by Judy Duarte
Jason glanced at her expanding waist and smiled. “The baby must have doubled in size these past three weeks. So I figured you wouldn’t want to go into town.”
“You’re right.” She hadn’t been able to zip her jeans this morning, let alone button them. And her top was stretched snug across her middle. No way did she want to risk being seen in Brighton Valley. There was no hiding her pregnancy anymore.
Come to think of it, her secret would be out the moment Carly and Braden arrived. She’d have to ask them to keep it to themselves until she had a chance to tell her mom.
“What time do you expect your brother and sister?” she asked.
“Carly said she’d be here around two, although Braden will probably get here sooner.”
“Okay. I’ll be sure to put on a pot of coffee.”
“Maybe we should add a dozen doughnuts to that shopping list. It might sweeten everyone’s mood.”
“Maybe...” But suddenly, Juliana had a better idea. She’d go through Granny’s recipe box and bake something special. Maybe it would help them remember their roots and feel like the family they were meant to be.
There she went again, trying to fix the Rayburns. But then again, Jason had done a lot for her. The least she could do was to try and pay him back the only way she could.
Well, at least it would keep her mind off Camilla and that romantic mystery.
Jason moved closer and cupped her cheek—the first intimate gesture he’d made since Friday night. She’d missed his touch, more than she cared to let on. Yet in spite of any hesitation she might have had, she placed her hand over his, holding their momentary bond.
Then, realizing she might be sending mixed messages, she released him.
He didn’t object. Instead, he stepped aside, reached in the cabinet under the sink for the dish soap, then turned on the faucet.
Odd, she thought. After Friday night, she would have expected things between them to be awkward, but they weren’t. Jason seemed to accept her reason for turning him down, which she found more than a little surprising. She would have thought he might resent her.
He seemed to care about her, though. Did he expect her to change her mind?
Then again, maybe he was more thoughtful and understanding than she’d realized.
“Go on outside,” she said. “You fixed breakfast, so I’ll do the cleanup.”
“Thanks.” He tossed her a grin, then headed for the mudroom, where he’d left his boots and his hat.
As she watched the CEO morph into a rancher, albeit a temporary one, she couldn’t help but admire his masculine form as well as his work ethic. Would it be wrong to reconsider, to see where a relationship with him might go?
Had that been part of his game plan all along?
Oh, for Pete’s sake. Look at how skeptical Alex had made her. Jason had been nothing but a gentleman since she’d met him.
When the back door shut, she snatched a piece of bacon from the plate on the counter and popped it in her mouth.
While the sink filled with warm, soapy water, she pulled out Granny’s recipe box from the cupboard. She loved reading the notes written on the back of each card. She would choose a good recipe— something clearly marked as a family favorite—to make today, then check the pantry to see what ingredients she’d need to add to the shopping list.
In the meantime, she glanced out the kitchen window and spotted Jason in the yard.
Maybe she shouldn’t have turned him down while they’d been in San Antonio. Maybe she should apologize for not taking him at his word.
And see if he might consider going slow—and giving her another chance.
* * *
In spite of what Jason had said, Carly arrived at the ranch before Braden and just after one thirty.
Juliana greeted her in the living room. But when she approached her friend for a hug, Carly put up her hands to stop her from getting too close.
“I feel fine today,” Carly said, “so I don’t think I’m contagious. But just in case, you better not get near me. I’ve been sick the past couple of evenings. In the morning, when I wake up, I feel much better. But then at work, it hits me again. I must be pushing myself too hard. Hopefully, with two days off, I can get some rest and kick that bug once and for all.”
“I hope so,” Juliana said. “I’m sure they don’t want you calling in sick too often.”
“That’s true. They’ll let me go and keep my understudy instead.” Carly plopped down on the sofa, then glanced at Juliana, her gaze landing on her waistline. “Oh, wow. Look at you.”
Juliana placed a hand on her baby bump. “Now you can see why that breakup with Alex was especially unsettling.”
“I can’t believe he was married and never told you. What a jerk. Does your mom know?”
“Not yet. I don’t have the heart to tell her.”
“You can’t keep your pregnancy a secret forever.”
“I don’t intend to. I just want to get settled in Houston first. I hope to be able to tell her within the next couple of weeks.”
“In person?”
Juliana’s cheeks warmed, and she took a seat on the sofa next to Carly. “No, I’ll probably do it over the phone. That way I won’t have to worry about any of her neighbors seeing me. She can decide when and what she wants to tell them herself. But after I spill the beans, I’ll invite her and Gram over for lunch and let them see for themselves that I’m doing fine.”
Carly didn’t say anything.
“What’s the matter?” Juliana asked. “Do you think I’m wrong for not telling her face to face?”
“I’m the last one in the world to point fingers at you. I was seeing a guy recently, and ever since we broke up, I’ve been avoiding him, too.”
“Who is he?”
Carly glanced around the room. After seeing they were alone, she still lowered her voice. “Ian. But don’t tell Jason.”
“Why not?”
