Page 69 of Daddy's Little Farmer

“Have you talked to Mr. Saunders?”

“Not yet, but I will. I can find someone else that would take them, but I know you already love them.”

“I do. Very much. I’ll keep them as long as you need me to, even if it’s forever.”

Tears ran down her cheeks. “Thank you. You have no idea how much this means. They were my biggest worry.”

“Mara, may I tell Mr. Saunders that you’re all right? I can’t tell him where you are.”

“That’s true. Yes, just tell him I’ll get in touch with him after a while, that I’m fine, and to leave me alone.”

“I’ll tell him. I sure wish I could see you soon,” Porter said.

“I hope so, too. I really enjoyed working with you. Now that I have your number, I’ll call.”

“You do that. Stay safe.”

“You, too. Give them all a hug from me.”

“I will.”

She hung up, put the phone down, and started crying. Her whole world was torn apart. How would she ever feel better or get her life back on track?

After several minutes, she sat up and wiped her face with her hands. One thing at a time, she thought. She always had her farm and Tony to fall back on, so she wasn’t totally alone.

She walked out to the kitchen to see Alex drinking coffee, reading the paper, and watching the news on a small TV in the corner. She slid into the seat next to him.

He smiled, folded the paper, and set it aside. “How did it go?”

“I think okay. He’ll be able to take care of my animals indefinitely. He even agreed he’d keep them if I couldn’t get them back.”

“Are you okay with that?” Alex asked.

The tears started again, and she shrugged. “If I have to leave them, then Porter is the one I’d choose to take them.”

Alex reached out and squeezed her hand. “I’ll do whatever you need.”

“I’m so glad I found you.”

Alex smiled. “I am, too.”

Mara gasped when she heard her name on the TV, and a picture of her came up.

“If you have seen this woman, please call the numbers below. A million-dollar reward is out for her. She left the Mayer building last night around eight and hasn’t been seen since. Every available agency is out looking for her.”

“So, I’m guessing your name is Mara?” Alex said and grinned.

She nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

“It’s all right. What should we do about this?”

“We need to call someone, don’t we?”

“Yes,” Alex said.

“Did that newsman really say one-million-dollar reward?” she asked.

Alex nodded. “Someone really wants you back.”

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