Page 146 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

Suddenly she heard footsteps approaching and before she could turn around, Jared’s strong arms wrapped around her from behind and his lips nestled her throat, planting soft kisses there. “Mornin’, Bella.”

She leaned against the wall of his chest and sighed. “Good morning.”

“Did you sleep well after you left me?” he asked quietly.

She nodded. “I did.”

“Me, too. Though I missed you.”

She’d missed him, too. This was happening so fast and she should be frightened, but right now, pressed against him and feeling his strength, hearing his voice, she felt safe. “I hope you understand why I—”

“Of course I do. Sienna comes first. She always will.”

She turned to him then and met his eyes. There was genuine understanding there and something else: the tiniest hint of the future. Or was she reading too much into his comments? “Thank you for—”

His mouth came down on hers for a beautiful good-morning kiss and she forgot her deep thoughts and simply enjoyed being in his arms.

When the kiss ended, she smiled. “I’m glad this isn’t awkward or anything.”

“Honey, nothing about me and you is awkward. We’re kinda seamless, don’t you think?”

Before she could absorb that, Jared turned away and hunched down next to Sienna on the floor. “Mornin’, sugar plum. What’re you playing?”

“Dollies. Pay, Tared?”

“Of course.”

Bella scratched her head. Where had Jared Stone come from? He was like a gift from heaven. Was it possible she could be so lucky twice in one lifetime, first with Paul and now Jared?

She walked over to the two of them. “Can Mommy play, too?”

Sienna kept her focus on her doll. Jared was helping her put tiny shimmery shoes on Cinderella’s feet. “Pay, Mommy.”

Ten minutes later the air filled with a sugary aroma. Jared lifted his nose in the air. “Something smells awfully good.”

“It’s a surprise.”

“A surprise breakfast? Does it have tofu?”

She shook her head. “I promise it doesn’t.”

“Then I’ll be sure to love it.” His blue eyes twinkled and her heart sort of melted.

“Prize, Mommy?”

Sometimes she forgot how astute Sienna was. She soaked up knowledge quickly. Her daughter was learning in leaps and bounds. Every day she understood more and more. “Yes, there’s a surprise for you, too, Sienna.”

When the timer dinged, Bella rose from her spot on the floor. “I’d better get that.”

Jared rose, too, and picked up little Sienna. As he held her, Sienna’s arm circled his neck and Bella stared at the two of them as if...as if...

“Sienna wants to see the surprise, too. Right, Sienna?” Jared asked.

Her daughter bobbed her head up and down.

Scary joy bubbled inside her at the sight of the two of them. She sighed. “Well, okay then.” She grabbed two thick pot holders and opened the oven. Gratified to see how well the surprise had turned out, she lifted the pan from the oven and turned to her audience. “Ta-da!”

“Blueberry pie,” Jared said, a big, wide grin on his face.