Page 68 of Not Over You (Prosperity Ranch 3)

They walked into the front room of the quaint country-style house. Mayor Prosper greeted them first. He wore his usual starched button-down shirt and giant belt buckle. Jana shook his hand, but then was surprised when he pulled her into a hug.

“Welcome, Jana,” he said in a gruff voice.

“Daddy!” Ruby squealed, barreling out of the kitchen. She ran full tilt into Knox’s legs, and he barely kept his balance.

“Hey there, little lady. Where are you going so fast?”

“To see you!”

Knox chuckled and scooped her up into his arms.

“You look pretty,” Ruby said in a frank voice, looking at Jana.

“Why, thank you, Ruby,” she said, the tension in her chest easing just a bit. That was a kid’s doing, she supposed. “You look very pretty, too. I love your sparkly headband.”

Ruby beamed and touched her headband. “Grandma bought it for me because I was good in the store.”

Jana smiled, but she saw the shift in Knox’s gaze.

She looked toward the kitchen. Macie was standing there, her dark hair waved about her shoulders. She wore jeans and a white and red top, and honestly could have been a model for a home and country magazine.

Holt appeared right behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Jana didn’t miss the natural way that Macie leaned into her husband.

“Hi, Jana, welcome to the ranch,” Holt said.

“Yes, welcome,” Macie said with a smile.

“Thanks, everyone,” Jana said, although she was starting to feel nervous again.

“Well, things are ready,” Heidi Prosper said, coming into the room. She was an elegant blonde woman, dressed in a pink blouse and tan slacks. Jana had heard plenty about her legendary cooking skills. “Hello there, Jana.”

“Hi, Mrs. Prosper,” Jana said. “Thank you for inviting me to your home.”

“Call me Heidi,” she said with a soft smile, her gaze flitting to Knox. “And you’re welcome anytime, Jana. We’re happy to have you.”

Heidi ushered them all to the table. Jana was glad to be sitting next to Knox. And after grace was said, Jana fielded several questions from Heidi and Rex. Macie remained quiet for the most part, except when she interacted with Ruby.

Things weren’t so bad, Jana told herself.

Knox kept his arm slung around the back of her chair and didn’t seem to have a problem sticking close to her. And Jana didn’t notice any shared glances between Knox and his ex. Their interactions all seemed polite, or careful, if that was a better way to describe it. But their shared adoration of Ruby was obvious.

Speaking of Ruby, she was both precocious and cute at the same time. Jana found herself laughing more than once.

“Can I tell them about your book, sweetheart?” Knox whispered close to her ear.

Surprise jolted through her. “Uh, I guess.”

Knox grinned, then he said, “Jana and I have an announcement to make.”

Heidi’s fork clattered to her plate, and everyone went absolutely silent.

Knox chuckled. “It’s not what you’re thinking… Jana finished her book today. So I’d like to make a toast to her publishing future.”

Jana was positive she’d turned fire-engine red. Everyone in the family picked up their glass and congratulated her.

“Thank you.” She felt both embarrassed and proud in the same moment.

Knox clinked their glasses, then drank water from his. He leaned close and whispered, “You’re amazing, did I tell you that?” Then he kissed her on the cheek, in front of his entire family. It was a completely friendly, innocent kiss, but Jana still felt like she was burning up inside.

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