Santa Fe Fortune (16 page)

“The bathroom’s through there,” he said, indicating the far end of the room. “I’ve only got three bedrooms, but they’re good-sized.”

Three bedrooms were all you needed to start a family, Gwen thought, immediately startled that the idea had raced through her mind. She could imagine what an amazing place this would be to raise children. It was gorgeous, the air was clean, and there was plenty of running space all around. “I love Paradise Ranch, Dan. You’ve built quite a place.”

“I’ll show you the rest of it tomorrow. It’s a little dark out now for the grand tour, but there will be time in the morning. That is, if you can give me the whole day.”

Gwen ached to give him more than one whole day. How about the week, a month, a year?

Dan set her suitcase on a large blanket chest. “You’re probably good and hungry. If you’d like to settle in, I’ll go start dinner.”

“Thanks! I’ll be there in a second to help you.”

“I’d like that,” he said. “See you in a bit.”

Dan shut the door behind him, leaving Gwen alone with her racing heart. What was she doing? Contemplating children in this house? Her children and Dan’s…? She recalled how hesitant he’d been to tell her about Jocelyn’s condition and the chance of it being genetically passed on. If things were to progress and become serious with him, was this something that Gwen would be willing to face? She sat heavily on the bed and stared out the windows at the darkening sky. Of course she would, and in her heart, she knew it. Even initially put off, Elena had been willing to brave the odds once she’d believed her feet held to the fire. How could Gwen not step forward and be willing to take a chance, any sort of marvelous chance, to build a future with such an incredible man?

Gwen had never even considered having kids with Robert. It hadn’t taken long for things to sour between them, so she hadn’t exactly felt in the baby-making mood. But Dan wasn’t Robert at all. Dan was wonderful and generous and kind. Gwen believed without a doubt that he’d make the most terrific father. She looked down at the empty spot on her ring finger, thinking she was blowing things out of proportion. It had taken her almost three years to shuck the bad marriage, for heaven’s sake. What made her think she might be ready for another one?

She heard Dan whistling brightly down the hall as he banged about the kitchen, and couldn’t help but smile. Here was a man who had everything. He could even carry a tune. Gwen stood from the bed and went to freshen up in the bathroom. She needed to wash her face and make a fresh start, forget all about futures and making babies in New Mexico. Thinking nonsense like that could totally spoil her enjoyment of the moment. She’d accepted Dan’s invitation to Paradise Ranch in order to live for the here and now. Gwen had already wasted too much time living in the past. She wasn’t about to let pie-in-the-sky ideas about Dan ruin her prospects for a pleasant evening.

She strode purposefully past the blanket chest, her purse with its emergency stow of makeup in tow. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to fill that cherry chest with a full layette in pale yellow, and nestle a bassinette in a sunny spot beside that broad window… Gwen raced for the sink and splashed cold water on her face, over and over again, until she felt the common sense flowing back into her. Gwen hadn’t even believed she’d had a biological clock inside her! Now that she knew it was there, how could she get the blasted thing to stop ticking? Dan was thrilled beyond belief to be off the prospective-daddy hook with Elena. There were no indications in sight he’d be willing to become a father with her.

Gwen unzipped her makeup case, thinking she looked a mess. Here was the girl with Havarti hair who the incredibly gorgeous “Best Billionaire Catch in the West” had decided to ask over for dinner. She felt her cheeks warm, wondering what it was Dan saw in her. With so many women to choose from, he might have picked anyone. But he hadn’t, she thought, enjoying the play of a smile on her lips. He’d chosen
her
. Gwen busily got to work repairing her face, lest she delay and Dan second-guess his decision. There was one thing Gwen was sure of. She wasn’t going to let Dan regret taking her to Paradise.

Dan smiled at Gwen as she entered the kitchen. “I was just starting to miss you.” She looked cuter than ever in jeans and those rocking boots.

Her ivory skin flushed deep rose. “Sorry if I took a bit.”

