Page 12 of Rancher to the Rescue

“Be my guest,” Adam said, figuring Jenn would have to examine Baby X while in Prudence’s arms. There was something about the look of determination in her eyes that had forced him to do the right thing. Plus, he was more than a little curious as to why his name had come up.

It was late and, based on the fact Prudence had yawned no less than three times in the past five minutes, he figured she could use a good night of sleep. Everything would look better in the morning and they could figure out a plan from there. By then, the parents of this sleeping angel might have come forward and the reunion would be sweet.

Wishful thinking?

He needed something positive to happen in his life considering he was still reeling from the Marshall’s death and the aftermath that was as certain as a tornado in April.

Prudence opened the blanket enough for Jenn to count ten fingers and ten toes. She noted a birthmark behind the baby’s right ear.

“How old would you guess she is?” Prudence whispered.

“A couple of weeks, five at the most,” Jenn said.

“Someone must be frantic, or they will be when they realize she’s missing.” Prudence’s sympathy and protective stance was the main reason he’d volunteered to keep the baby overnight.

Maybe it was losing the Marshall that had Adam’s heart feeling tender. He didn’t normally do knee-jerk reactions. All he could do was stand by the fact it seemed like the right thing to do.

Besides, he was more than mildly confused as to why his name came up in connection with this case. His curiosity about Prudence was growing. If she truly didn’t have family around, he figured no one had her back.

“I’ll file a report and make sure the information about her being located is on the database as soon as possible,” Lawler said. He grabbed his phone and asked if he could snap a picture for the file.

Prudence nodded.

“She looks perfect to me,” Jenn said with a cautious smile. She didn’t seem thrilled about the arrangement but didn’t look ready to go up against the sheriff either.

“I promise to take good care of her until her family is located,” Prudence reassured.

“I have no doubt you will.” Jenn’s words were appreciated. She turned to the sheriff. “If that’s all, I’d like to get back to my own family.”

“Thank you for coming out on short notice,” Lawler said. He stood up and walked her out of the room, no doubt to convince her that he was doing the right thing for the baby. He would want her endorsement on an important matter like this one.

As the pair disappeared down the hallway, Prudence wasted no time thanking him.

“I do understand why I’m not exactly a good candidate to take care of her by myself. This wouldn’t be happening without your help,” she said to Adam.

He wasn’t ready to make a big deal out of it, but his chest filled with pride that he’d made her happy.

“What do we need to do to get the two of you to bed?” He immediately heard the way that sounded and backtracked. “That didn’t—”

“I think I know what you meant,” she said, and her cheeks turned a couple shades of pink. The coloring contrasted against her creamy skin and brought out those intensely beautiful eyes.

“Shower? Clothes? More food? Something to drink? Name it and it’s yours,” he said, redirecting his thoughts.

“Part of me doesn’t want to risk waking her. She looks so peaceful. Finally,” she added on a sigh.

“We know her lungs are in full working order,” he joked, needing to lighten the mood.

Prudence had an incredible smile when she relaxed. Thick, full lips that curled at the corners that he suddenly wanted to kiss.

Since that would be about as productive as milking a flower, he steered his thoughts in a different direction.

“We can stay here overnight or head over to my place,” he said.

“You don’t live here?” she asked, glancing around.

“This house belongs…belonged…to my grandfather,” he stated.

“I’m sorry, Adam. I heard the sheriff reference your family but I didn’t realize anything serious had happened.” Her voice was like silk, trailing over him, soothing places he kept hidden.