Page 156 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

The next morning, in the privacy of her bedroom, Bella picked up her phone and texted her friend.

Miss you, Amy. How are you?

Amy was attached to her phone by the hip and she texted back right away.

I’m good. What about you? Any news? How’s the hunky cowboy?

She made a goofy face at the reference. Jared was fine. As in FINE. She smiled.

All is good here. No problems. What about you? Has anyone else come around looking for me?

No, thank goodness. But I did speak with your father. He’s persistent. I led him astray, I think. Told him you might’ve gone to Oregon to visit Miranda Davies. He shouldn’t think you’re in the Dallas area. I hope.

Oh, wow. Miranda was a high school buddy. Her father barely knew any of her friends. He’d never taken an interest. He’d always been too wrapped up in his company.

Brilliant. Thank you. Call you when I get a minute.

She ended the message with half a dozen purple-heart emojis and released the breath she’d been holding. If Amy was right, her father wouldn’t be looking for her in Texas, which bought her a good deal of time.

Marco thought her an unfit mother, but if she held down a job long enough to prove she was providing a good life for Sienna, his case against her wouldn’t stand a chance. At least, that’s what she believed after doing extensive research on the subject. And then with that issue settled, she could look to the future and dream her dream again of opening up a restaurant. She was taking baby steps now, but with larger leaps to come.

A few minutes later she put Sienna in a pale blue jumper and pulled her hair back in two big bows, getting her ready to go down and decorate the Christmas tree. Sometimes she’d look at Sienna and simply melt. The maternal need to protect her overpowered Bella at times. She was living a big fat lie to keep her safe. It was necessary, but along with it came tremendous guilt. It had crossed her mind several times to trust Jared. Would she have the nerve to tell him the truth? God, she wanted to. She didn’t like lying to anyone, especially Jared. He was becoming truly important in her life.

She was scared...about losing Sienna, and that fear kept her mouth buttoned up tight. She kept telling herself when the time was right, she’d tell him.

Bella dressed in a pair of black slacks and a flowery blouse to offset the cold, dreary day outside. She put her hair half up and secured it with a pretty clasp to keep the strands out of her eyes while she cooked breakfast.

Halfway out the door with Sienna in her arms, she stopped up short. “Whoops. We can’t go down without our angels.” Bella opened the dresser drawer and handed Sienna hers. “Here you go. Hold on to it carefully. It’s very special. Mommy’s got hers, too.”

“Angel, Mommy.” She grasped her ornament with as much care as an almost-two-year-old could possibly manage.

As they descended the stairs and approached the kitchen, the sound of female voices reached Bella’s ears. She slowed her pace and stood in the doorway. She found Marie serving coffee to a pretty brunette woman, her eyes as deep and blue as Jared’s.

“Come in, Bella,” Marie said, waving her inside the kitchen. “Come meet Jared’s mother.”

The woman stood and smiled. Dressed impeccably in beige slacks and a soft, silk blouse, her face sunny and bright, she put out her hand. “I’m Veronica. So glad to meet you.”

“I’m Bella. Very nice to meet you, too,” she said, hiding her confusion. Jared’s mother wasn’t due until tomorrow.

“Yes, Bella. And this must be Sienna.” Veronica focused on the baby with delight in her eyes. “Hello, Sienna. I hear nothing but sweet things about you.”

Sienna turned away, burying her head on Bella’s shoulder. “She’s a bit shy with new people.”

“I understand. Gosh, it’s been years, but Cooper was like that, too. She’s adorable.”

“She’s a good girl,” Marie added.

“Thanks, Marie. She has her moments, though.”

“They all do,” Veronica said. “You never know what little bits of mischief they will get into.” She glanced at the ornaments in their hands. “Were you going to decorate the tree?”

“Oh, uh, yes we were, after I make breakfast.”

“No need,” Marie said. “I made Veronica some toast and coffee when she arrived. That’s all she ever likes to have in the morning.”

“I’ll remember that.”

“Jared has no idea I’m here,” Veronica said. “After speaking to him last night, I got overly anxious to see him so I changed my flight. Booked a red-eye and well...” She threw her arms up in the air. “Here I am.”