Cody leaned against his door, watching Ella sleep. Rays of sun flitted through the window. They landed on her hair, turning it red-gold. Hands tucked under her cheek, she wore a peaceful, relaxed look that made his heart ache.
He hadn’t meant to admit his feelings last night. The words came out with no thought. But what a relief now that he’d spoken the truth. His wife had woven herself into his life seamlessly. He was close to being in love, if he wasn’t already. And while she hadn’t admitted any feelings to him, he knew something was there for her too. Her response to his kisses, the looks she gave him in their day-to-day life, the little things she did to show she cared—it all gave him hope that one day their marriage would be as love-filled as his parents’ had been.
They certainly had chemistry. Last night’s kisses had turned into more, and the only reason Mr. Blackwell might have had for an annulment—had he known—was gone.
Cody pushed up from the door and walked to the bed. Placing his hands on either side of Ella, he leaned down and nuzzled her cheek with his lips. “Time to wake up, darlin’.”
She murmured something and wiggled farther under the blankets. He moved his lips to her ear. “The kids are up and ready for planting.”
Her eyes flew open. “Oh!” She rolled to her back, staring up at him with a startled expression. He didn’t move, keeping himself a few inches above her. Ella inhaled a soft breath. “Good morning.”
“Mornin’.”
Her brow wrinkled. “Did you say ‘planting’?”
“Yep. We’ve got to get seeds in the ground for our garden. It’ll be a day-long process. I thought I’d see if you wanted to help. If not, the boys and I’ll get it done.”
She lifted herself onto her elbows. Cody leaned back so she could move to a sitting position. Ella pushed tangled hair out of her face. “I’d love to help. Though I know nothing about gardening.”
“It’s easy enough. You’ll pick it up in no time.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” She threw back the covers. “The children are already awake?”
“Yes, ma’am. Awake and having their breakfast.”
Her eyes widened with alarm. “How late did I sleep?”
“About an hour later than usual.”
She squeaked and jumped out of the bed.
Cody watched, amusement tickling his chest, as she raced to the wardrobe. “No rush, darlin’. The seeds aren’t going anywhere.”
“You just said it was a full day process.” She yanked out a dress, then faced him. “I need to get ready.”
He grinned, resting his shoulder against the wall. “Go right ahead.”
“Cody!”
Chuckling, he pushed off the wall and walked toward her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, bending low to whisper in her ear. “You had no reservations last night.”
Her face flamed as bright as her hair. “That’s different. Now shoo.”
“You just shooed me? What am I, a cow?”
Ella bit her lip, but a smile turned it up, anyway. She batted her eyes. “Cody, darling, would you please retire from the room so I can prepare for the day?”
Laughter welled up. “Are you flirting, Ella?”
“Is it working?” She waggled her eyebrows.
His laughter escaped. “All right, I’ll leave.” He winked. “But I’ll be counting the moments until you’re downstairs.”
She tossed her head, the locks bouncing against her shoulders. “I suppose I’ll hurry, then.”
Oh, he liked flirty Ella. Cody hooked an arm around her waist. “Good.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “See you soon.”
“Hmm.” She flung the dress to the bed and gripped his suspenders in both hands. “Not yet.” Before he could respond, she pulled him back for another, more thorough, much longer kiss.