“Because Ian wanted me to live on the ranch and oversee it for the family, but I can’t do that and have a career, too. And if Jason knew, he’d pressure me to do the same thing. He can be pretty persuasive when he puts his mind to something. He’s like my dad was in that sense, and I’m not going to let him talk me into doing something I don’t want to do.”
That didn’t sound like the man Juliana had gotten to know. “Do you really think Jason would try to force your hand?”
“He’s done it before.”
At least he hadn’t tried to pressure Juliana into having an affair with him. Or to continue working for him longer than she thought was wise. He’d been respectful of her feelings. That had to count for something, didn’t it?
She glanced at the boxes she’d packed. “By the way, Ralph Nettles came by and took a look at the ranch. He doesn’t think it will take very long to sell. He might even have a buyer who’s interested.”
“I guess that’s good news,” Carly said. “I hate to see strangers take over, but not at the expense of my happiness. I’ve had to live in my parents’ shadows all my life, and it’s time I did something on my own.”
Juliana took her friend’s hand. “I understand. Just know that I’m in your corner.”
Carly gave her fingers a warm squeeze. “And I’ll always be in yours.”
At the sound of a vehicle pulling up in the drive, both women got up and looked out the window.
“Braden’s here,” Juliana said. And Jason was greeting him in the yard. “I’d better put on the coffee.”
By the time Jason and his rugged, blond-haired brother entered the living room, the coffee gurgled in the pot and the fresh-brewed aroma filled the air.
Some might consider her tricky, but Juliana didn’t care. She’d done her best to create a nostalgic mood by placing Granny’s best cups and saucers on the table. She’d unpacked them earlier today. She would have to wash and repack them after everyone left, but she wanted the siblings to be reminded of their childhood and the woman they’d all loved.
&nbs
p; Then she sliced large pieces of the Texas chocolate cake she’d baked. “A real kid-pleaser,” Granny had written on the back of the recipe card. “It’ll take the fire out of the feistiest old coot.”
Just what she needed. Something the kids had loved—and a peace offering, just in case someone wanted to put up a fuss.
Next she filled the creamer and sugar bowl. When she’d set the table, she went out and called the Rayburns to the antique mahogany table in the dining room, where they’d undoubtedly shared many a meal with Granny.
As Carly and Braden each grabbed a chair, Juliana was about to excuse herself, but Jason stopped her. “We can discuss family business later. I’d like to talk about Dad and Camilla first. So why don’t you stick around?”
She glanced at Carly, and then at Braden, who both nodded. So she took a seat.
When Carly glanced down at her plate, her breath caught. “Oh, my gosh. Is this Texas chocolate cake?”
“I found Granny’s recipe box,” Juliana admitted. “And I thought I’d try some of her favorites. I had a little sliver while I was in the kitchen, and I decided it was a great choice. What do you think?”
“This was always my favorite,” Carly said as she grabbed her fork. “I was afraid I’d never get to have it again.”
“She’s right,” Braden added. “This is awesome. Would you give me that recipe card, Juliana?”
At his brother’s surprising question, Jason leaned forward. “You bake?”
“I’ve been known to on occasion. Why?”
“No reason.” Just that there was another thing he didn’t know about his brother. “But I have to tell you, when Juliana found that recipe box, it was a real coup. She’s surprised me a couple of times with some of my favorite meals.”
Braden winked at her. “Jules is one of a kind.”
Jules? So he had a nickname for her. And Jason’s nickname had been Bird Legs. Boy, had he missed the mark. She was a jewel, all right.
“So tell me what you know already,” Braden said.
“Camilla Cruz was Reuben Montoya’s daughter,” Jason said. “Dad probably met her here at the ranch and fell for her. But she broke things off and left him.”
“She must have stayed here within the past few years,” Juliana added, “because there’s a portrait of Granny in the bedroom that Camilla painted. And Granny’s wearing one of her newer dresses.”
“No kidding? I’ve never seen it.” Braden looked at Carly. “Have you?”
“Yes, but I didn’t think anything of it. I just figured Granny must have commissioned someone to paint it.” Carly bit down on her bottom lip and furrowed her brow. Then she looked at Jason. “But if Camilla was the daughter of the old Leaning R foreman, why did she and Reuben have different last names?”
“Maybe she was married,” Jason said. “Or she might have wanted a professional name.”
“How did you know that Dad was in love with her?” Braden asked. “That seems like quite a stretch. I’d be more inclined to think that he was obsessed with her because she wasn’t interested in him.”
Jason told him about the love letter they’d found, about the storage shed, the artwork.
“That puts a different spin on it,” Braden said.
Jason leaned forward. “What do you mean?”
“I wasn’t aware of the import business. But Dad was looking for her and Reuben when he was in Mexico.”
“That’s what I don’t understand. He even hired a private investigator, but a simple internet search would have told him that Camilla died of breast cancer last year in San Diego.”
“That’s what I wanted to know. It seems that Reuben’s sister was also named Camilla. That might have been the woman Dad was looking for.”
“If Camilla, the woman he supposedly loved, was gone, why would Dad go in search of her father and her aunt?”
