Confessions: Everyone Has a Secret at Ryder Ranch

By Kelly Wallace

She's searching for her mother. He lost his only son. Neither thought they'd find love ... but secrets could destroy it all.

Brooke Daniels lost her adoptive parents when she was young and spent several years in foster care. All she’s ever wanted was to love and be loved. To belong somewhere. She’s been trying to find her birth mother for the past decade and finally uncovers a promising lead.

Following the clues, Brooke finds Lisa Scoffield working on Ryder Ranch in Wild Rose, Iowa. When she’s standing face-to-face with the woman who brought her into the world, she’s mistaken for the new cook. Jumping at the chance to get to know Lisa better, she keeps her identity secret for the time being.

Dylan Ryder is the sexy ranch owner, though Brooke’s lust seems one-sided. She pushes her feelings aside, telling herself she’s here to spend time with her biological mother, not pursue an affair with a brooding loner. It isn’t long before she discovers Dylan is just as attracted to her and they spend night after night wrapped in wild passion.

As the weeks pass, Brooke’s never been happier and believes a life she’s always dreamed of is right at her fingertips, but damning secrets stand in the way. Lisa still has no idea Brooke is her daughter. What will she do when she finds out? Dylan prefers keeping his past dead and buried. When it all comes out will it ruin any hope of a future together? And what will Dylan say when Brooke reveals her biggest secret of all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Wallace
• Release date: Nov 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370577996

Kelly Wallace

Kelly Wallace is a best selling multi-published spiritual and self-help author, radio show host, and has been a professional psychic counselor for over twenty years. She can see, hear, sense, and feel information sent from Spirit, the Universe, and a client's Higher Self. Whether your problems or concerns are in the area of love, finances, family, career, health, education, or your path in life, she offers affordable professional intuitive counseling, caring guidance, and solutions that work! More than just a typical psychic reading or counseling session, you will feel you've found a real friend during your time of need--whether you simply want answers and guidance to your current worries or concerns, or you're interested in learning more about your soul mate, spirit guides, past lives, or anything else. Visit her site today and book a reading! DrKellyPsychic.com

Book preview

About The Author

JOIN KELLY AS SHE PEEKS in on her characters as they reunite, discover secrets, overcome personal obstacles, heal old wounds, and ultimately find true love. She hopes you enjoy reading her fun, warm, and touching tales as much as she loves writing them!

Kelly has lived in Southern California, Arizona, and finally put down roots in Maryland to be close to her family. When she isn’t dreaming up another steamy romance she’s taking nature photos, hiking the beautiful national parks, hanging out with her furry kids, and exploring cemeteries and karaoke clubs with friends and family. 

She loves hearing from her readers. You can contact her any time:

[e-mail]

Romances By Kelly

ANIMAL MAGNETISM – Secret Baby Romance

Best Friends Better Lovers – Romantic Comedy

Bound To The Night – Light Bondage Romance

Confessions – Everyone Has A Secret At Ryder Ranch – Ranch Romance

Constant Craving – Family Romance

Cowboys Make Better Lovers – Family Romance

Hard As Steele – Erotic Short Story

Hellraiser – Medical/Comedy/Interracial Romance

Invisible Evidence – Romantic Suspense

Looking For Mr. Right – Romantic Comedy/Interracial Romance

Love Immortal – Paranormal Romance

Makeshift Marriage – Western Romance/Second Chance Romance

Of Passion And Parsecs – Romantic Suspense

One Wicket Night – Second Chance Romance

Phantom Lover – Paranormal Romance

The Chosen One – Paranormal Romance 

Two in the Bush – Romantic Adventure

Wrong Brother Right Lover – Secret Baby Romance

Chapter One

SYD, IF I DON'T TAKE this vacation I'm going to go nuts, I swear! Brooke Daniels slumped into the tan tweed chair in front of her best friend and business partner's desk.

You can't be serious? We're busy as hell and you know it. Sydney held an upturned hand to the small yet bustling company around her. Though nothing could be seen from inside the office, Brooke could hear the background activity of people talking, phones ringing, and machines copying and printing. Pride swelled in her knowing the place nearly ran itself. They'd worked their asses off and it showed.

Brooke leaned forward and said, Jack can help out while I'm gone.

What does my brother know about lingerie and customer service? He's a photographer for cripes sake! Sydney threw her hands up then slid the ever-present elastic band off her wrist and put her burgundy-from-a-bottle hair in a tight bun.

Syd, things are good. In fact, they're great. When are you going to relax and enjoy life?

The centuries-old White Oak, Maryland, townhouse had been turned into offices decades ago. They rented the entire second floor. Brooke's office had once been the guest bedroom of what she was certain was once a jaw-dropping gorgeous home. Syd had chosen the long-ago master bedroom since it was bigger and gave her more room to do what she was doing now: pacing and worrying.

We just added the new Sugar Lace line and it's selling like crazy. Syd reached for some papers on her desk, looked over the information, and said, In fact, the Crimson Crush teddy sells out as fast as we get it in stock.

That's good, isn't it? Brooke studied her friend's face, knowing she tended to freak out when things weren't running on her strict and stable schedule. Hell, maybe Syd should be the one taking this vacation. But, Brooke really needed to get away. Her three-year relationship had gone to hell months ago and being around sexy lingerie all day long just reminded her of her own empty love life. She needed to get away, recuperate, do some soul searching, and find out who she really was.

Brooke stood up and said more firmly, Sure, Jack's our photographer—a job he adores and brags about quite often—but why can't he answer phones and take orders while I'm gone? If need be, hire a temp to help as well. We can afford it. I can still do some designs and email them to you.

