get you off of my mind. That’s why I was so insistent on refusing to go out with you. I couldn’t bear to be hurt again.”
“I understand, sweetheart. I understand completely.” He looked into her beautiful eyes, leaned in, and kissed her softly, very softly.
She wrapped her arms around him and returned the kiss, parting her lips ever so slightly.
He released her and saw her sweet smile.
Chapter Nine
As the flight continued, Zane was very impressed with Joel. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better.”
“Same here. Which one of you is dating my mother?”
Straight to the point. I like this guy a lot. “Actually, neither at this time, but both of us are interested in her.”
“Ah. I’ve got it.” Joel nodded. “Just like Aunt Izzy and Aunt Cami.”
“Yes. Would that bother you?”
“Nope. I just want my mom to be happy. She has sacrificed her whole life for me and Restin. She deserves happiness. If you and Maddox are the ones, then I’m all for it. But if you ever hurt her…well, you won’t like what happens next.”
“You don’t ever have to worry about that, Joel. How do you think your brother will feel about me and Maddox…with your mom?”
“We’re twins. Like you and Maddox. Two peas in a pod.”
“Yeah. We’re the same way,” Zane said.
Joel smiled. “So I know Restin will feel the same way as me about this.”
He shook Joel’s hand and stood in the aisle. “It’s been a great talk, but I better let Maddox have a chance to get to know you better, too.”
“Uh-huh.” Joel smiled. “You’re not fooling me, Zane. I know the real reason you want to switch seats is so that you can have some time next to my mom on this flight.”
“Can you blame me? She’s beautiful.”
“You’re right about that and smart, too. So don’t ever try to pull anything over on her.”
“I won’t except for great surprises. Is that hard to do, Joel?”
“Yes, it is,” Joel said. “My brother and I have only been able to really surprise her twice, once on her birthday and another time on Mother’s Day. Other than that, she only pretends she’s surprised, but we always know.”
“That sounds like Toni. Maybe the four of us will have to get together and make sure we surprise her on her next birthday.”
“Now that’s a plan I can help with. You better switch seats soon, Zane, or you’re not going to get to sit by my mom. We’ll be landing in less than an hour.”
“You’re right. Thanks, Joel.” Zane turned and faced Toni and Maddox, who were deep in conversation and unaware of his or anyone else’s presence. He was glad they were holding hands. It was a very good sign that she had relaxed some.
Maddox looked up at him. “Hey. You ready to switch?”