“Because Camilla had two young children, and Reuben had been looking after them while she went to San Diego for her treatment. And when Reuben passed about four months ago, I think the children were sent to an orphanage. I might be wrong, but my gut tells me that’s who Dad was looking for.”
“Camilla’s kids?” That was certainly possible. “Did he find them?”
“No, but you know how Dad felt about child support and charities that benefited kids—even if he didn’t have time to spend with his own. I don’t think he wanted Camilla’s children to be abandoned to an orphanage.”
“So why did you continue Dad’s search?” Jason asked.
Braden shrugged. “It’s hard to explain. I guess if it was that important to Dad, someone ought to follow through for him. But then my mom called and told me that my grandpa isn’t expected to live, so I need to be here for him—and for her.”
“Of course,” Jason said.
“Do you think Camilla’s kids could be the children in that portrait we found in the storage unit?” Juliana asked.
“Who knows?” Jason looked at his brother. “What did you find out about the kids?”
“From what I learned, they’re twins—a boy and a girl. I think they’d be about six or seven years old.”
Jason’s stomach clenched. And after losing both their mother and grandfather, they’d been taken from the only home they knew, the only family they had? Poor kids.
In spite of his obligations at the corporate headquarters, Jason felt compelled to continue the search, although he wasn’t sure why.
For Braden? For their father?
Or maybe just for the brother and sister stuck in an orphanage.
It seemed like the right thing to do, even if it wasn’t his obligation.
How weird was that?
But somehow, it had become a family quest. And something he was determined to pursue, even if he had to hire the private-investigating firm to continue the search.
* * *
The meeting to discuss the sale of the ranch and the division of the heirlooms and furniture seemed to have gone fairly well. At least, Jason shook Braden’s hand when it ended. And they all went out to the yard, where Braden got into his pickup.
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you or your mother,” Jason said. “I mean it.”
Braden nodded.
Carly climbed into her own car, intending to follow Braden back to his ranch, where she would visit his mom and spend the night. After they both drove off, Jason went out to the barn, leaving Juliana to return to the house.
After she washed, dried and repacked the dishes they’d used earlier, she resealed the box. As she straightened, she again studied the work she’d already completed. She’d told Jason she would leave as soon as the family meeting was over, so she was free to pack and head out.
But did she really want to leave?
What would it hurt to stick it out until the house was completely packed? After all, she’d made a commitment.
She’d also suggested that she wanted one from him—and after only three weeks. Had that been entirely fair?
Not really. Maybe she should lie down for a while and give it some serious thought.
She’d just returned to the bedroom when her cell phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number, but she was glad to see it wasn’t Alex trying to contact her again.
“Is this Juliana Bailey?” the male caller asked.
“Yes, it is.”
“This is Douglas Broderick of Rayburn Enterprises.”
The call took her aback. “What can I do for you?”
“That was a great suggestion you made for the art layout. It made all the difference in the world to the promotional campaign, and the marketing department was very impressed.”
She straightened and smiled. “I’m glad I could help, Mr. Broderick.”
“So are we. And as a result, we think you’d make a fine addition to Rayburn Enterprises. We’re willing to offer you a very generous benefit package, including a 401(k), health insurance, plus we’ll pick up any medical bills that the insurance won’t cover. We’ll also
pay for relocation costs to Houston in a couple weeks, plus a bonus for taking the job.” He then quoted a starting salary that more than stunned her.
Whoa. Had he said generous? The offer was much more than that. It was...mind-boggling. And way over the top. Which made her more than a little suspicious...
“Did Jason Rayburn have anything to do with this?” she asked.
“No, Mr. Rayburn makes it a firm rule not to get involved in any HR decisions. He did, however, mention that you were the person responsible for solving our marketing dilemma. He also gave me your phone number. But the decision to hire you was mine alone.”
Without an interview or a background check? And not even a drug test?
“We’ve needed some new blood and some fresh ideas on our team,” he added. “And we believe you’re the spark that will put the art department back on track.”
While the offer was indeed flattering, it was also a bit unsettling.
“We realize that you’re committed to finishing a job, but that’s not a problem. We actually have several projects you can handle for us from the remote office Mr. Rayburn has set up in Brighton Valley until your new office is ready for you in Houston.”
Seriously? And Jason knew very little about this? Her BS meter was shooting off the charts.
“Can I have some time to think about it?” she asked.
Mr. Broderick paused a beat. “Um, yes. Of course. How much time do you think you’ll need?”
“A day or so.”
After he gave her the number to his direct line, she ended the call.
You’d think she’d be on top of the world. The offer was way more than she’d ever dreamed of earning. And it would solve all her problems. She’d be able to relocate to Houston, hire a competent nanny and provide well for her baby. But that’s what she found so bothersome.
Why would a corporation offer a woman with virtually no experience in the field and only an AA degree a position with a salary and a benefit package like that?
Something wasn’t right. And as badly as she needed the job and the money, as flattering and as tempting as the offer had been, she couldn’t jump on it. Not without doing a bit of research.
