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growing behind her eyes. She would not allow herself to break down. “I’m really sorry to hear that, Mr. Finickes, is it?”
    She’d only met the man a few days before, but her mind was in overdrive, trying to grasp her new responsibilities plus all the changes that had happened in her life in such a short time.
    “Can you give us two more weeks?” She held her breath.
    The farm helper looked at his hat. “Ma’am, I’m sorry. My new employer needed someone starting this week. If I want the job, I’ve got to start now.” He looked up at her, regret in his expression.
    “I understand. Tell you what. I know we probably owe you something. Why don’t you come by tomorrow, or later in the week when you get the chance, and I’ll have a check ready for you.” Riley could sense Zane watching her, and it unnerved her.
    He’d made a valid offer to help with the farm, but she felt pressured and did not appreciate his interference. She could do this job herself, though Mr. Finickes didn’t have the greatest timing in the world.
    “Thank you, ma’am. Later on this week, then.” He placed his hat back on his head, stood tall, and smiled at her before exiting with an added bounce to his step.
    Riley opened desk drawers and shuffled through pencils, paper clips, business cards, and an array of disorganized junk, looking for a bottle of painkillers. A sticky blue substance covered her fingers, and she looked for the source. A leaking ink pen. She wiped at the goop with a tissue but only succeeded in smearing the ink, which left a stain.
    The pounding in her head began to increase in intensity, and if she didn’t stop it soon, she could be facing a full-blown migraine. The bills and late notices drew her gaze as though they screamed at her, demanding her attention. Unsuccessful in her search, she sighed as she closed the drawer and returned her attention to Zane.
    “You know, I appreciate your offer. I really do. But I can handle this on my own. It’s a great opportunity for me.” If she could make it work, that was. She could think of nothing worse than failing and adding to Grandpa’s disappointment.
    Chad stirred on his blanket and sat up, his pudgy cheeks red. He squinted then rubbed his eyes. “Mommy?”
    Pain shot through Riley’s tender heart at his words, and she shared a look with Zane. His gaze spoke volumes to her that he cared deeply for the child. She rushed to Chad and picked him up. “No, sweetie, Mommy’s not here. It’s Aunt Riley.”
    The inadequate words caused her to frown. For Chad’s sake, she wished she could become his mother; then he wouldn’t have to grapple with a situation he couldn’t understand. She’d not had the opportunity to call a counselor for advice yet, though she would probably speak to the pastor at her grandfather’s church as he had suggested.
    “Here, honey, let me get you some juice.” The yellow top of a sippy cup protruded from the elastic side pocket of his diaper bag. She pulled at it, but the bag wouldn’t relinquish its hold.
    “Allow me.” Zane pulled the apple juice out and handed it over to Chad, who smiled at him. It was obvious the boy returned Zane’s affection.
    She understood why Chad loved him so much. He was kind and considerate. “I should probably get back to work, Mr. Baldwyn, and I’m sure you’ve got something you must do, as well. Again, I appreciate your offer, but I can handle this.” Riley hoped she sounded convincing; the pressure in her head was mounting, and she didn’t have an inkling how to get on top of things now that Chad was awake.
    Zane jammed his hands into his pockets and paced. “May I ask you a question?”
    Though his manners were endearing, the man couldn’t take no for an answer. She gritted her teeth to contain her frustration. After her experience with Eric and now Zane, Riley began to wonder if all men were bullheaded.
    “Go ahead.”
    “Don’t think me rude, but how do you plan to run this business and take