Page 114 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

Or maybe the real question was, could she afford not to take the job?

Later that night Amy plunked down on the sofa next to Bella and handed her a glass of pinot grigio. “Here, take this and sip at will. There’s plenty more where that came from.”

Bella stared at the wine bottle sitting on the cocktail table in front of her. She probably would need to empty it before she could come to a decision.

Amy crossed her legs under her, sinking into a conversational posture on the sofa and sipping wine. “Not that I’m trying to get rid of you but, honestly, Bella, this man is offering you a golden opportunity. Why not jump at it?”

Sienna had fallen asleep an hour ago. And this was supposed to be Bella’s Zen time. Where she could find some peace in the quiet surroundings and shut her mind down a little bit. But Jared Stone’s offer kept interrupting her serenity. Amy was on board with the idea, but there was still a nagging notion that wouldn’t go away. “Because I know why he’s offering me a job. Ormaking upa job. He sees me as the poor widow, a single mom raising a baby all by myself. It’s charity.”

“For one, you are all those things and more.”

Bella stared at her friend.

“What I mean is, he sees you as a widow raising a child alone, but also as the courageous person who saved his life. It’ssonot charity. If he was going to hire someone—and you said it yourself, his housekeeper really seemed like she could use the help—why can’t he hire you? I’d bet he’d much rather hire someone he trusts, someone who really needs the work, than a total stranger.”

“I am a stranger. He didn’t even want to see my résumé.”

“Lucky for you, he didn’t. What would you put on there? Former heiress of Forte Foods.”

“I did go to culinary school, you know. Even though I didn’t finish, I learned a lot and what I didn’t learn I taught myself. I have been around the food industry and chefs all my life.”

Amy smiled. “There, you see, you just made a great argument for yourself. You are qualified for the job. My goodness, he’s one man. You could cook for him with your eyes closed.”

“I’d have to move to his ranch. And I’d be deceiving him the entire time. Could I really do that?”

“For Sienna’s sake, you have to. It’s a darn good reason.”

“I don’t know.”

“What don’t you know? It’s perfect. What do I have here for you and Sienna? Concrete and glass. My balcony is too dangerous for Sienna, so the poor kid can’t even get some sunshine or breathe fresh air. Sienna would love being in a place where she could run wild. She’d be around cattle and horses. Maybe a dog or cat or two. And how long do you think it would take your father to find me, if he really wanted to? He knows we’re friends. If he came looking for you, you’d be out of luck. But this way...”

“I’d be on a ranch in the middle of nowhere.” Amy’s arguments made sense.

“Take the leap,” her friend said. “I’ll be right here if it doesn’t work out. You have nothing to lose.”

Bella finished her pinot in one large gulp. “Okay, I’m gonna do it. I’ll take the leap and call Jared Stone tomorrow.”

Three

On Saturday morning, three days after meeting with Jared Stone, Bella followed a good-natured Marie up to her new rooms at Stone Ridge. The woman seemed genuinely glad to have her there. “I’ll be staying today to help you get settled in,” she said with a smile. “If you need anything, or have any questions, be sure to ask. Mr. Stone is down in his study. He’s anxious to get back to work. If you ask me, it’s too soon, but that boy is determined. He said as soon as you feel up to it, he’d like to see you.”

Jared Stone had arranged for her things to be moved into the house this morning. All she’d had when she’d walked out of her father’s house in Pacific Heights was a few pieces of luggage and three boxes of baby gear. She’d traveled light...well, as light as she could with a toddler in tow. Sienna had toys and special blankets and dolls that she couldn’t live without. Really, Bella could have boxed it all up and placed it in her car, but her new employer had insisted on sending someone to help move her.

“Thank you, Marie. I should be down soon. As you can see, I don’t have too much to unpack.”

Marie’s kind eyes warmed as she took in the meager boxes and suitcases on the floor.

Oh, goodness, she didn’t want to give the woman the wrong impression. She didn’t mean she was so destitute that these were all the things she owned in the world. Too late. Marie turned her attention to Sienna. “How’s the little princess today?”

“Sienna, say hello to Marie.”

Sienna wiggled her fingers in a shy wave. She didn’t want to cross the cookie lady.

“She’s going to have a bit of fun here on the ranch. You be sure to take her around and explore. There’s a lot to see through a toddler’s eyes.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“I’ll be off now,” Marie said. “Remember to ask if you have any questions. I’m just tickled as can be you’re here. You two will bring some life into these four walls.”