Read Back to the Heart for Free Online

said with an ear-to-ear grin.
    Everyone is in such a hurry. They don’t give me time to explain,” she fumed.
    Ana.” Ryan placed a hand on her shoulder, sending that familiar heat coursing through her body. “It’s all right. We’ve been together for a good portion of the night. It’s natural for people to assume.”
    Ana, dear, help me box up some of the groom’s cake so that the guests can take it home.” Molly approached them. Ana couldn’t be happier for the distraction. It would help her to get her mind off Ryan, if only for a little while.
    She left Ryan alone to follow her mother to the cake table. “You fold the boxes, I’ll put the cake in the boxes,” Molly told Ana.
    They continued working in silence for a while before Molly finally spoke. “So are you having a good time?”
    I suppose. I’m glad it’s almost over, though.” Ana sighed. It had been a long day. Ana would sleep soundly tonight.
    I’d never be able to tell.” Molly cast a smile over at her daughter.
    Well, I’ve got to at least pretend I have energy.”
    That’s not what I’m talking about.” She shook her head, and a twinge of discomfort shot through Ana’s heart.
    Oh?”
    “You and Ryan have been awfully close tonight.”
    Ana groaned. “Can we not talk about this? Celia already lectured me about him once tonight.”
    Oh, did she?” Molly grinned.
    Yes. She kindly reminded me that he’ll be gone in a week. I’m well aware of that, and I assure you that nothing is going on between me and Mister Black.”
    That’s a pity. I’m quite fond of him.” Her mother frowned at the piece of cake she was boxing.
    Mother! You know I just got over being hurt by a man.”
    I know. But I don’t think Ryan is like that.”
    What do you mean you don’t think Ryan is like that?”
    He’s just a sweet kid.” Molly shrugged. “He seems genuine. And it’s quite obvious he likes you.” A smile crept into her voice.
    Ana looked over her shoulder to find Ryan, and her cheeks heated up when she noticed he was staring at her from across the room. Somehow, he had managed to integrate himself into a group of David’s friends, though he kept his gaze fixed on her while he spoke. She could only imagine what he was saying about her.
    I don’t need to get hurt again.”
    I was kind of hoping you could make him stay. He’s been doing an amazing job around the house. He’d make a great son-in-law.”
    Mom!” Ana’s mouth fell agape.
    Well, I’m just speaking my mind, is all. You could do a lot worse.”
    A lot worse than a . . .” She almost said vagabond before she remembered that Ryan had a life somewhere else. “He doesn’t belong here.” The words sounded colder than they needed to.
    You didn’t think you did either.” Her mother offered her a smile.
    You ladies need some help?” Ryan’s voice came over Ana’s shoulder, making the hair on the back of her neck stand up. How long had he been there?
    This is women’s work, Sunshine. You do enough at the ranch. Go enjoy yourself.” Molly beamed at him.
    I don’t mind at all. I’ve never been one to believe in gender roles.” Ryan grabbed a box, stepping up beside Ana to begin folding it. Knowing he was so close to her made Ana tense up. She glanced over at him, and he smiled, a sweet smile that melted her to the core. He was so helpful, and he fit into her family so well. Ana already knew it would break her heart when he had to leave. “I’m going to stay after everyone leaves and help you ladies clean up too.”
    Molly reached across Ana to caress Ryan’s cheek with her hand. The way her mother looked at Ryan made Ana’s heart ache. She was every bit as in love with him as Ana was, though in a different way. Ana could tell that Molly thought of Ryan as the son she’d never had. She couldn’t help but wonder how hurt her mother would be when Ryan left too.
    You’re an angel, Sunshine,” Molly said, and he simply reached up and gave her hand a squeeze.
    Ana began to