Page 6 of Daddy's Little Farmer

“The man knows her pretty well.”

“Do you think he’ll have a problem with me taking her away from home?”

Darian shook his head. “I doubt it. He’s protective of the girl. Tony says she seems to be having difficulty with a few people in town. A young girl like that on her own tends to get in trouble.”

Rafael nodded.

“Call me when she gets here so the girls can meet her.”

“You’re pretty sure I’ll get her to come?”

Darian grinned. “Oh, I’d bet you a million dollars she’ll be here within a month.”

Rafael’s eyes widened. “Your optimism is encouraging. Thanks.”

He watched his friend leave before picking up the phone and dialing Porter’s number, the man in charge of the grounds around his house. If Darian was right, they would need to get on the barn’s construction immediately.

An hour later, he got off the phone and sighed. Thank God the man knew what needed to be done. Rafael had told him what he remembered about the animals she had. Porter informed him he’d have everything set up within two weeks. He could hear the excitement in the man’s voice and was pleased. He thought the older man and Mara would get along nicely, and he trusted that he’d take care of her when he wasn’t around.

His next call was to Tony.

“This is Rafael Saunders. I have some questions I need to ask you.”

“Sure,” Tony said.

“I’d like to bring Mara home to live with me.”

“Oh.”

He didn’t think Tony sounded excited about it and was actually suspicious.

Rafael already knew this would happen, and he was glad the man was protective of her. “Yes. What are your questions for me?”

“Why do you want her?”

“If things work out, we’ll have a relationship.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t see how you could make her happy. I know you have money, but that doesn’t matter to her. She’ll need attention.”

“I already know that.”

“I can’t see what a billionaire would want with a little farm girl.”

“You met the women that were with us that day. All three came from different situations. None of them came from money. She’d fit right in, and she’s what I’ve been looking for a long time.”

“What about her animals?” Tony asked.

“I’m having a barn built as we speak. The person in charge grew up on a farm, so he knows what’s needed and will be around to supervise when she’s with the animals.”

“Oh, my. What happens if it doesn’t work out?” Tony asked.

“I honestly think we’d do fine together. If by chance we don’t, I’d give her choices. We could always keep her farm where you are, making her and you feel more secure.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

“How do I go about getting to know her? I don’t want to scare her, and she won’t just go with me without knowing and trusting me.”

“If you go in wearing an expensive suit and driving a limo, she’ll run. You’ll have to come down to her level a bit.”

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