Page 162 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

“I won’t beat around the bush, Bella. Or should I say Francesca? I know who you are. What I don’t understand is why you are lying to my son.”

Bella bit her lip and put her head down. Her eyes burned and she struggled to keep from crying. “You’re right. I am lying to Jared. But it’s not what you might think.”

“Honestly, I don’t know what to think. When I saw you coming down the stairs tonight, dressed like you are now, I remembered a brief meeting with a young woman who wore her clothes with poise and grace, whose long, dark hair was styled like yours tonight. A beautiful young woman with striking green eyes.”

“We’ve met? I don’t remember.”

“You wouldn’t really, I suppose. You see, before Grant retired, my husband owned a small chain of restaurants and we were at a charity dinner in San Francisco. It must’ve been...oh, about five years ago. Your father, Marco, was one of the main benefactors and you were with him. I know I’m not wrong. I’ve since checked you out on the internet. Granted, you weren’t in the public eye much, but I did find a link between you and Forte Foods.”

“I’m sorry, Veronica. I’m not hiding my identity for any nefarious reasons. I’m trying to keep Sienna safe.”

“Care to explain?”

Bella had no choice. She’d been caught red-handed and a big part of her was glad to unburden her secret. For some reason Veronica, although a mother hen with her boys, also had a compassionate streak and seemed willing to hear her out. “Yes, of course. You see, I didn’t have a traditional childhood. My mother died when I was just a tot and my father...”

Bella explained everything, leaving nothing out. She told Veronica of her struggles with her father from an early age, of his smothering her, trying to run her life. She explained how she’d defied him when she’d married Paul and then refused to work at the company. Then, while she was still grieving, her father had pushed Ben Tolben on her. He was a very nice man who worked for Forte Foods. They’d had a few dates, but it was never serious and it never could be, yet Marco leaked to the press that they were getting engaged and it had all escalated after that. She concluded with describing the fight that had driven her from San Francisco, fearing that she’d lose her child.

Veronica asked a few questions and seemed satisfied with her answers, but she still wasn’t ready to dismiss her lying to Jared. “Why didn’t you tell Jared this?”

“I...I couldn’t. I haven’t been able to trust too many people in my life, especially when it comes to Sienna’s safety. She’s all I have in this world right now. The thought of her being taken away from me, well...I can’t even think about it without feeling sick to my stomach. I...was too scared. So, yes, I’m hiding out here, but I can assure you, what I feel for Jared is very real.”

“Yet you couldn’t trust him?”

“T-this hasn’t been e-easy for me,” she whispered. “I’m not a liar by nature.” Bella glanced at the monitor she held in her lap. Sienna was sleeping soundly, and tears formed in her eyes seeing her beautiful child looking so peaceful. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for Sienna. If it meant leaving Jared and Stone Ridge Ranch, she’d do it. She’d pack up her belongings and go, because keeping Sienna with her was her first priority. “I’m protecting my daughter.”

“And I’m protecting my son. You understand. I assume you know about Helene and the number she did on Jared?” She shook her head. “I can’t let that happen to him again. He’s a good man.”

“I know,” Bella said. “He is good. I care for him very much.”

Veronica closed her eyes briefly and drew a breath. “You have to know how appreciative I am that you saved my son’s life. And because of that, and the debt I owe you, I’m not going to tell Jared what I know.”

“Thank you,” Bella said softly, overwhelmed with gratitude and relief.

“But I am going to insist that you do. Bella, you have to promise me you will tell him the truth, the sooner the better. If you don’t, I’ll be back here next week for Christmas and I won’t keep my mouth shut. You understand as a parent, I can’t let my son be led astray.”

“I’m not doing that. And yes, I promise you, I will tell him.”

“Sooner rather than later?”

“Yes, I’ll...I’ll try to find the right time.”

Veronica took her hand and gently squeezed. Her eyes softened in understanding. “Bella, don’t wait too long.”

“I promise, Veronica.” Several tears trickled down her face. This wasn’t an easy conversation and she surely didn’t want Jared’s mother to think the worst of her. She’d keep her promise and tell Jared the truth—and hope she wouldn’t lose the man she loved. “I’ll tell him soon.”

Bella hardly got a wink of sleep, and in the morning rose from bed exhausted and perplexed. She caught her reflection in the dresser mirror and groaned. It was not a pretty sight. Her body ached, probably from tossing and turning. All night, she’d rehearsed what she would say to Jared and how she would implore him not to see what she’d done as a total betrayal. She’d have to make him see that, just like him, trust didn’t come easily to her. He should understand that.

She’d lay it all on the line and tell him what was in her heart and hope that would be enough. Up until this point, he seemed to be a reasonable man. Well, except for his crazy need for speed and danger. While he was recuperating, she really hadn’t seen that side of him, but she’d heard enough from his mother and brother about it, and how could she forget the accident?

She shook off the image and glanced down at her baby daughter on the bed. Just gazing at her angelic face was enough to make her forget all the bad stuff in her life. But Sienna’s nose was running and she looked pale and clammy this morning.

Bella immediately climbed back on the bed and laid her palm flat on Sienna’s forehead. The baby felt warm. Sneezing in her sleep, she nearly woke herself up, but Bella immediately tucked her in more cozily with the blanket.

Once she was sure Sienna was asleep, she walked into the other bedroom and texted Jared.

Sienna isn’t feeling well this morning. May have a fever. I won’t be down to make breakfast. Sorry.

She climbed back into bed with Sienna to keep a good eye on her, and not two minutes later heard soft knocking at her door. She padded to the door and opened it only inches.