“Not at all! You’re timing’s perfect. I was just about to toss the steaks on the grill. Let me pour you a glass of wine, and you can come join me.”

“Sounds great.” Beautiful dark eyes searched the kitchen. “Something smells delicious. What’s cooking?”

“Homemade mashed potatoes with fresh-pressed garlic and chives from the garden, sliced summer tomatoes, and rib eye steaks on the grill with a skewer of hot jalapeños.”

“Also fresh from the garden, I’d guess.” She smiled, genuinely pleased. “Oh, Dan, my mouth watered just hearing the description.”

He cocked his head at her and grinned. “I’m glad you approve. I’m happiest when my houseguests are happy.”

“And I’m happy you’re such a good host,” she said as he filled a goblet with red wine and handed it over. She tasted it and licked her lips, lips so enticing Dan was itching to kiss them. Big brown eyes sparkled with delight. “Say, this isn’t…?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he told her with a grin. “The same wine we shared the night we discussed
Loretto
Chapel.”

She lowered her eyes, then batted them over the rim of her glass. “As I recall, it’s also the night we discussed miracles.”

In spite of himself, his voice grew gravelly. “Yes, it was.”

Dan sensed a rush of heat flow through him like lava. There she stood in those impossibly sexy boots…with that knock-your-socks-off body…and that come-and-get-me-and-kiss-me-all-over face. It took all the strength Dan had to resist sweeping Gwen off her feet and carting her down the hall to his comfy, king-size bed. God, he loved this woman, and he was going to tell her, show
and
tell her, good and soon.

“Want to join me on the patio?” he asked, picking up the tray of steaks to carry outside.

“Can I bring something?”

“Just your wine and that skewer of jalapeños.” He cautioned her as she lifted the pepper plate. “Be sure not to touch any. You might regret it later.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “More than the
chile
rellenos
in the park?”

Dan released a belly laugh. “Very much more. These home-grown babies are a hundred times hotter.”

“Excellent,” she said with a big, appealing grin.

An hour later, they sat at the patio table, enjoying the view of the darkened valley and the aftermath of a superb meal. Gwen studied Dan relaxing with his wine. He was so handsome and at home in his element out here on the ranch. Gwen found it hard to believe what a lucky woman she’d been. She’d come to Santa Fe to sell her art and had somehow given away her heart in the bargain. It wasn’t a bad trade. Gwen knew that if she had to do it over, she’d make all the same choices again. Getting to know Dan and spending time with him here in New Mexico had been one of the most memorable occasions of her life.

“Dinner was the best, Dan. Outstanding. Thank you so much for bringing me here. This has been a wonderful way to wrap up an unforgettable trip.”

“It’s not over yet,” he said raising his glass to hers.

“No, it’s not,” she said softly. In many ways, Gwen wished it would never end. How incredible it would be if there was a way to freeze time and keep things just as they were—right now—forever.

The wind picked up, raking against them. Small chill bumps rose on Gwen’s flesh, and she crossed her arms in front of herself to warm them.

“If it’s too cool for you, we can go indoors,” he said, noticing.

“No. I like it out here. It’s beautiful,” she said, studying the sky, which was studded with stars and a faraway moon.

“Then let me bring you a jacket,” he offered. “Did you pack one?”

“I’m afraid not,” she said. While it had cooled down at night in the city, it hadn’t been quite as chilly as this.

“No worries,” he said with a grin. “You can borrow one of mine.” He added a sly twist to his lips. “Besides, you’ll need it when we go riding.”

“Riding?” Gwen asked with surprise.

Dan motioned toward the heavens above them. “You think the stars are spectacular now, just wait until you see what I’ve got in store.”

He disappeared into the house and left Gwen’s heart beating a billion miles per second. She didn’t know where he was taking her, but she couldn’t wait. If it involved this awesomely incredible man and gazing at stars, she was in.

