Dustin opened the door so the woman carrying the baby could walk past him into the house. ‘Mother!’ he called. ‘We’ve got company!’The lady eyed him a bit peevishly before walking into the parlor off the hall. He watched in amazement as she sat down, settled the baby in her arms, and popped the cap on the bottle. Testing it deftly on her arm, the woman shrugged, then put the bottle to the baby’s lips. The infant started sucking greedily. It was a relief, though the baby’s fussing hadn’t really been that loud. He just hadn’t been able to bear knowing that the minuscule person was hungry. Tiny gulping sounds in the antique-furnished parlor made Dustin smile.But not as much as the sight of the woman cuddling the infant to her breast, close and secure, as she murmured soft, comforting words to it.A large piece of the past suddenly lodged in Dustin’s throat. His wife, Nina, had wanted their baby so badly. And although even the baby hadn’t been enough to keep Nina’s unhappiness at bay fo

Eunice showed Jill the room she would have during her stay at the ranch. It was light and cheery, with yellow-striped wallpaper on the walls and white eyelet curtains at every window. A window seat on the far wall, overlooking the front of the house, had a yellow, cabbage rose cushion in place.‘I love the room, Mrs Reed,’ Jill said. ‘I’ll be very comfortable in here.’‘I hope you will, my dear,’ Eunice replied pleasantly. ‘What I think you’ll like best is that the adjoining bathroom connects to the room Joey stays in. That way you don’t have to go so far if he needs you at night.’‘I can’t wait to meet him,’ Jill said.Eunice smiled. ‘He’ll be home from visiting his other grandparents shortly. Now, there’s something I hope you’ll do for me, Jill,’ Eunice continued, stopping to pause in front of the vanity mirror hanging over an antique table. Her fingers lightly patted the silvery-white dross of her hair, twisted into a delicate chignon, which Jill thought suited her.‘I’ll do whatev

Dustin eased back in the saddle, enjoying the sound of the leather creaking as he stretched. He could finally tend to his work again, without worrying about difficult housekeepers quitting on him. Today he had ridden from one end of his acreage to the other, checking on livestock and seeing what damage the ice had done, just him and his horse occasionally blowing out steamy breaths in the frosty air. This was how it was meant to be.Leaving matters concerning his house in Jill’s capable hands was a major source of relief. How darn lucky for him that Jill had come to apply for the job. How very fortimate that his mother liked her. Eunice had certainly given the other two housekeepers a nm for their sanity. Of course, he was a long way from relaxing around his new housekeeper, but Eunice had warmed to Jill like butter to hot gingerbread - and since he really wanted a companion and watchful eye on his mother and his young son more than a sparkling clean home, this was all working out bet

Jill's quick escape had saved Dustin from making a stupid blunder. Kissing his housekeeper was not a good idea for all folks concerned. As much as he might have been tempted by the mistletoe, any fool knew that once he kissed Jill, nothing would ever be the same between them. In order for this relationship to work, it had to stay on an extremely formal, professional level. Othenvise, it was going to become even more awkward aroxmd the Regret Ranch.Still feeling unsteady despite this assessment of the matter, Dustin turned to his mother. ‘I’m going to shower. I have to go out tonight, and I don’t want my potential clients nm off by the sawdust and tree leaves I’m wearing in my hair.’ He paused, thinking about the expression on Jill’s face a moment ago. ‘Would you mention to Jill that I won’t be here for dmner after all? I’ve decided to treat the city boys to a real cowboy’s meal.’Eunice nodded. ‘Go ahead, Dustin. I’ll let Jill know the change in plans.’‘Thanks.’ Dustin stomped up th

Silently, Dustin walked away from the door. Of course, he should make certain she didn’t need any assistance. But knowing Jill, she’d be plenty furious if she knew that her private moment of suffering had been witnessed.Dustin went down the stairs, promising himself that if she wasn’t down in five minutes, he was going to make Jill let him in. Or at least, reassure him that she was going to be okay.Exactly four minutes forty-five seconds later, according to Dustin’s watch, Jill came down the stairs. She walked into the parlor with a smile on her face and Holly propped up on her shoulder, looking like a madonna to Dustin’s worried eyes. Jill didn’t look like a woman who’d just been heaving her insides. He shot a critical eye over her body, but all he could see was shiny blond hair waving gently at her chin, emphasizing her sparkling smile. Her skin perhaps was a trifle paler than normal, but her blue eyes were as large and luminous as ever. But still, after she finished kissing her f