The Rancher's Redemption

* * *

As soon as Adam left, Lizzie opened up her laptop and googled everything she could find about how CPS worked. From what she could tell, if she was honest and open with them, she should have nothing to worry about.

“Yeah, right,” Lizzie murmured.

She contemplated her phone. Should she tell her friends what was going on? She knew they’d be supportive, but the mere thought of them knowing someone had called CPS on her was embarrassing. Part of her wanted to storm around to Coretta’s house and ask the older woman exactly what she was doing, but she suspected that wouldn’t help matters at all....

At least Adam had offered his support.

She closed her eyes, briefly reliving the moment when he’d let her lean into him and given her comfort. She’d felt safe and protected, and for one crazy second had imagined what it would be like to have that all the time. She’d never had that—never had anyone to help her protect Roman and keep him safe.

Not that Adam could do much right now. But just knowing he was around, and that she could call him if she needed something was far more reassuring than she could ever have imagined.

Chapter Six

“Is everything okay, Lizzie?”

Lizzie turned as Yvonne followed her into the kitchen. “Yes! Why?”

“You just gave January the wrong lunch.”

Lizzie scrabbled in her apron pocket for her order pad. “Did I?” She scanned her notes. “She ordered a tuna sandwich, right?”

“Yes, and you gave her the vegetarian one meant for Jenna,” Yvonne said. “It’s okay. I switched them around. Angelo’s got the tuna one coming right up.”

“I’m sorry,” Lizzie apologized. “It’s not like me to mess up so much.”

“No, it’s not.” Yvonne perched on the corner of the steel worktable. “Is Roman all right?”

“He’s fine.” Lizzie found a smile somewhere. “I’m really sorry, Yvonne. I’ve got a lot on my mind, but it’s not okay for me to bring it to work.”

Her cell buzzed and she jumped like she’d been shot. She forced herself to stay focused on her boss.

Yvonne gestured at her apron. “Maybe you should take that.”

“No, I’m good. Really, I—”

“The lunchtime rush is over. Check your phone, and if you need to go somewhere just let me know, okay?”

“You really are the most amazing boss,” Lizzie said.

Yvonne’s grin was a welcome relief. “I’m the best boss in Morgantown; everyone knows that.”

“And I appreciate that you are willing to put up with me right now.” Lizzie paused for breath. “I promise things will get better soon.”

“I hope they will, because I might need you to take on more hours soon.” Yvonne washed her hands. “We can talk about it when you’re ready. Now go and check your phone.”

Lizzie took out her cell and read the text from Gabby. She’d had to tell her friend that she’d had a letter from CPS and that Gabby might be getting a call in the very near future to check on Roman.

Thought you should know I just had a visit from CPS. I told them all about Coretta and they met Roman. They’ve already left so there’s no need for you to rush over.

Lizzie scrolled through until she found Gabby’s number. She walked out to the back of the building and into the parking lot to get some privacy.

“Hey!” Gabby answered on the first ring. “Seriously, don’t worry. It went really well. The woman was supernice and was great with Roman. She only stayed about half an hour. I got the distinct impression that she realized there was nothing to be concerned about.”

“Thank goodness.” Lizzie leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes. “Maybe once they get back to Coretta that will be the end of it.”

“I should think so,” Gabby agreed. “Coretta hasn’t been home the last couple of days. She’s probably been lying low.”

“That wouldn’t surprise me.” Lizzie sighed. “Why she just can’t meet Roman and get it all out in the open, I don’t know.”

“Don’t feel like you have to rush over and collect Roman,” Gabby said. “He’s having a lovely time building Lego castles for his dinosaurs, so I’ll see you at the normal time, okay?”