Dan emerged in the threshold, dressed in a light leather jacket. He brought another one to her and helped slip it on. Its warmth engulfed her, and its clean masculine scent hinted of Dan. She zipped it in front of her, eager to go.

 
Little lines tugged at the edges of his mouth as blue eyes crinkled.

“Ever been on a horse?”

****

Chapter Eleven

Dan led them down the narrow path to the barn, their way guided by starlight and the wide beam of Dan’s flashlight. “Take my hand. It’ll be safer.”

Gwen settled her grip in his, her heart pounding. She always felt safe with this man. He was so capable. From ordering wine to running a place like this one, he always knew just what to do. She studied his profile in the soft light, thinking how carefree and youthful he appeared. He obviously loved being out on the ranch, but what about his regular job? How did he fit it all in?

“I don’t know how you manage it,” she said, a little breathless. Her short legs raced to keep up with his long strides. They were like young lovers stealing away in the night, hurrying off to their hide-away.

“I’m sorry, Gwen,” he said with concern. “Do you want me to slow down?”

“No,” she said, meaning it. How she wanted him to pick up the pace and keep on going, right to the point where he hoisted her up on a horse. Gwen’s heart stilled, and a lead weight settled in her stomach. She’d never been on a horse before. She was such a klutz. What if she fell off? “About the horse, Dan…”

“What about him?”

“Is he a good boy? Nice and gentle?”

 
“
Naw
. He’s a real spitfire. Full of vim and vigor, just like you.”

She swallowed hard and stopped walking. He stopped as well and turned expectant eyes on hers. “How do we know I won’t fall off?” she asked, her chin trembling slightly.

Dan laughed, giving her hand a tight squeeze. “Because I’m going to hang on to you,” he said with a wink. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m not about to let anything happen to you.”

Gwen’s heart warmed at the endearment as she felt her face flash hot. She didn’t know how she could find Dan more wonderful than he already was, but every second he seemed to be just getting better.

When they got to the barn door, he paused with a question. “What was it you were asking me? About how I manage something?”

She was so lost to the canyon of his gaze it took her a moment to remember. “ Oh! I was asking about this… The ranch, the camp. All of it. I don’t know how you find time for everything, running the gallery for Nancy on top of your day job too.”

He gave her a warm, even smile and gently stroked her chin with his free hand.

“First of all, running the gallery’s only temporary. Secondly, my day job’s not nearly as demanding as it used to be. Holbrook Designs does custom jobs, each of them pretty pricy and lengthy to complete. I’ve got some really great people at the top that take care of most of the day-to-day for me.”

“Do you ever get out on the sites?”

“All the time. There’s nothing more exciting than watching one of ours go up.” His gaze trailed back to the main house.

“Wait a minute,” she said with delight. “That’s one of yours?”

He nodded with pride. “I always do the final walk-through myself. Nothing I build gets declared done until I put my stamp of approval on it.” His eyes poured over her, capturing her in their depths. “Although I haven’t been out much lately. Between the gallery minding and other things, I’ve had different priorities in mind.” He gave her a sexy grin that sent her pulse racing and made her feel overheated in the warm leather jacket.

A horse whinnied loudly, and she laughed with joy. “That must be your spitfire.”

Dan pulled back the barn door and led Gwen to a stall housing a commanding chestnut Arabian stallion.

“He’s beautiful,” Gwen said in awe.

Dan warmly patted the horse’s neck, then stroked down his mane. “How you doing, you old rascal, you?” The horse affectionately nuzzled him, and Dan laughed, the two of them pair bonded together.

“What’s his name?”

 
“Rascal.”

 
“Really?”

“It’s the God’s honest truth, isn’t it, boy?” he said, patting the horse again. Rascal snuffled closer, inserting his nose in Dan’s coat pocket. Dan raised his brow at Gwen, then withdrew the handful of carrots he’d placed there. “Always one step ahead of me!” Dan chuckled as Rascal gobbled up his treat.