The Rancher's Redemption

“Well, Kimberly’s family is very well-known in political circles,” Ray said modestly. “And they think I’ve got what it takes.”

“Does Kimberly know about Roman?” Lizzie asked softly.

“She’s going to have to.” He shoved a hand through his immaculately arranged hair. “I can’t imagine keeping Mom quiet about this, can you?”

“Maybe you and Kimberly could come and visit Roman together and see how it goes,” Lizzie suggested.

“He looks like me,” Ray said awkwardly. “I saw the photos Coretta sent to Mom.”

“He does,” Lizzie said simply. “And even if you don’t want to be involved in his life, I think it would be good for him to meet you at least once because he’s already asking questions about you.”

“He has?” Ray looked startled. “I’ll talk to Kim. See what she says, and get back to you on that.” He hesitated. “You’d be nice to her, right?”

“You mean you don’t want me to tell her how fast you ran away when I told you I was pregnant?”

Ray’s expression blanched. “Okay, I was a coward and a fool. I’m a better man than that now, I promise you. I’m trying to do the right thing.”

The fact that he was doing it purely out of self-interest seemed to escape him, but Lizzie let that go. She didn’t particularly want a relationship with him. She just wanted the best for her son.

“Are you okay if I tell Mom to withdraw the court petition, and I’ll set my attorney onto sorting out a proper legal agreement just between us?” Ray asked.

“Sounds good to me.” Lizzie nodded, and Ray’s face lit up.

“Thanks for being so reasonable. Mom said you wouldn’t agree to anything.”

Lizzie nobly didn’t rise to that insult. “Henry Parker is acting for me in this matter. Your mother has all his details. And, Ray? You might want to check in with Coretta. I don’t think she’s acting like herself.”

“I noticed that when I visited with her.” He grimaced. “I’ll make sure she gets the medical attention she needs.”

“Good.”

“I’ll speak to Mom, and I’ll be in touch with you very soon.” Ray stood and took her hand, drawing her to her feet. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He kissed her cheek. “I’m truly sorry that I acted like such a jerk.”

“Yes, you did.” She agreed with him. “But we have the most amazing son in the world, so you can’t be all bad.”

He laughed. “If Roman has your great sense of humor, I’m really looking forward to meeting him and being put in my place.”

Lizzie saw him out into the café and gave Angelo a thumbs-up before returning to her seat. She needed a moment of quiet reflection before she went out and started working again. Ray hadn’t changed a bit. He was still a self-involved jerk, but his need for a squeaky-clean image was working in her favor.

She didn’t need his money, but she could use it to set up a college fund for Roman to widen his choices when he grew older. She could even tolerate Miranda if she got along with her grandson. . . .

“What did he want?”

She looked up to find Adam at the kitchen door and straightened her spine.

“That’s none of your business.”

“I get that, but I’d still like to know.” He hesitated. “I still care about you and Roman. That hasn’t changed.”

Lizzie considered him. “Then you’ll be happy to know that Ray and I sorted everything out, and that we won’t be going to court after all.”

“That’s . . . great.”

She couldn’t deny the note of genuine relief in his reply.

“Thanks.” She stood up. “Now, I really have to get on . . .”

He didn’t move away from the door. “I’m sorry I lost my temper with you, Lizzie. You didn’t deserve that. I lashed out at the wrong person.”

“Okay.”

“Will you forgive me?”

She wished he didn’t sound so hopeful. “Sure.”

“I just . . . can’t believe Louisa would’ve done that.”