She felt very sexy and much loved. She wasn’t used to this warm and fuzzy feeling, but she relished in it. Her one disappointment was that Burke was not in bed with her when she woke, but she knew that the ranch came first. She smiled to herself; she was now a rancher’s wife. Scooping up Cat, she nuzzled her under her chin. Getting out of bed, naked, she went to the window, and greeted the sun as an old friend. Feeling as radiant as the sunrays, she wanted to dance. Grabbing her robe, she held it to her like a dance partner, waltzing around the room, laughing the whole time. Joy was hers for the taking and she was taking it. When she noticed Burke watching her from the door she came to a sudden stop giving him a brilliant smile. Walking toward him, she tried to embrace him, he only half-heartedly hugged her in return. She saw regret in his eyes and wondered what was wrong, but before she could ask, Burke mumbled something about the day wasting away and he left. All of Annie’s joy and sunshine faded in that moment.
