On the bench next to him, Trace crunched a strip of bacon. “I’ll ride out, make sure everyone gets the word.”

Kade took a drink of coffee, set the mug back down on the table. “Your boys have done a damn fine job. I know my men felt safer having your team around. If a problem comes up—”

“If a problem comes up,” Conn said, “you know where to find us.” He looked over at Ellie. “If there’s anything you need, just call.”

Ellie smiled and nodded.

As the hands filed in, she felt Kade’s thigh against hers beneath the table, and a sweep of heat settled low in her stomach. Kade had given up pretending their relationship was merely professional. Ellie wasn’t sure how she felt about that, but they were sleeping together every night. Not easy to keep something like that a secret.

As breakfast came to a close, Kade glanced over at Maria, anxious for information.

“Let’s go for a walk,” he said to Ellie. “Haven’t had a chance to look at the new foal yet.” Grabbing their jackets, they walked out in the morning chill.

They’d only taken a few steps toward the barn when Kade’s questions started. “What’s going on with Maria? The girl looked ready to do battle with anyone who glanced at her sideways. Especially me.”

“Apparently, Alejandro’s proposal didn’t go well. Maria refused him. She thinks you forced him into it.”

Kade swore foully. “Well, hell.”

Ellie smiled. “I don’t think Alejandro will give up that easily.”

“He’d better not if he knows what’s good for him,” Kade grumbled.

Ellie bit back a laugh.

“That reminds me,” Kade said. “Mabel called this morning. Her family wants her to move to Arizona permanently. She really wants to go. She was thrilled when I gave her the news Maria is taking over as head cook. Apparently, she felt guilty for leaving me without a replacement.”

“Maria will still need help.”

“I’ll find somebody.”

Ellie heard a bark as Smoke ran toward them. Billy was already hard at work. Dressed warmly in jeans, boots, and a winter jacket, he hurried along at the dog’s side.

“Have you seen the new foal?” Billy asked, his blue eyes bright with excitement. “He’s really something. The little guy’s already up and walking around.”

Kade chuckled. “They learn real quick.”

They walked together into the barn, which was shadowy, with the sun barely up, and smelling of hay and horses, familiar and pleasant to a rancher. Or a woman with ranching in her blood.

Over the past few weeks, Ellie had come to realize how much she missed her old life. She would be sad when her time here was over.