Marrying Molly

by Linda Hope Lee

  Move on, Jerry said. Yeah, right.

  ****

  Molly gazed around the bakery’s kitchen, noting all the improvements. “Wow, Sara, you’ve really done a lot since I’ve been gone.”

  Sara nodded. “Last year, we put in the wall ovens and then those new counters and sinks. And no more mixing by hand.” She gestured to several huge revolving metal vats. “I have lots of help, too. Come and say hello to my crew.”

  She led Molly to two women in their twenties, one tending a vat, the other arranging cellophane-wrapped cookies in a cardboard box. White aprons covered their clothing and hairnets corralled their hair.

  A flash of recognition hit, and Molly approached the woman at the vat. “Aren’t you Anna Gabraldi’s daughter, Doreen?”

  Doreen’s round face broke into a grin. “I am. I heard you were coming, Molly. Good to have you back at the Rolling R.”

  “Thanks.” Molly raised her voice to be heard over the machine’s rumble. “I’m glad to be back.”

  Sara introduced the second woman as Lupe Gonzalez. “Lupe’s husband, Hector, is one of Jackson’s ranch hands.”

  “How do you like living at the Rolling R?” Molly asked Lupe.

  Lupe’s smile was shy but her black eyes sparkled. “Muy bien. Very well,” she said in her accented voice.

  After Sara finished showing Molly the kitchen, she led them to a separate room at one end of the building. “Here’s your office.”

  “This is bigger than the one I had at the real estate company in Chicago.” Molly’s gaze took in a metal desk, a file cabinet, a worktable, and several straight chairs. Next to the door hung a corkboard for notices. Sunshine beamed in a window facing the road, and several potted plants and a colorful wall calendar gave the place a homey touch.

  Sara crossed to the desk and picked up a three-ring binder. “Everything you need to know is in here. All the procedures, from ordering supplies to taking phone orders, to supervising the crew are included.”

  Worry crossed her mind as Molly stared at the thick notebook. “Sounds like a big job.”

  Sara put down the binder and patted Molly’s shoulder. “You’ll do great. I wouldn’t have hired you if I didn’t think so. But before you get started, I want you to meet Teresa Halston.”

  “Another of your crew?”

  “No, she’s Isaac’s wife. He’s one of Jackson’s men. She has a childcare service for the children here and from a couple of neighboring ranches. She takes care of Ryan, like you used to do.”

  “Okay…” Molly narrowed her eyes. What was Sara leading up to?

  “And she’ll be taking care of Karli, too.”

  So that was it. She should have guessed. Molly lifted her chin. “That won’t be necessary. She can stay here in the office with me. I’ll get her a little table and chair, and she can sit in the corner.”

  Sara shook her head. “No, Molly, that’s not a good idea. She needs to be active and to be with other kids. Teresa’s yard is fenced, so you don’t need to worry about Karli wandering. Besides, Teresa won’t let that happen. She’s very responsible. And this fall, when Karli goes into town to kindergarten, Teresa will see that she gets down to the main road for the bus.”

  Her body went stiff at the mention of kindergarten. “I’m home-schooling Karli. I’ve planned that from the very beginning.”

  Sara raised an eyebrow, her hand gesturing back at the kitchen. “And how will you do that when you’re working full time?”

  Molly had given the matter a lot of thought, and the answer rolled off her tongue. “I can teach her in the evenings and she can practice her lessons during the day.”

  Sara was quiet for a long moment then she said, “I understand how you want to be with Karli. But Teresa’s a wonderful caretaker. She’s well trained, licensed, and bonded. Do you think I’d trust her with Ryan if she weren’t qualified?”

  Heat crept up her neck. Sara didn’t understand that her situation was different. “I’m sure she is all you say, but that’s not the point.”

  “No, the point is, Molly, that you have to let go of Karli, at least a little. She has to learn to make her way in the world.”

  A knot formed in Molly’s stomach. She didn’t want to quarrel with Sara. Still, she had the right to raise her child as she saw fit. “No, I don’t have to let go of her. Maybe someday. But not now. Think about it. What if Jackson were gone and you were raising Ryan alone? Wouldn’t you want to keep him close?” Her hand fisted at her side. “Why can’t you understand?”

