Page 60 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

“Saints above.” Bert shook his head, his eyebrows raised in surprise. “I knew the man was wealthy, but this—I never dreamed we’d get this kind of donation.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t faint,” Nan said. “You don’t even have to share that with your old design firm.”

“No, but I’ll share my personal check with Brigmore Charities. I’m also going to share with Dad and his church. Just think what good we can do with all this money.”

“Imay faint,” Bert said. “No wonder you took the job. How could he want you that badly?”

“He thought I did a good job on his hotel. I turned him down at first, but I don’t think the man is accustomed to hearing no. And there’s more. If I do a good job, he will make an annual contribution of this amount to Brigmore Charities for the next three years.”

Bert shook his head as if in denial.

“Is he single?” Nan asked.

Sierra bit back a smile. “Very. When I worked for him before, I heard gossip that he doesn’t have serious relationships.”

“I think you ought to use a little of that money for a background check on him. He wants you too badly,” Bert said.

Sierra smiled and shook her head. “I don’t think a background check is necessary. Look him up on the internet and look up his business. He can afford this check without thinking about it. His father is a billionaire, and Blake Callahan is wealthy on his own. There are a lot of women in his life. He has no need of me, except as a decorator.”

“Want me to come with you?” Bert asked, a frown creasing his brow. Sierra held back another smile.

“Thanks, Bert. I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“If for any reason it becomes necessary, you call me and I’ll be right there.”

“I will,” she said, appreciating his offer, though it seemed ridiculous. “I won’t be alone. I’m hiring two people to help me. He’ll pay their salaries, and they’ll live on the ranch with me part of the time.”

“That’s good,” Bert said.

“If you need a secretary, don’t forget me,” Nan said, smiling.

For the next half hour they talked about depositing the check and presenting the donation to the Brigmore Charities’ board of directors.

Finally, Nan rose to go back to her desk. Bert came to his feet, he closed the door and returned.

“I want to talk to you.”

She sat behind her desk and waited.

“I don’t think you should take the job or accept the check.”

“You have got to be kidding,” she said, staring intently at him. “Why on earth not?”

“He’s up to something. That’s too much money.”

She held back a laugh. “I’ll repeat—Blake Callahan will never miss this money.”

“Why didn’t he go to the New York agency he hired when you first worked for him?”

“He should have, but he said I did the best job he’d ever seen. He’s accustomed to getting what he wants. He’s flying me there in his private jet. Stop worrying, and start thinking about the best use for this money.”

Bert shook his head and stood. “All right, but at the first sign of trouble, promise you’ll call me. Let me know where this ranch is.”

“I’ll be fine,” she said, smiling at him, knowing Bert had perpetual worries even when everything was rosy.

“If you’re okay...what a windfall for us. This is going to help a lot of people. Our buildings are old and need repair—the homeless shelter was the original charity and it needs a new roof, new plumbing—all sorts of things. We have a waiting list for the orphaned children and their building and grounds need work.”

“Plus the four-footed friends. Don’t forget our dog and cat shelter. This will buy a lot of chow, and we can run some great ads. Maybe we can get a bigger place because what we have is so tiny we can only take a few animals at a time.”