Page 173 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

“Jared’s naming the new f-foundation...” Bella choked up, unable to speak for a second. She held back tears. “He’s naming it...Sienna’s Hope.”

“Sounds like the man’s got some smarts after all,” her father said.

“That’s...amazing, Francesca.” Yvonne smiled. Then she glanced at Marco and the two seemed to have some secret communication.

“What?” Bella asked, still shaking.

“There’s another gift waiting for you and Sienna outside.”

Emotions roiled in the pit of her stomach. “There is?”

“Yes, and it’s pretty cold out there, so put on your coats and hurry.”

“What’s going on?” Obviously it was something Yvonne and Marco were privy to.

“Christmas comes early sometimes,” Yvonne said, ushering her into her coat while her father put on Sienna’s quilted jacket.

They nearly shoved her out the front door. She glanced back and Yvonne grinned and shut the door in her face. Bella took Sienna’s hand. “Apparently, little one, there’s a surprise waiting for us out here.”

She climbed down the steps and walked along the path leading to the front gate.

Outside her father’s house stood a living, breathing Jared Stone next to a pearl-white SUV.

Her heart pounding in her ears, she absorbed the sight of him. Oh, how she’d missed him. Before she could utter a word, Sienna let go of her hand. “Tared!” She raced toward him and lifted her arms. “Up.”

“Hello, little angel.” He picked her up and kissed her cheek. It was a solid sight, the two of them together. It seemed so right.

Bella walked up to him. “Jared?”

He set Sienna down and immediately came closer to graze her cheek with the palm of his hand. It was cold outside, yet the contact sizzled, warming her up inside. Was she silly to hope?

“God, you’re beautiful. I’ve missed you like crazy, Bella.”

“I’ve missed you, too. But what are you doing here?”

“I came for you,” he said as naturally as breathing. “I realized once you left, nothing much mattered to me. I don’t need to catch up to life. Or race toward it. I need a life. With you.”

“So...you’ve forgiven me for lying to you?” This was all so unbelievable. More than she could’ve ever imagined, but she had to ask.

“Let’s say I understand why you did it now, Bella. I can’t fault you for wanting to protect little Sienna. I just wish you’d trusted me.”

“Oh, Jared. If I could do it all over again, I would. I know the kind of man you are. You would’ve protected us. And what you did, naming your foundation after Sienna, just about destroyed me. It was incredible and thoughtful. It means so much to me.”

He took her hand and held it tight. “I’m glad it made you happy. That’s all I want to do. I love you, Bella. Youaremy angel. No matter what, I don’t want to live without you. I’ve given up my race cars for this. There’s a car seat already installed.”

Tears rimmed her eyes as she gazed at the SUV. “There is?”

He nodded.

“And you won’t be sorry later?” she asked.

“No, never. I’ve realized how that part of my life is over, Bella. I’m gonna live my life in the present and not try to outrace the future. I swear to you. I only want you and Sienna in my life. The two of you are all I need. I called and explained that to your father and his wife. I think they know I only want your happiness.”

Jared and her father had spoken? She was a little stunned. “And Father...agreed?”

“He wasn’t thrilled, but yes, in the end, he wants what’s best for you.”

“I love you, Jared. And you’re all I need, too.”