  “I do understand, Molly, but that doesn’t mean I agree.”

  Molly swallowed against the rising lump in her throat. “So I can’t keep Karli here while I work?”

  Sara’s eyes clouded with apology, but she shook her head. “No, you can’t. There are safety and insurance issues to consider, too. I’m sorry. We should have discussed this at the time I hired you, but we didn’t. And now you’ll have to make a choice. I’ll give you some time by yourself while I check on Doreen and Lupe.” Sara turned and stepped into the other room.

  Molly pursed her lips. Who was Sara to tell her how she should raise her daughter? She said she understood, but she didn’t. If Molly wanted to home school Karli, that was her business, wasn’t it? If she didn’t want her daughter thrown into the mix of someone’s daycare, that also was her decision.

  Returning to Red Rock and the Rolling R had been a big mistake. She and Karli didn’t belong here. Too many memories. Too many problems.

  If she returned to Chicago, she probably could get her old job back at the real estate office. Her boss, Mr. Cass, had allowed Karli to come to work with Molly. Karli had been a bit of a problem, though, because sitting still for very long was difficult. Mr. Cass had hinted once or twice that Molly should make other arrangements.

  Molly chewed her lip and sank into the office chair. What would Buck want her to do?

  The answer to that was easy—stay here on the Rolling R. He always said he wanted to raise his children in the wide, open spaces, not in the big city.

  Sara and Jackson had gone to a lot of trouble to bring her and Karli to Red Rock. Molly glanced out at the other employees and knew Sara could have hired someone locally to help with her business.

  Molly and Karli had been back only a few days. Of course, adjusting would take awhile. Didn’t she owe Sara and Jackson and everyone else concerned at least a try?

  Decision made, Molly stood and crossed to the door leading to the kitchen and called to Sara. When Sara joined her, she said, “Okay, Karli and I will meet Teresa. But I won’t make my final decision until after that meeting.”

  “Fair enough,” Sara said, and squeezed her hand. “I’m betting you’re both going to love her.”

  ****

  Molly had expected Teresa to be someone close to Anna Gabraldi’s age. Instead, she was in her twenties, tall and thin, with chocolate brown hair pulled into a single, thick braid. Over her jeans and T-shirt, she wore a huge apron with many bulging pockets. A teddy bear’s head stuck out of one, a doll from one, and a packet of tissues from yet another.

  Teresa flashed a wide smile and led them into her house. She leaned down to eye-level with Karli. “So you’re Karli. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “And this is Mr. Muggins.” Karli held up her doll.

  “Hey! We watch his program every day.”

  “You do?” Karli’s eyes shone and a smile graced her mouth.

  “Yup.” She rose and turned to Sara and Molly. “The kids are outside with my high school helper, Jasmine, so this is a good time for a tour.” She showed them a large playroom full of toys and games, a kitchen that included child-size tables and chairs, and several bedrooms furnished with twin beds for naptime.

  “How many children do you have here?” Molly asked.

  “Seven, including my two. David will be in first grade this fall, and Lani in second. Plenty of room for one more.” She patted Karli’s shoulder. “Now, let me show you what’s outside.” Teresa
led them through the kitchen and out the back door.

  Molly’s eyes widened. In one corner stood a huge, multicolored playset with swings and a slide. Teresa’s helper, Jasmine, pushed a girl on the swings, while two more used the slide. Nearby, Ryan and another boy played with toy cars in a sandbox, while an older boy and a girl sat at a table working a jigsaw puzzle.

  “Wow!” Karli exclaimed and then ran toward the playset.

  “Karli!” Molly’s voice caught in her throat. “You haven’t been invited yet.”

  “It’s okay, Karli,” Teresa called. “Go ahead and try out the equipment.”

  Karli raced up the steps to the slide.

  “Be careful, darlin’!” Molly’s throat dried. Would Karli be able to land on her feet without Molly to catch her at the bottom?

  “I will.” Karli sat at the slide’s top. “Here I go!” she called and swooped down.

