Mail Order Bride - Westward Secrets: A Clean Cowboy Romance Novel (Montana Mail Order Brides Book 13) by Linda Bridey

dreamed that all of this would come from it.
                  Her musings were interrupted by a soft knock on the doorframe of the room.  She looked up to see Deputy Westlake standing in the doorway.
                  Gina felt a funny little flutter in her stomach at the sight of him.  He was certainly an attractive man, she thought as he smiled at her and took off his hat.
                  “Hello,” he said.  “You look busy.”
                  She smiled.  “Yes, thankfully.  How are you?”
                  “I’m fine, thanks.  And you?”
                  “We’re settling in fine.  As you can hear, the kids are having a good time,” Gina said.
                  “I’m not surprised.  Emily is very outgoing and kind.  She gets that from both of her parents,” Rick said.  “Do you mind if I sit down?”
                  “No.  Go right ahead.”
                  Rick picked a chair that was close to Gina.  He looked the room over but his gaze settled on her from time to time.  She wore a deep maroon skirt and white blouse.  The outfit emphasized her hourglass figure and Rick could well imagine what it would feel like to embrace her.  That thought had come out of nowhere but he didn’t mind.  Her deep brown eyes were luminous and she wore her dark hair loose.  The soft waves flowed down her back.
                  Gina said, “Thank you for all your help with Ryan and Chloe yesterday.  It was nice of you to entertain them.”
                  “Are you kidding?  I can’t stay away from kids.  They’re great kids, too,” Rick said.  “You’re very lucky to have them.”
                  “I know.  They’re my blessings,” Gina said.  “I was so happy both times I found out I was pregnant.  Tony, my late husband, was thrilled.  He was such a good father.  Ryan doesn’t really remember him since he was only two when Tony passed away.  But Chloe remembers and it’s been so hard on her.  She misses him so much.”
                  Rick nodded.  “Losing a parent at such a young age is a very difficult thing to have to deal with.  I think you’re doing a great job given everything that’s been thrown your way.  It’s obvious that you’re a good mother.”
                  Rick’s praise brought color to Gina’s cheeks.  “Thank you.  I try to be a good mother,” she said with a smile.
                  Rick’s coat began moving and Gina’s eyes grew wide.  “What’s in your coat?”
                  Rick smiled.  “Would you like to meet Curtis?”
                  “It depends on what Curtis is.  Please don’t tell me it’s snake.  I hate snakes,” Gina said, becoming nervous.
                  “No, Curtis isn’t a snake.  He’s a ferret,” Rick said.  “Do you want to see him?”
                  “Does he bite?” Gina said.
                  “Nope.  I promise that he won’t hurt you,” Rick said.
                  “Ok.  If you’re sure.”
                  Rick made kissing noises and Curtis came out of his pocket and settled on Rick’s lap.
                  Gina looked at the furry little critter with interest.  She liked animals but had never seen a ferret.  He was a handsome little animal with his dark brown and tan coat.  Curtis rolled over and Rick scratched his belly.  The ferret made noises of contentment. 
                  Gina smiled.  “He’s very cute.  So he likes being held?”
                  “Oh, yeah.  He loves attention,” Rick said.
                  “Can I hold him?” Gina asked.
                  Rick’s one eyebrow rose.  It wasn’t every woman who would want to hold a ferret.  “Sure.  Just make