Page 42 of Stolen Hearts

Rhae looked over the tray of food. “So I’m not imagining it. I really did smell prosciutto.”

With a chuckle, he set the tray down and leaned in to pull her against him.

She moved willingly, eagerly, into his arms. This would never get old even if they were together for the rest of their lives.

Nothing had been set in stone, and she needed to slow down the trip of her heart, but being with Denver again gave her the hope that someday…they might be a real family.

He kissed her soundly before taking her by the upper arms and turning her to face the tray. A full charcuterie was spread out there—folded meats, cubed cheeses, black and green olives and some fresh fruits for Navy.

It was so perfect, so charming, that it pulled a laugh out of her.

“First the floor picnic, now this. Are you trying to seduce me with snacks again?”

He wrapped his arms around her from behind, nuzzling her ear. “Is it working?”

“Hell yes.”

Navy pounded on her high chair tray, demanding attention, food or both. They laughed and sat down at the rustic wood table to share the afternoon snack.

Rhae handed Navy three broken chunks of banana. With a squeal of delight, Navy hurled one over the deck rail.

Denver’s eyes sparkled. “She’s got an arm on her. Softball player, maybe?”

“Don’t get any ideas.” Rhae took a small dish and began filling it with her favorites.

He watched Navy stuff her mouth full of banana. The tender expression on his face left Rhae’s chest tingling with emotion.

“So what’s with the charcuterie on a random weekday afternoon?” She popped an olive in her mouth.

He leaned in, eyes glimmering. “Your birthday.”

She gasped. “You knew it was my birthday?”

He sat back. “I know a lot about you, Rhae. I’ll never let another one go without being here. This day matters. You matter.”

His words hit somewhere deep and quiet inside her. How was it possible to be even more head over heels for him than she was?

Shaking her head in awe, she nibbled the food and watched Denver interact with the baby. Seeing them together left her breathless.

When he picked up a cracker, Navy pounded on her tray again. He laughed and held up the cracker. “Can she eat this?”

She nodded. “She may only have three teeth, but they get the job done.”

“Is that normal? To have three teeth?”

“Depends on the time of life, I suppose.” She flashed a grin at his amused look. “Some babies get teeth faster or slower than others. Navy is right on track.”

She thought about Denver confronting her the previous day with the fact that she’d only left the ranch twice to take the baby for checkups. Luckily, the fresh air and ranch life kept Navy from getting sick, and that allowed Rhae to fly under the radar a little while longer.

But now…

Denver handed Navy a cracker, and she mashed it into her mouth. He laughed at her antics, reaching out to cup her round head in his broad palm.

“You know it’s your momma’s birthday, Navy. Did you tell her happy birthday?”

“She gave me a fat, wet kiss on the cheek this morning.”

His lips curved in a rugged smile that pierced Rhae’s heart even deeper.

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