Page 67 of Whispers of My Skin

“I wouldn’t want to cause any problems between you,” she smiles fakely. Because I know that’s exactly what she’d like to do.

“You won’t,” I say curtly “But this can only be a temporary arrangement, so I trust you’ll get on with finding somewhere else to stay as soon as possible.”

“I’ll try my best, but it may take a little time, especially as I’m pregnant,” she sighs dramatically, placing her hand on her still flat belly for emphasis. “Joel’s already insisted he wouldn’t me moving anywhere that could put the baby at risk.”

“Well, I’m sure being pregnant shouldn’t be too much of an obstacle in finding a decent place, Cassandra. And I wouldn’t want to embarrass you in your delicate condition, as Joel and I are newlyweds with very active love life and well... two’s company, three’s a crowd. You know what I’m saying?”

And without waiting for her response, I turn my back and start fixing my breakfast.

“Tara,” Joel shouts as he enters the house.

“I’m in the den,” I call back. I’ve been going through my father’s book collection and all kinds of other things that need sorting. It’s been keeping me happily occupied and away from the bitch, who’s thankfully taken herself back to her room and out of my sight.

It doesn’t take Joel long to find me.

“Baby, I have great news!” he exclaims, clearly excited. “Next Monday, some of the ranchers I told you about have agreed to come here to discuss the practicalities of the organic farming methods we’re implementing at Redlands. This is exactly the kind of interest I was hoping for, and this meeting will be really important for us in forging important links and contacts. My plan is that eventually, this group will form the cooperative we need to branch out and move forward.”

I throw myself into his arms because this is really great news, and exactly what we’ve been hoping for. As he showers my face with kisses, his excitement is contagious.

“I have to go talk to Connor, get him to call a meeting with the ranch workers, get everyone up to speed. We need to make a really good impression, so I want everything to be perfect for this visit, and we have less than a week.”

“I’m so proud of you,” I say truthfully. Joel’s been working incredibly hard since he took over the ranch, and I’m really impressed with how much he’s already achieved in such a short time. He’s totally validated my faith in his ability to rescue Redlands and proved I made the absolutely right decision the day I went looking for him.

“Well, my love, wear something nice tonight, because we’re going out to celebrate.”

“Yay! That’s music to my ears.” I’ll finally have a break away from the ranch. Much as I love this place, a change of scenery will be wonderful.

“Oh, but what about Cassandra?” I’m only asking to be polite, I certainly wouldn’t want her tagging along and ruining our evening.

“I’m sure she’ll be just fine,” he says. “Cassie knows she’s safe here, especially as I can ask Connor to check in on her.”

Perfect. If he’s not worried, I’m certainly not worried.

“Another thing,” he says before leaving. “I want you to call in a catering company to provide lunch for the meeting on Monday. This is a really important deal for us and I want to make a good impression. Something simple but classic.”

I have a better idea.

“Joel, we don’t need to go to the expense of bringing in a catering company. I can handle a lunch—I have done a catering course, you know.”

That one course my mother agreed on me taking because every woman needs to know how to be the perfect hostess. Well, at least we can take something from one of her ridiculous ideas.

“Are you sure?” he frowns. “Wouldn’t that be a lot of work for you?”

“Of course I’m sure, I’d really enjoy it actually. And don’t forget, we have Mrs. Sanchez, the cook Fermin arranged to come in three times a week, and I’m sure she’d be more than happy to help out. What do you think about chili? Maybe we could have okra for the entrée, I could make pecan pie… how many will we be catering for?” My mind is already going nineteen to the dozen thinking about suitable dishes.

“There won’t be more than ten people. I guess with Mrs. Sanchez helping out, it shouldn’t be too much for you to handle,” Joel reluctantly agrees. “Make a list of what you need and I’ll get it delivered.”

“No need for that, I can go shopping,” I point out.

“I don’t want you taking on too much, as you’re still meant to be convalescing since the doctor hasn’t signed you off as fully fit yet,” he kisses me on the cheek with a loud smack. “So, no arguing, just give me the list and I’ll get it fixed.”

“Fine, have it your way,” I smile, not bothering to argue.

“See you tonight, I’ll be home by six,” Joel smiles back.

“Don’t forget our date,” I remind him, happier than I’ve been in a long time, because it actually seems that things are falling into place after so many years of struggling to get Redlands back on its feet.

“Never.” He grins before turning to leave but not before he gives me a smoldering look.

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