That's not the point. Syd stopped pacing and stood in front of Brooke, hands planted on her slim hips and a hard look in her dark brown eyes. Her pink blouse and lacy skirt seemed so fun and flirty, yet her friend’s personality was totally opposite. Tall and slender and harsh at times, Sydney Welsh wore an invisible suit of armor that kept everyone at bay, especially men.

I think I've found my mother, Brooke finally whispered, wiping her palms on the thighs of her slacks, suddenly feeling nervous yet excited. She hadn't wanted to tell Syd until she knew for sure, but she needed her to know how important this trip was.

Now that her thirtieth birthday had come and gone, she had an insistent yearning to find the woman she'd never known. What did she look like? Did she have her gray eyes and wavy, coffee-colored hair? Her big feet and bigger hips? Did she have siblings? And ... why did she give her away? A pang of old hurt spread throughout her chest, but she pushed it away. She had no idea what she would discover on this trip, she just knew it was necessary.

Syd looked at her, wide-eyed. You've got to be kidding?

Shaking her head, Brooke dragged a shaky hand through her hair. It took some doing since it seems she's a hermit, but the last known address for her was in Iowa.

Couldn't you call first?

The number’s been disconnected.

What about one of those people finder websites?

Brooke sighed, feeling impatient. Don’t you think I tried that?

Syd’s face lit up with disbelief. So you’re just going to wander around a state you’ve never been to and hope you run into her?

Waving her off, Brooke said, I’m not that stupid. I have some good leads, just not the precise place she’s at now.

What if she’s moved?

Ugh! I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it, okay? I’ll ask around. Wild Rose isn’t all that big, and I have a general idea of where she’s at. From what I found out she’s been there for the past twenty years so I doubt she’s moved far.

What if she’s dead?

Raising her face to the ceiling, Brooke said a few choice cuss words before looking at the other woman. You should have been a lawyer, you know that?

So people have told me. She wrinkled her nose at Brooke then said, And what will you do if you find her? What will you do if you don't?

I'll either get answers or, at the very least, enjoy a much-needed vacation.

Brooke, you're just going to open up a can of hurt, I know it. Syd chewed on a pen, looking worried. What if she doesn't want to meet you? What if she’s a druggie? Or, what if she’s got a dynamite life and you go and screw it all up? She tossed the pen down and blew back some strands of hair hanging in her face.

Brooke pursed her lips and plopped back down into the chair. Thanks for all the moral support.

What will you really be getting out of this? You’ve been on your own since you were sixteen and should be proud of all you’ve accomplished. Syd then said more softly, Do you really want to find a woman that didn’t want you?

Believe it or not, I’ve thought about all of those things you mentioned. It's a gamble I'm willing to take. She stood up and walked over to the corner window looking out at the people walking below. They all seemed to have direction and knew where they were going. They had purpose. They belonged somewhere, to someone. Brooke envied them.

She turned back to Syd with a pinched frown. Haven't you ever felt like something was missing from your life and you can't fill it up no matter how hard you try?

Most people do, which is why I work six days a week.

Brooke rolled her eyes.

What if it’s just another dead-end and you’re left disappointed like last time? Syd asked with real concern.

Brooke hated that her friend always had to examine things from every angle while she herself preferred to jump in before seeing how cold or deep the water really was. I know. I've thought about that too.

Have you? She crossed her arms over her chest looking like a disapproving parent.

Look, you aren't talking me out of this, okay? Brooke couldn't hide the frustration in her voice. Syd was more like a nagging mother than a friend at times. This seems promising though. Besides, I need closure. If it doesn’t work out, I’m done looking. She swallowed hard.

Her friend let out a long sigh and wiped a hand over her face. Sorry if I'm bitchier than usual. Must be PMS. I do hope you find her and that she's as happy to see you as you will be to see her.

Brooke stood up, hugged Syd, and laughed. When I get back I'm forcing you to take a vacation. We've been running Sinful Secrets for five years and I don't think you've taken more than a day or two off each year.

Syd started rummaging through a filing cabinet now. We really don't need four catalogs from each supplier, do we? She tossed the extras onto the maroon carpeted floor. I like working.

Brooke raised her eyebrows. Really? I've never noticed. She headed for the door and looked back at her friend. I'm bringing my cell, though I don't know how good the reception is out there. I’ll check in with you.

Yeah, yeah, whatever. More catalogs hit the floor. Whether you do or don't find her, I hope you'll finally lay this mystery to rest. I swear, at times it consumes you. At the very least, you better come back less preoccupied and more creative. We need something to add to the upcoming Valentine line.

Brooke blew a short breath of amusement through her nose. Valentine's day was four months ago, which means we still have eight months until the next. Before Syd could talk, Brooke held up a hand to stop her. I already have some ideas brewing, a few for Christmas too, but can we talk about it when I get back? Two weeks isn't going to throw us off schedule. If you get too antsy I’ll email you the details, okay?

Alrighty. She turned around and leaned against her filing cabinet. Seriously though, good luck. Call when you can, take lots of pictures of the scenery, and make me jealous.

Will do. Brooke laughed. And, you have to admit this will also give me time to get Andrew out of my system. Though our relationship wasn't the most passionate or interesting, I totally believed he was the one.

Which is why I prefer being single. Syd flashed a tight grin.

The comment had Brooke feeling sad for her friend. You're only a few years older than I am and have the body of a runway model. Why let it all go to waste? Don't you ever want to be in love?

Nope. After three step-dads and one broken engagement, I'd rather go through life with my heart intact and Simon by my side. She pushed away from the filing cabinet and sat back at her desk. That dog's as loyal as they come.

I give up. Turning the knob and heading out, Brooke tossed over her shoulder, "At least you haven't become a crazy cat lady ... yet." Syd flipped her off and Brooke chuckled as she closed the door behind her. 

Oblivious to everyone and everything around her, Brooke went to grab her purse and left work behind. Excitement soared in her