Free Serendipity Ranch by Breanna Hayse Page A

dogs is a keeper, by the way,” he winked at her, then turned back to Preston. “I guessed that you would be bringing your girls. There’s something special in there for them, too.”
    “Thank you so much. I’m going to be having an open house when my place is finished. Can I count on you coming?”
    “I would be honored. Just promise me you won’t have it catered.”
    “Nope. We’ll go old style BBQ, just like we used to. I might even dig a pit. Of course, keeping you out of my new kitchen will be a challenge.”
    “Don’t forget the pantry, wine cellar and walk in freezer,” Serena added. “He’s even going to have an herb garden in an indoor greenhouse.”
    “I am?” Preston looked at her.
    “Sara informed me of that yesterday. It will be located in a hydroponic unit along the kitchen walls.”
    “Serena is my architect and construction foreman. You know Sara. The house is her design,” Preston announced proudly.
    “Do you cook, Miss Mitchell?” Peter asked.
    “Please, call me Serena. I can burn toast, heat up soup in the microwave, and open a bag of chips.”
    “My house warming gift to you will be in-home chef lessons. I will teach both of you the art of fine dining and romance.”
    “I accept your offer, Peter. Thank you so much. I’ve talk with you later okay?” Preston smiled, winking at his friend.
    “Serena, it was truly a pleasure.” Peter kissed her hand again.
    “Same here, Chef Shelton. Thank you.”
    Picnic basket in hand, Preston handed the dogs’ leashes to Serena. He hooked her hand through his arm to lead her proudly through the hotel. She looked at him with confusion as he took her onto the beach. “Do you have a towel so we don’t get sand in the food?”
    “Nope. Don’t need one.”
    “I don’t get it.”
    “Relax. I have things under control. There is it!”
    Serena watched as a small motor boat banked onto the sand and a man hopped out. He greeted Preston warmly and took the basket from his hands. Preston let the dogs off the leashes and they both jumped eagerly into the boat. Without warning, Preston scooped Serena in his arms and walk into the water, placing her carefully onto the deck. He hopped in next to her and put a life vest over her head.
    “Do we have to wear these?”
    “Yes. Look, even the girls have one.” Preston grinned as the other man placed the dog vests over the collies’ heads. Serena held her breath as the boat jumped through the high waves and into smoother water, zooming toward a large catamaran that floated quietly in the center of the bay. Preston helped secure the dingy and thanked the boat captain for the ride. Taking Serena’s arm, he led her to the flat deck where he proceeded to unload the contents from the basket.
    Serena sat silently, in awe as this big, rugged cowboy wined and dined her like she was a princess. Her eyes widened as he pulled out a bearded iris from the basket and placed it in a bud vase. He poured her champagne, fed her chocolate covered strawberries, twirled her pasta alfredo and even buttered her rolls. As he gently wiped some chocolate from the corner of her mouth, Serena realized that she had never been treated so delicately before. She knew that this was not an act but an endearing part of who Preston Riley was.
    “How did you know that this was my favorite meal? And that the bearded iris was my favorite flower?” she asked, astounded.
    “I do my research, sweetheart. How about the boat? Do you like it?”
    “It’s incredible. I love the ocean, but hate sand in my food. I’ve never been on a catamaran before, either. Preston, this is so perfect. Thank you.”
    “You are most welcome. You don’t mind the dogs?”
    “I love the dogs. They are having so much fun, too. They look like they want to go in the water, though.”
    “They love to swim. Talk to me. How are you doing?”
    “I’m overwhelmed, but in a good way. You’re nothing like I thought you were. You’re pretty awesome when you’re not