Page 50 of Bryson

"I like you a lot," he announced, squeezing her hand. "What are the chances of you leaving that handsome cowboy and running away with me?"

"Slim to none." She patted her belly. "Even if this wasn't a factor, I'm afraid I'm completely in love with that handsome cowboy."

"Such is the pity." He looked genuinely regretful. "The next best thing I can do is invite you both to my ranch. Open invitation of course." Leaning over, he kissed her on the cheek. "You've made this visit a wonderful one."

"Are you planning on running away with Farrady?" Her husband asked her mildly as he smoothed the cream on her belly. "If that's the case, I'm afraid I'm going to have to kill him."

"He does have a loft in New York that overlooks the Statue of Liberty," she answered, pretending to consider it.

"I have three apartments in Manhattan."

"Any of them overlooking the Lady?"

He shot her a retiring look as he continued to smooth the cream into her skin. "No, but I have the distinction of being younger and quicker on my feet. Which means that I can chase that man to the ends of the earth and kill him with my bare hands. He was constantly touching you. His wife is going to have him paying heavily."

"His wife is a vapid blonde with big boobs and into him for the money. She will take whatever he dishes out."

Capping the bottle, he put it away and wiped his hands on the towel he had brought with him. "You like him."

She shrugged and pulled down her nightgown. "He's sweet." She smiled at him. "He did ask me to run away with him."

His eyes glittered. "And you said what?"

"I'd give it careful consideration." She caught his hands as he was about to move away. "I also told him that I'm completely and utterly in love with my husband."

"You might have just saved his worthless life," he growled.

Her expression sobered. "You never have to wonder if I'm interested in anyone else." Her hands lifted to cup his face. "You're it for me. Somehow you've managed to worm your way into my life." She grinned at the way his brows lifted. "I love you completely."

"You'd better," he warned hoarsely. "Because letting you go is not an option." His mouth seized hers in a kiss that had her clinging to him.

Christmas came with stark cold and a leaden sky, but Julianne was determined to make it special. Not only for the family but the staff and the ranch hands as well. There were food and gifts for the kids, a festive and roaring bonfire in the middle of the grounds in front of the barn, and gallons of hot chocolate to keep everyone warm. There was also singing and an impromptu concert.

Everyone was given a pass that day where they were allowed to participate. She had also insisted on Bryson driving her to the various children's homes to dispense gifts and food. Jack was reluctantly roped in to play Santa, an idea that had him balking at first, but as Bryson told him dryly, he had a difficult time saying no to Julianne.

"You're a grown-ass man; all you had to do was say no."

"When have you ever been able to say that word to that lovely little lady?" Jack growled back, glaring at himself in the mirror. He looked ridiculous, with pillows stuffed under the red and white costume she had picked out for him. "That woman's smile is like the touch of an angel. You want to say no, actually feel the words coming, but they remain stuck inside your throat and something else comes out instead." With a defeated sigh, he wriggled his attached white brows experimentally.

"Should I be threatened that you're in love with my wife?" Bryson's voice was deceptively mild.

"Most of your men are. She's not only beautiful. Most of the women you went out with in the past had that distinction. Ms. Julianne has a rare quality. She's kind and compassionate and does not put on airs." He tested the belt holding the pillows in place and sighed again. "All right, it's time to go and make a fool of myself."

"You do look like an idiot, so it should come naturally."

"I can still kick your ass."

"I want to see you try." With a grin, Bryson clapped him on the back as they headed out the barn.

But he had to admit that his wife had the right idea and that Jack was right in his summation of her. She had left nothing to chance. He had been concerned that she was doing too much in her condition, but she had insisted. Lights were strung from one end of the property to the other and twinkled gaily. Even though the weather was icy cold, children wrapped up in their layers ran around the huge bonfire under the watchful eyes of their parents.

And when they were not running around and shouting, they were gathered around Julianne. She was a natural. She was not like the other women who went out of their way to avoid the children's sticky fingers or pretended to be listening when they weren't. She really listened. And they adored her.

He felt his heart swelling as he continued to stare at her. Brian had come for the holidays and was helping to hand out gifts. The man was annoying as hell and said the most inappropriate things, but he was growing on him, Bryson mused with an inward smile. Wonders never ceased.

"I brought you a cup of hot chocolate."

The voice had him tearing his eyes away from his wife to look at his mother.