A Secret Between Us by Judy Duarte

Author:Judy Duarte
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-11-07T18:51:29+00:00

* * *

On Friday, Ramon picked the boys up from school and drove them to the Lazy M, where they would spend the night with Callie. He parked next to Callie’s car. Before he could shut off the ignition, Rascal the cattle dog rushed around the corner of the barn, barking up a storm.

“Rascal!” Mark called out, finally perking up. “We’re back.”

“Coach,” Jesse said, “can we go play with him?”

“I’m okay with that. But let’s say hello to Callie first. Get your backpacks. I’ll grab your overnight bag and take it to the house.”

The boys hurried out of the Expedition, stopping long enough to greet Rascal, then they headed to the wraparound porch with the dog trotting along beside them, its tail wagging.

Ramon climbed the steps, joining them at the front door, and rang the bell. He expected Callie to answer, but instead it was an attractive brunette who greeted them with an I’m-so-glad-you’re-finally-here grin.

“Hey, there.” A smile dimpled her cheeks and put a sparkle in her big green eyes as she greeted them, focusing her attention on Mark and Jesse. “I’m Alana. Callie and I are so excited you’re going to spend the night here. Come on in.”

As the boys stepped into the living room, Alana reached out to shake Ramon’s hand with a firm, work-roughed grip. “We haven’t met, but I’ve heard about you. And I’ve seen your picture in the newspaper. I’m Alana Perez, Jack McGee’s granddaughter. Callie’s making up the beds in the guest room. She’ll be out shortly.”

“Ramon Cruz,” he said. “Thanks for letting the boys stay with you.”

“No problem.” She returned her gaze to the boys. “Okay, you guys. I know your names, but tell me who’s who.”

“I’m Mark,” the older boy said. He poked a thumb at his brother. “And that’s Jesse. We’ve been here before. We really like your ranch.”

“It’s a cool place, isn’t it? And it’s going to be even better once Callie and I are done fixing it up.”

No doubt, Ramon thought. They might be calling it Rancho Esperanza, but it was going to take more than hope and dreams to renovate the Lazy M. And with all that work done by two inexperienced women on a limited budget? That was one hell of a daunting project.

“Callie,” Alana called out. “We’ve got company!”

Mark reached down and gave Rascal a pat on the head. “We really like your dog, too.”

“Isn’t he great? He came with the ranch.”

Ramon scanned the living room, with its scarred hardwood flooring and stone fireplace, its faux-leather furniture. He caught a warm, sweet, buttery whiff of sugar and cinnamon. “Something sure smells good.”

“Thanks. I just whipped up a batch of cookies.” Alana nodded toward the kitchen. “You’re in luck, boys. I doubled the recipe. I hope you like snickerdoodles.”

Jesse scrunched his face. “What’s that?”

Alana’s jaw dropped, and her eyes widened in exaggerated surprise. “You mean you’ve never had one of the best cookies ever?”

“No, but I’d like to try one.”

“Good. Most kids are hungry and ready for a snack when they get home from school.

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