  Expecting her to tumble onto the ground, Molly held her breath.

  But Karli landed on her feet, laughing and waving Mr. Muggins. Then she ran to join Ryan and his friend in the sandbox.

  Molly gazed around. “The yard certainly looks secure.” She nodded at the cyclone fencing.

  “It is,” Teresa said. “And so is the house. When we’re inside, the screen doors are always closed and locked. The children don’t go out without either me or Jasmine.”

  “Karli tends to run,” Molly said, her gaze following her daughter’s movements.

  Teresa smiled and stuck her hands into her apron pockets. “She sounds like a typical five-year-old.”

  “No, I mean it.” Molly’s tone was firm. “She runs away.”

  “She won’t run away from here.” Teresa smiled and slowly shook her head.

  The three women stood awhile longer watching the children play. How carefree and innocent they were, Molly thought. No sadness about the past. No worries about the future. And for a moment, she yearned for someone to take care of her, so she too might be worry-free.

  She straightened her shoulders. Silly thought. She was an adult now. She could take care of herself. And of Karli, too.

  “So, what do you think?” Sara’s voice broke into Molly’s thoughts.

  “I’m impressed.” Molly turned to Teresa. “You’ve thought of everything. Still, could Karli start out on a trial basis? To make sure she adjusts?”

  “Of course.” Teresa nodded. “Why don’t you let her stay for the rest of the day?”

  Today? Molly wasn’t prepared for Karli to begin so soon. Still, they were here and, other than her own anxiety, Molly couldn’t come up with a reason to refuse Teresa’s invitation.

  “Well…all right. Let’s exchange cell phone numbers, though. In case anything comes up.”

  Teresa nodded. “Good idea. And I’ll give you a brochure to look over.”

  Molly stepped to the back door and called to Karli, “I’m going now, darlin’.”

  Karli stopped pushing a toy car through the sand long enough to wave. “’Bye, Mommy.”

  On the way back to the bakery, once Teresa’s house was out of sight, a sinking feeling hit the pit of Molly’s stomach. Was she doing the right thing to let someone else take care of her daughter?

  Chapter Four

  “Sorry to leave you alone so soon,” Sara told Molly on Tuesday morning. “But I need to leave now if I want to reach Denver in time for my appointment.” She crossed the bakery’s office to the filing cabinet, opened a drawer, and removed a file folder.

  Molly looked up from making an entry in the computer. “No problem.” Sara had explained earlier that an appointment she’d had next week had been changed to this week.

  “I know, but I’ve thrown a lot at you all at once.” Sara glanced at the contents of the folder, and then stuck it into her brown leather briefcase sitting on the worktable. “Okay, any questions before I take off?”

  “No, but I’ll probably have plenty by the time you return.”

  “Don’t forget to fax a reply to Donovan’s letter.”

  “Right.” Her gaze landed on the letter in the inbox.

  “And check our supplies to see if we can cover those orders that came in last week.”

  “That’s on my list.” She pointed to the clipboard at her elbow. “Everything will be fine.” Molly hid a smile. Sara was as nervous about leaving her business with Molly as Molly had been about leaving Karli at Teresa’s.

  “You think this suit is too dressy?” Sara smoothed the wide lapel of her navy blue cotton jacket then fingered the matching slacks.

  “Not at all. It’s perfect. And your hair in a bun instead of a ponytail looks professional.” She made a shooing motion with one hand. “Go already, or you’ll be late.”

  “Yeah. Okay.” Sara started for the door then stopped and turned. “Don’t forget Steve Roper’s coming this morning to install the new software.”

  The reminder tightened Molly’s brow into a frown. “I know.” She couldn’t help the sigh of resignation that escaped her lips.

  “Anna will make lunch for the two of you.”

  Molly jolted at this news. “What? I planned to have lunch at Teresa’s.”

  “Have Karli join you and Steve instead. I’ll tell Anna on my way out to make enough for three. Gotta run.” She darted out the door, but in the next instant she ran back in. “Almost forgot my briefcase.” She snatched up the case and slung the strap over her shoulder. “Okay, now I’m really off.”

