Page 295 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“I manage the household, and my husband Carlos runs the stables.”

“It’s nice to meet you. My name’s?—”

She waved a hand. “No introduction necessary. I know who you are—Nash’s lovely new bride.” She gave her a genuine smile. “Welcome.”

Myrna’s breezy and open nature was refreshing, especially compared to Cynthia. “Um—do you have any bread?” she asked tentatively.

“We sure do. I’ll get it for you.” She stopped mid tracks. “You know what? I’ve got some extra time. Let me make you an omelet and some toast.”

An omelet sounded heavenly. Brooke didn’t realize it until this instant, but she was ravenous. “I hate to be a bother,” she said but couldn’t hide the longing from her face.

Myrna chuckled. “No trouble at all. It’ll give us a chance to get better acquainted.”

Fifteen minutes later, Myrna had whipped up a culinary feast that included a garden style omelet, sour dough toast, fresh strawberries, and juice.

“Would you like some butter to go on that toast?”

“No thanks, I really shouldn’t even be eating the toast.”

“Why not?”

“The carbs.”

Myrna wrinkled her forehead. “A beautiful girl like you shouldn’t be so worried about a few extra carbs.”

“Thank you.”

She put a hand on her hip. “I’m serious, honey. You’re gonna have to let that go, especially here on the ranch. Otherwise, you’ll drive yourself and everybody else loco.”

“I wish I could let it go.” She took another bite of the delicious omelet, letting the fluffy eggs melt in her mouth. “Especially with your cooking. This is divine … better than most five-star restaurants.”

“Why thank you, sugar,” she beamed and then gave her a pointed look. “I’m serious about the eating thing.”

“I have to worry about it, or I’ll gain fifty pounds.”

“Well, if you ask me, it wouldn’t hurt you to gain a few pounds. I’ve seen toothpicks plumper than you.”

Brooke rolled her eyes. “Try telling that to my mother.”

Myrna laughed. “Seriously, the key to managing weight loss is to eat small portions throughout the day. Then you won’t have to worry about it.”

“Yeah, I suppose,” she said, not wanting to argue.

Myrna pulled out a chair and sat down. She rested her elbows on the table and curled her legs underneath her. “So, tell me about yourself and how you came to be here at the ranch.”

“You really want to know?”

“Absolutely.” She grinned. “Nash is like a son to me, and I’m dying to hear all about how you stole his heart.”

Heat crawled up Brooke’s neck. “You do realize that ours is an arranged marriage.”

Myrna put a comforting hand over hers. “I’m not talking about this go-around. I want to hear about the first time you fell in love.”

Brooke’s jaw dropped. “How did you know?”

“Like I said, Nash is like one of my own. Carlos and I have one son, Luis, who’s around the same age as Nash. Nash and Luis grew up playing together. Luis has never been much forranching. He left right after high school for college. He now has a wife, three kids, and works as an insurance adjuster in Houston. We only get to see him a couple of times a month. Anyway, when Luis left, Nash knew how lonely I was and stepped in to help.” She paused. “And when Sylvia passed, we got even closer.”

She nodded, taking it all in. “How long have you worked at the ranch?”

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