The Rancher's Redemption

“This isn’t really work.” Yvonne smiled. “I love making wedding cakes, especially when I know the people involved. And this one isn’t that complicated. Della didn’t want a big wedding and neither did Nate, so it won’t take long.”

“Is Rio going to be here for that?” Lizzie asked as she found her keys and checked that she had her cell phone. “It’s in two weeks, right? Just about the time my parents get here and take Roman off for his Disney vacation.”

“Yes, two weeks, which is why I want to get the basics done now. Cakes always work better if they can sit and settle for a while.”

“The problem with your cakes is that everyone wants to eat them immediately,” Lizzie joked. She blew Yvonne a kiss. “See you in the morning.”

“Looking forward to it already,” Yvonne sang back.

Lizzie was still smiling as she left the café and walked back along Main Street toward Gabby’s house. Her smile disappeared when she saw the gold Lexus parked in Coretta’s driveway again.

Even worse, as she drew level with the house, the car window went down and Mike, the annoying P.I., grinned at her.

“Hey, you. How’s it going?”

“I thought you were leaving town,” Lizzie said pointedly.

“I am, but I got some good pictures of you and lover boy today to pass on, so I’m glad I stuck around.”

“Pictures of me doing what exactly?” Lizzie demanded. “Isn’t it illegal to spy on people or something?”

“Not to my knowledge.” Mike pretended to frown. “You were on a public street kissing, so I didn’t invade your privacy or anything.”

Lizzie stared him down, aware of a kernel of panic growing in her stomach. “You are an obnoxious human being.”

He shrugged. “I’m just doing the job I’ve been paid to do, ma’am.”

“And you seem to get such a lot of pleasure out of it.”

“Well, that’s true, because mainly I get to catch cheating spouses in the act, and I kind of like bringing liars to justice, you know? But you . . .” He met her gaze. “You’re something different.”

Lizzie put her nose in the air and continued up the path to Gabby’s house while Lexus Mike headed toward the highway. She could only hope he’d really be gone this time.

Gabby opened the door and Lizzie walked with her into the kitchen. The three boys were outside playing happily together, and Gabby urged her to sit down.

“I’ve fed him so there’s no need to rush off. Would you like some iced tea?”

“That would be great.” Lizzie found her cell and checked her messages. There was one from Adam mentioning that he’d seen Mike outside her apartment, which at least meant she didn’t have to text him to warn him herself.

“What’s up?” Gabby asked as she put the tall glass of tea in front of Lizzie.

“Just Coretta stuff,” Lizzie said glumly. “They’re trying to drag Adam into this mess now. I still don’t know what the heck is going on and I’m sick of it.”

“Could you talk to someone else in Ray’s family?” Gabby asked.

“They all blocked me when Ray told them I’d deliberately gotten myself pregnant to secure my financial future.”

“He said that?” Gabby bristled.

“Well, not in those words. He was way less complimentary. I think the term gold digger was mentioned at least once.”

Gabby rolled her eyes. “He’s a piece of work.”

“Tell me about it.” Lizzie sighed. After the high of accepting Yvonne’s offer to manage the café, the low of Mike and Coretta was even harder to deal with. “At least Coretta won’t be able to sabotage my new job. Yvonne won’t listen to her.”

“You’re going to manage the café?” Gabby asked. “That’s awesome!”

“Thanks,” Lizzie said. “I won’t exactly be living the high life, but at least I’ll have regular hours, an interesting job, and bigger paychecks.”

“You go, girl.” Gabby clinked her glass against Lizzie’s. “What’s going on with Adam?”