  Sara’s “good-bye” to Lupe and Doreen drifted into the office, followed by the kitchen’s screen door opening and closing. Molly sat back in her chair and folded her arms. Gazing out the window, she glimpsed Sara climbing into her car. If only Steve Roper weren’t coming today. She needed more time to get used to the routine. She wanted to eat lunch with Karli and the other children, not with him.

  Yesterday, she’d picked up Karli after work. Her daughter had been full of chatter about her afternoon at Teresa’s. They’d both been too tired to do much in the evening, although Molly made sure she read Karli a bedtime story. She and Buck had read to Karli from the time she’d been born.

  Molly sighed. He’d been such a good father.

  She shook her head to clear away the memories. She’d better get back to work.

  While she was lost in her thoughts, the computer switched to screen saver, a montage of ranch scenes. She punched a key to return to the order form. Studying Sara’s notes, she added two dozen gingerbread cookies to the order. But when she punched the Tab key to go to the next line, the screen froze. Irritation tensed her muscles, and she scowled at the monitor. She hated glitches, had little patience with them. Hitting the Tab key repeatedly brought no results. Now, she’d have to force quit the machine and restart. Sara had warned her this might happen.

  Before she could perform the task, someone knocked on the screen door that led outside. Scooting her chair toward the door, she looked up and met Steve Roper’s gaze.

  “Hey.” His lips broke into a broad smile.

  Molly’s heart beat faster. “Hello. Come on in.”

  Steve opened the door and stepped inside. “Looks like you’re hard at it.” He crossed the room to stand in front of her desk.

  He wore jeans and a brown cotton shirt that matched the color of his eyes. The shirt’s short sleeves showed off his muscular arms. His black briefcase was slung over one broad shoulder.

  Hoping to calm her overactive heartbeat, she took a deep breath. “Trying to be, but the program froze.” She pointed to the computer.

  He leaned around to glimpse the screen. “Good thing I came, isn’t it? Once I install our program, that will never happen again.”

  She raised an eyebrow and, with undisguised skepticism, said, “Oh, really?”

  He nodded, his eyes solemn. “Guaranteed satisfaction or your money back.”

  “You sound awfully sure of yourself.”

  “Where our programs are concerned, I am. You’ll see.” He set his briefcase on the worktable next to the desk and shr
ugged off the strap.

  She wanted to look away, but couldn’t keep her gaze off him. Judging by the precise cut at the nape, his hair had been professionally styled, probably at a fancy New York salon.

  With a snap, he opened the briefcase and took out a box. His long fingers had neatly clipped nails with not a speck of dirt underneath.

  Molly had to smile. He was such a dude and so out of his element here on the Rolling R.

  He glanced up and caught her before she could erase the smile.

  “What?” His brows knit into a frown.

  Heat flooded her face. “Nothing. I was, ah, nothing.” She made a dismissive wave.

  “Oh. I thought maybe I was wearing my breakfast on my shirt, or something.” He glanced down at the front of his shirt.

  “I’d better get out of your way.” Gripping the arms of her chair-on-wheels, she prepared to scoot to the side.

  He raised a hand. “No, stay put. I want you to see what I’m doing. You need to learn the program from the bottom up. Then if you get into trouble, you’ll know what to do.”

  “Okay.” Like a dutiful student, Molly clasped her hands in her lap and leaned forward.

  “Of course, we have good technical support, and our programs don’t have glitches. But we always make a point of putting the customer in the driver’s seat.”

  Steve’s confidence impressed Molly. “Good to know.”

  Opening the box, he took out a couple of booklets and CDs then pulled up a chair and sat beside Molly. As he adjusted the monitor so they both could view it, his elbow brushed hers.

  A little shiver spiraled up her arm. She should move away. Again, he’d encroached on her personal space. Instead, she sat there as though frozen.

  Steve slipped the CD into its slot. “So, what other accounting programs are you familiar with, if any?”

  She turned and, caught in the warmth of his brown-eyed gaze, couldn’t form a single answer.

  “Accounting programs?” he prompted, eyebrows raised.