Randall Wedding

“I don’t think she’s strong enough for that, Nick, even if it is only across the street. She’s doing good to get to the bathroom on her own.”

“Sounds bad. I’ll be glad to come there. Is now all right? I’ve been worried about this.”

“Sure. I’ll get her sitting up so maybe you can talk.”

He hung up the phone and realized that the sound in the background was the shower. She was taking a shower?

He hurried into the bedroom to confirm his realization. The bed was empty and her suitcase was open. He waited until the water stopped. “Isabella?”

“Yes?”

“Nick is coming over to see you.”

“Who’s Nick?”

“He’s handling your great-aunt’s estate.”

“Let me guess. He’s another member of your huge family.”

Russ chuckled softly. He recognized the irritation in her voice. “I’m afraid so. Are you ready for some new pajamas? I’ve got some clean ones.”

“I’m getting dressed.”

“Are you sure you’re up to it?” he asked, concern filling him.

“Yes. I feel much stronger after eating breakfast.”

“All right. Come out when you’re ready.”

His mother had left one of Red’s famous chocolate cakes on the kitchen counter. He thought that might give Isabella some energy. And he knew Nick loved Red’s cakes. Besides, he wanted a piece, too.

When Nick got there, he found Russ happily chowing down on a huge piece of chocolate cake. “Is that Red’s chocolate cake?”

“Yep. And your piece is right there.”

Nick picked it up with a grin and settled on the sofa. He’d just taken a big bite when he looked down and saw Angel asleep in the carrier.

“What the hell?” he managed.

“DON’T HURT MY BABY!” Isabella shrieked from the door to the bedroom. She rushed forward, but Russ was already holding Angel.

“Hey! I wouldn’t hurt a baby. But no one told me there was a baby,” the stranger said, glaring at Russ.

“Sorry, Nick. I didn’t think it would be such a surprise.” Russ turned to Isabella. He opened his mouth to speak. Then he closed it again, his gaze going from her head to her toes. She’d put on a navy pantsuit with a striped knit top under the jacket and navy shoes. She wore makeup and had forced her wayward curls into a French knot, all sleek and sophisticated.

“Wow. That’s a big change, Isabella.”

She stiffened. “I don’t do lawyer interviews in my pajamas.” She held out her arms for her baby.

“Look, she’s still asleep. Let’s put her back in the carrier and put it in the bedroom. That way she won’t wake up.”

Reluctantly she nodded.

After he came back to the living room, he pointed out her cake and a glass of milk. “Thought you might need a little energy.”

Surprisingly, she felt hungry for the cake. Maybe because it was chocolate. “Did you make it?” she asked the stranger.

“No, Red did.”

“Another member of your family?” she asked as she looked at Russ.

“Sort of. Now, do you want me to go in the bedroom and leave you alone with Nick?”

She cast Nick a look. He was an attractive man, but she didn’t feel as confident of him as she did Russ. “No, you can stay.”

Russ and Nick exchanged a look, but Russ sat back down and continued eating his chocolate cake. When she took her first bite, she understood his enthusiasm.

“Do you mind if I record our meeting?” Nick asked, putting a small tape recorder on the coffee table.

“No. That will be fine.”

Nick picked up the tape recorder, announcing into it the date and time and the participants. Then he looked at Isabella. “Are you Isabella Paloni, great-niece of Maria Paloni, deceased resident of Rawhide?”

“Yes, I am. I got married about eleven months ago, but after my husband’s death, I took back my maiden name.”

“Were you aware that you are the beneficiary to Mrs. Paloni’s estate?”

“She wrote me that she was leaving me everything.”

“Is that why you came here?”

“No! I came because I didn’t even know she existed. When I received her letter, I called her. She invited me to come.”

Isabella’s eyes filled with tears.

“Have a drink of milk,” Russ said softly, leaning toward her. When she did so, he said, “Good girl. Now eat some more cake.”

Nick turned off the tape recorder. “Want to wait a few minutes?”

“Please.”

“How old is your baby?” Nick asked. To her surprise, he looked interested.

“She’s six weeks.”

“Her father passed away before she was born?”

“Yes,” she said, glancing at Russ.