Page 57 of Rancher to the Rescue

“It probably never occurred to you once they were packed away,” he said.

“Then, by all means, let’s bring them out.” Her voice sounded lighter, like the burden she’d been carrying for too many years was lifting.

Adam liked being part of the reason.

“I wouldn’t be against trying to add to the crew when that arm heals,” she said, more of that mischief in her tone.

“Somehow, I foresee a lot of practice in our future,” he teased.

“I’m counting on it,” she said as she pulled up to their new home at Firebrand.

Adam made it out of the passenger seat in time to open her door. He kissed her again for good measure before linking their hands and heading into their new home.

The smell of food wafted down the hallway as they entered the house.

“In all the excitement, I forgot all about eating until right now,” Prudence groaned. “I’m starving.”

“The medicine is dulling my appetite but I could eat,” he admitted, needing to see Angel.

They were greeted by Hutch first with Miss Peabody on his heels.

Prudence bent down to pick up Miss Peabody, who was so excited she was shaking. Hutch nearly knocked Prudence on her backside as he plowed into her.

“Sit,” she commanded.

He did. Adam was still impressed by that trick.

But his heart wasn’t full until he saw their angel. His mother brought a smiling, content baby to them, meeting them halfway down the hall.

Her gaze immediately flew to the patch on his arm.

“I’m so glad you called to tell me what happened to you. I’m still shocked and I knew it was coming,” she said, concern evident in her voice.

“It’s not much more than a scratch,” he said, trying to wave it off like it was nothing.

“That settles it. I’m staying until you’re up and around again,” she said.

He stretched his arms out. He showed her flat palms. The last part might have made him wince, but he was a fast healer.

“How did it go at the sheriff’s office?” she asked, and then added, “Come in first. How rude of me. I thought you might be hungry, so I made meatballs.”

Adam decided not to ask how she’d managed to care for the dogs, take care of a newborn and find the time to make meatballs. Mothers were amazing creatures.

“I thought there might be a legal battle for her with the grandparents. Turns out they don’t want anything to do with her,” Adam said.

His mother whirled around.

“Are they crazy? Or just stupid and mean?” She didn’t bother hiding her shock.

“All three if you ask me,” Prudence said under her breath.

His mother mumbled something in Italian that he probably didn’t want to understand.

“What about the parents?” she asked.

“You might be looking at them.” Adam didn’t go into detail. He didn’t have to. His mother shot him a look that said she was proud of him for stepping up.

“If her grandparents are willing to sign away their rights,” she started in a conspiratorial tone. “I know someone who can play around with her birth certificate.”