Page 78 of Daddy's Little Farmer

A few days before Christmas, he took her out of town for lunch and Christmas shopping because he didn’t want her to see the moving vans or Tony and Betty until the next day.

Rafael woke up the next morning a little nervous. He knew she would love them being here, but the fact he did it behind her back might make her sad.

“Come on, sleepyhead. I’m hungry,” he said as he dressed.

She groaned. “Maybe because you worked off a lot of calories last night.”

He sat next to her and grinned. “I’m sorry. Is my baby a little sore?”

She snorted. “Let’s just say I won’t be horseback riding today.”

He threw back his head and laughed.

“If you don’t get out of that bed now, you’ll get a little sorer.”

She sighed dramatically and let him help her to her feet.

After they dressed for the day, he took her to the dining table, and they ate.

“What’s up with you?” Mara asked. “You’re acting funny.”

He grinned. “I have a surprise for you.”

She straightened. “Really. What is it?”

“Finish your breakfast, and I’ll show you.”

They drove the Ranger down the road and around a bend when they saw the house with the pond behind it.

“Oh, that’s pretty. I can’t believe they built it so quickly.”

“I needed it done fast, so they worked double time.”

“Who’s the friend?”

He took her hand and walked to the front door, and knocked.

“This is an early Christmas present.”

The door opened, and Tony stood with a big grin.

They both watched her mouth drop open, then close, and repeated a few times.

“I think she might be a bit surprised,” Tony said, making them laugh.

“I don’t understand?” Mara said and looked at Rafael. “She reminds me of a fish.”

“I know you love these two,” Rafael said.

She nodded. “Yes, very much.”

“And I thought we’d need grandparents for our children, so they moved here.”

“You guys really live here, like forever?”

Tony nodded and then caught her when she threw her arms around him.

“Oh, I’m so happy I could burst,” Mara said, making them all laugh.

---