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He studied her for a moment then asked about her experience. When she told him she’d attended Oberlin, handled the books for the hotel, and had apprenticed at a bank in San Francisco, he appeared impressed. “My wife keeps my books, but she doesn’t like it and never has. She’s been begging me to find someone to replace her, and now with the new baby on the way, she’s putting her foot down. She doesn’t want to be doing figures when she could be up in Oracle spoiling the grandchild. Are you looking for new customers?”
Portia held on to her excitement. “I am.”
“Then let’s get your build under way and we’ll talk about your replacing my Luisa and how much it will cost me. Agreed?”
“Agreed.” She decided then and there that because Kent Randolph always seemed to have her best interests at heart, she’d just become the happiest woman on earth. As they went back to discussing the house plans, she reached over and gave his hand a grateful squeeze and he shot her a wink.
Later that evening they were sitting outside enjoy the evening breeze and the beautiful sunset.
“Thank you,” Portia said to him.
“For what?”
“For requesting an office be built into the plans. Because you did, I may have my very first client.”
He eased her closer into his side and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “You’re welcome, but you would’ve thought of the office eventually and found your first client.”
“But now, I don’t have to wait for eventually.”
“Have you picked out a name for your business?”
“Yes. Carmichael Bookkeeping,” she replied proudly.
“Simple and to the point.”
“Sort of like me.”
“Nothing simple about you, Duchess. You’re smart, tough, focused, kind.”
She drew back to look into his face. “When have I been kind?”
“You introduced Ruth to James.”
She settled back against him. “I suppose you’re right, but it was also to point him at another woman, so maybe not so kind.” She heard his chuckle rumble in his chest.
“And you’re honest, I like that, too.”
“They say love is blind.”
“Love is also patient,” he added quietly. “Love is kind. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never ends.”
Portia was so moved by his words, her voice came out as a whisper. “Did you make that up yourself? That’s beautiful Kent.”
“No. It’s from the Bible. First Corinthians. Chapter thirteen verses four to eight.”
“The Bible?”
“Yes. It was the only thing we were allowed to read when I was in prison. It didn’t make me a preacher but after three years I knew it pretty well.”
“I’m marrying a Bible-quoting cowboy. What else is hidden inside you, Kenton Randolph?”
He kissed her. “You’ll have the rest of our lives to find out.”
The next day, true to his word, Mr.Nogales returned and to Portia’s surprise he brought his wife. She was a petite woman with long dark hair and a ready smile. While he and Kent went out to tour the ranch property, Portia and Luisa sat in Portia’s office to talk over the transfer of their ledgers. “How long has your husband had the business?” Portia asked taking notes.
“Ten successful years and I’ve been doing the ledgers. It’s now time for someone to take them off my hands.”
“Your husband told us about the baby your daughter is expecting. Congratulations.”
