Page 51 of The Billionaire's Baby Betrayal

“I’m fine, Mom, and I’m calling from the airport in Casper. I know it’s sudden, and I’ve given you no notice, but would it be okay with you and Dad if I came to visit for a few days?” Piper was trying not to sound desperate.

“Carrie, that’s such a silly question! Stay a few days or a few weeks. We will feel blessed that you’re here. I’ll send your father to pick you up.”

“No, Mom, that’s not necessary. I’ve already arranged a car service, and the driver will be here any minute. I should be there in an hour or so.” She felt better about the situation after her mother used her childhood name.

“A car service? Goodness, Caroline. Isn’t that a bit extravagant when we could have gotten in the pickup to come to get you?”

And now we’re back to Caroline. “I can afford it, Mom. I’ll see you soon, and thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me for having you home with us.”

“Okay. Bye.”

Piper had misgivings about the visit, hoping it wouldn’t be as stilted as the conversation, but knew it was time she and her parents made amends. She sat down on a bench to wait for the car.

“I could use a double espresso about now,” she muttered.

Soon an older woman came through the automatic doors with Piper’s name on a sign.

“Over here,” Piper shouted, waving her hand.

“Hello, Ms. Marshall. I’m your driver, Norma. If you don’t mind my saying so, Ms. Marshall, you look like death warmed over. How far have you traveled?”

Piper chuckled. “From Uruguay, with stops in Panama City and Denver, and I don’t mind you saying so. But if you happen to know where I can get a decent espresso, I will perk up.”

Norma smiled. “I do, and it’s on our route.”

Ten minutes later, Piper walked out of a popular chain coffee shop with a new espresso maker and one pound of espresso beans. Norma came around to open the car door for her.

“I thought you wanted to get an espresso, not make one,” she quipped.

“I bought two espressos, strong and hot, and they’re on the counter inside. I’m positive my parents don’t have an espresso machine, and I must have at least two every day.”

Norma went into the shop and grabbed the espressos. “Thank you, Ms. Marshall. Ready to get going?”

“Yes, and you’re welcome.”

Piper saw Casper Mountain, where she and Jamie had hiked and camped as teenagers, and stared out the window at the other sights she was familiar with along the I-25 stretch between the airport and Douglas. It wasn’t long until the car was driving up the lane to the ranch house. Piper’s mother and father came out onto the wide porch and waved. There was no running down the steps to embrace her as she stepped out of the car. Calm and steady was all she was going to get.

Her father, tight-lipped as she remembered, came to the car to help with the luggage.

“Caroline, it’s good to see you.” He stopped to kiss his daughter on the cheek before taking the bags from Norma and retracing his steps to the house.

“Hi, Dad.” She turned to Norma and pressed a sizable gratuity in her hand. “Thank you for stopping at the coffee shop.”

“You’re welcome, Ms. Marshall. It was my pleasure.” She glanced at Marianne standing on the porch and spoke to Piper in a low voice. “The espresso didn’t help with the dark circles under your eyes, so be prepared for a motherly comment. I’m a mom, and I know.”

“Got it. Thank you.”

Norma reached into the car to get the espresso machine box and handed it to Piper. “Good luck.”

Piper’s father had gone into the house, but her mother was waiting for her on the porch.

“Good heavens, Caroline, what is in the box?”

“I figured you didn’t have an espresso machine, so I bought one on the way. It will make regular coffee, too.” Piper smiled and paused to kiss her mother’s cheek. “Hi, Mom.”

“Hello, dear. Let me get the door for you. After you called, I freshened up your room. If there’s anything I missed, please let me know.”

---