CHAPTER ONE #3
Thankfully, the judge had tossed out the lawsuit, calling it ridiculous and unwarranted.
But the legal costs of defending herself had decimated the majority of her savings.
Worse, the unpaid time off she’d had to take following her return from maternity leave had gotten her fired, meaning she was paying out of pocket for both her and the baby’s health insurance, something that would soon run out.
Moving to Emerald Ridge marked a new chapter for her. “I’m grateful you told me to come. I’m becoming far more hopeful than I was before.”
“I know it’s been challenging, and I appreciate you giving me time to get it right,” Jenny said. “I’d hire you myself to help me if I wasn’t already fully staffed.”
Rachel knew she would have. They’d been best friends since they’d pledged the sorority together, and Rachel had stood as a bridesmaid in Jenny’s wedding.
“Oh, and while I know I can trust you, I need you to remember that Oakley is a Fortune. He’s a member of Emerald Ridge’s most prominent family.
There’s the Fortune’s Gold Ranch and Spa, there’s the cattle operation…
I can’t even name all of their businesses.
That’s just this part of Texas. Think fingers in many, many pies, and that’s just this branch of the family. ”
“Wow. Seriously?”
“Yep,” Jenny confirmed. “And just because Oakley’s offshoot is newer and was discovered because of a DNA test, don’t assume they won’t close ranks around their own.
You need to play it safe around this guy, okay?
I met him and he’s far too good-looking for his own good.
I can see why women would be tempted. If I wasn’t happily married…
” Jenny’s low whistle finished that thought.
“I keep telling you I’m not interested in dating, and anyway, once they find out I have a child, men hit the road. Oakley has nothing to fear from me, not like the last person you placed. The only thing I want from him is my paycheck, good health insurance and a matching 401(k) contribution.”
“And I will ensure you get all of that.” Jenny sighed. “You know I hated warning you off Oakley. I trust you, which is why I recommended you. You’re overqualified, but he’s paying well, and you’ll do your job without stars in your eyes because you’re good at what you do.”
“I am,” Rachel confirmed as her confidence returned.
She had a job. Finally! “And Oakley Fortune might be handsome, but I’m a professional.
As for my personal life, my main purpose is raising my daughter.
Diapers are my priority, not finding Allie a new daddy.
That and enrolling her in a great childcare center.
I looked into the one out at the Fortune’s Gold Ranch, but it’s too far and didn’t have any openings. ”
“There’s the place just on the edge of town,” her bestie said. “It’s not too far.”
“Already on it. I sent them an email and I’ve got an appointment lined up. I’m hoping that the fee is reasonable and there’s space available. I can’t keep asking Taylor to watch Allie.”
“I’ve helped the owner find employees before.
Let me make a phone call and see if I can pull some strings on your behalf.
And, as for you and me, we need to celebrate.
Let’s do dinner later this week. Lee is golfing with his dad on Friday and his mom will take the kids.
What about then? On me, of course, since I’m getting a hefty commission.
I’ll find someplace where we can bring Allie.
Besides, I’ll want to hear about how your first week went. ”
“That sounds perfect. Friday it is.”
Rachel ended the call and leaned against the couch.
She wasn’t a huge believer in astrology, but in a bout of curiosity, a few days ago she’d clicked one of those stories that had come through her news feed.
The next sixty days were supposedly going to bring good things to those of her astrological sign.
Until now, the horoscope had been wishful thinking for a girl at her wit’s end.
She couldn’t take any more setbacks or disappointments.
Sighing, she rose, put on a shirt and went to retrieve Allie. Her neighbor had an appointment, so the handoff was quick. Rachel would have to chat with her later about babysitting.
“Guess what,” Rachel cooed to Allie as they entered their apartment. “Mommy got a new job.”
The nine-month-old’s blue eyes blinked, and she offered Rachel her pacifier.
Smiling down at her daughter, Rachel took the Binky and popped it back into Allie’s mouth.
“Let’s get some lunch, shall we?” She set her baby girl in the high chair and gave her a few cut-up strawberries.
Allie took one in her fist and shoved it in her mouth before laughing.
Rachel inhaled deeply as the instructor had taught her. Everything was going to be okay.
She’d run an office of sixty people before, and she could easily handle an office consisting of just one other person. Even if Oakley made her heart race, he was safe. He’d hired someone once burned, twice shy, and three times more determined never to make the same mistakes again.
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