Page 12 of Fool's Gold

She put down the spatula she was using to flip pancakes and turned to smile. "I'll get you some, honey. How'd you like to go on a nature hike today?"

Mandy grinned. "Oh, boy."

Sarah gazed at the sparkling dark eyes that looked like Rafe's. If she and Rafe stayed together, they might have a child that looked like this. The thought was both compelling and scary. Could she open herself up to that kind of risk?

Rafe walked into the kitchen and smiled. "Something smells good."

Mandy piped up, "Aunt Sarah is making pancakes, my favorite."

Rafe picked her up and twirled her around, making Mandy giggle. "Hey there, munchkin. How's my favorite girl?"

Sarah leaned back and watched the affection between them. He would make an excellent father.

"I'm good. Aunt Sarah is going to take me on a nature hike today."

"That's great, munchkin." He set the girl down. "We'll have to thank Sarah for being so nice." He walked over and planted a quick hot kiss on Sarah’s surprised mouth.

She blinked at him when he pulled away. "What was that for?"

"Do I have to have a reason? Let's say it's for learning how to cook. I'm impressed, extremely impressed. You fit into my life beautifully, wife." He reached out to snag a slice of crisp bacon from the warm platter.

She slapped his hand while she gazed at him, stunned and warmed by the compliment. "Save some for the hands."

"A fella can't live on love alone," he joked.

She gaped at his mention of love, and Zeke entered the room. It was probably all part of the public show.

Feeling flustered, she turned to fix a plate for Mandy. “Let’s fix you a picnic tray to eat in front of the TV.”

“Oh, goodie,” Mandy said.

RAFE POURED HIMSELFa mug of coffee from the big, steaming pot on the table. It smelled wonderful. Mrs. Murphy was due back from vacation in two days, but Rafe considered extending her break longer. He enjoyed having Sarah take care of him.

Reaching for the sugar bowl, he stirred in two teaspoons and took a sip. He gagged and glared at her. "Good Lord, Sarah, are you trying to kill me?"

Several of the men made choking sounds, too.

"What's the problem?" she asked in a bewildered tone.

He grimaced. "This coffee's saltier than Hades!"

She frowned. "It can't be."

He picked up his cup and passed it to her.

What was she trying to do, get back at him for their cuddle this morning? Somehow this childish trick didn't seem like her style, although a week ago, he might have thought differently.

"Try it." He watched her taste it. Her eyes widened with surprise.

"Oh, good grief! I must have mixed up the salt and sugar canisters." Sarah stood and started to gather the mugs. "I'm so sorry. I'll get some fresh cups."

He couldn't help chuckling. So much for her cooking attempts. They were hit and miss, but he sure admired her dedication to learning something new. He had to admit, he wouldn’t have learned something from her world of photography as quickly.

Tab Whittacker, a tall blond older cowboy, grinned. "Hey, Rafe, maybe your wife is dosing you with saltpeter. That's one way to keep a good man down."

This brought a series of laughs from the hands.

Rafe frowned at the lingering glance Tab gave Sarah as she rushed from the room.

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