by Lois Richer
“After supper my mom said she and Dad will watch the kids here while you and I meet with Abby at my place. Okay?” he asked, one eyebrow arched.
“Sure.” Kelly hated the rush of trepidation she felt. “Any idea what it’s about?”
“Could be several things.” Sam’s gaze held hers. “But we’ll handle it together, right?”
“For the next six months we’re a team, Sam. We’re going to get that adoption through. We can do it.” Kelly infused her words with as much confidence as she could, knowing that upstairs lay a huge roadblock to that plan.
“Kelly and Sam. Who could resist them?” he joked. But his teasing tone couldn’t mask the worry lurking at the back of his green gaze. “Nobody messes with our family.”
Our family.
It sounded so good. Kelly held up her hand to receive his high five then preceded him into the kitchen. She took her place at the table with her father on one side and Jacob Samuel on the other. As Sam’s father said grace, she found herself watching Sam, utterly bemused at his inclusion of her in his family. How wonderful to belong.
Even if it was only for six months.
* * *
“The twins’ father had an aunt,” Abby said quietly. “Whoever was in charge of finding their family after their mother died had no idea about her because she married and changed her name. Then she was divorced and has since remarried. She’s been out of touch with the family for a long time.”
“But why didn’t their father mention this person?” Sam said, frustration eating at him. Why wasn’t God doing something?
“I’m not sure. Apparently, this aunt divorced her husband when the twins’ father was quite young. Perhaps he forgot about her,” Abby offered. “Remember their father already has a family and has made it very clear he’s disowned the twins and given up all his parental rights.”
“Maybe he also disowned his aunt,” Kelly suggested. Sam could tell from the way she’d said the words that she was still smarting from the contretemps with her mother that had left her weeping in the hall, though he wasn’t sure exactly what had happened.
“Could be,” Abby agreed. “Anyway, this woman, Eunice Edwards, recently took up a hobby—genealogy. While building her family tree, she learned of the existence of the twins. She and her second husband, Tom, are childless. They have petitioned the court for custody of the twins.”
“Wait a minute. I thought of something.” Kelly’s brain was busy processing this new information as Sam felt a rush of devastation.
He appreciated that she was trying to find a fragment of hope, but he needed something more than a feeling to go on.
“This woman would be the twins’ great-aunt, correct?” Kelly’s brown eyes sparkled.
“Yes.” Abby smiled at her. “I see our minds are moving along similar channels.”
“What channels?” Sam glanced from her to Kelly. “What are you both thinking?”
“That a great-aunt would be older and maybe not as able to handle almost-five-year-old twins.” Kelly studied Abby’s face then frowned. “Except you mentioned a husband. That family aspect probably gives her claim more credence than an uncle who is unmarried and isn’t even legally an uncle. True?”
“In the court’s eyes—likely,” Abby agreed quietly.
“So what now?” Sam demanded, his jaw muscles flexing. “I’m supposed to just hand them over?”
“No. A judge will have to hear their claim,” Abby explained. “You’ll be able to present your side. We have Marina and Jake’s documents showing that they’d prepared for their children’s futures by naming guardians in the event that something happened to them. That shows responsibility. You also have a family network of support, Sam. That counts.”
Despite her words, Sam didn’t think she sounded optimistic.
“Uh, about family.” Kelly cleared her throat. “Don’t count on my mother for support, Abby. She thinks the twins should be sent to someone else.”
“What?” So that was what Arabella had laid on Kelly. Sam watched a flush of shame fill her face and wished he’d been there to support her. “Why does she want them gone?”
“I can’t figure that out.” Kelly tried to smile. Sam thought it was to soften her next words. “My mother seems to feel Marina only accepted the twins as a kind of second-best substitute, that Jacob Samuel’s birth, the birth of her own child,” Kelly emphasized, “meant she didn’t really want them anymore.”
“That’s a lie!” The startled look on both women’s faces made him realize he’d shouted the words. Sam swallowed then explained in a quieter tone. “Marina adored the twins. She loved making their clothes, telling them stories, planning the future with them. She was constantly assuring them that she and Jake would never let them go.”
“Sam—” Abby tried to interrupt, but he had to finish.
“There is nothing second-best in the videos she made to chronicle their lives over this past year,” he insisted, smarting at the idea that his brother would have let his beloved twins go without a fight. “They loved Sadie and Emma every bit as much as they loved Jacob Samuel.”
“Okay, good. The videos will be powerful evidence for our case, showing the twins are part of the family,” Abby mused, but her face remained troubled. “The biggest hole in our case is that Kelly isn’t staying. Sam said you intend to leave in six months?”
“I have to go back to work.” Kelly’s beseeching eyes begged them both to understand. “It’s my job. I don’t know how to do anything else, and I have to earn a living somehow.”
“Oh, I realize that. It’s just that the judge will be certain to ask who will be there to watch the kids, all three of them, when you’re gone.” Abby glanced from Kelly to Sam. “Any ideas how you’ll handle that?”
“Not yet,” he said, hearing the defensiveness in his voice. “But I’ll come up with something. It’s not an impossible situation. People have nannies.”
“True,” Abby conceded. “There are lots of single parents who have day care or other options. But this great-aunt has a large house, with servants, and intends to hire a full-time caregiver. She’s already started the twins’ college fund, too.”
“A pity she didn’t provide for them when their mother was alive,” Kelly grumbled.
“If she had, Sadie and Emma might never have come here,” Sam reminded her. “I can’t wish that.” He noticed Kelly’s embarrassed look and reached out to pat her shoulder. “I like that you’re angry on the twins’ behalf, though.”
“Mrs. Edwards claims she didn’t know about her nephew’s affair, that the woman had children or that she was ill. Now that she knows, she wants to give them a life of opportunity.” Abby sighed. “I only wanted you to be aware. There’s nothing you can do at the moment, but I’d suggest that while we’re waiting, you strengthen your case by ensuring the twins continue to think of this as home and you two as their caregivers.”
“And my mom?” Kelly asked, her voice hesitant. “What do we do about her? She’s living here. She’ll unsettle them, undo what we’re trying to do because she doesn’t think the girls belong here.”
“She isn’t going home?” Abby asked.
“She can’t.” Shamefaced, Sam looked at Kelly. “She was really struggling with your dad. When I was there visiting, I kind of suggested she sell the house and move here so she could be near Marina and get help if she needed it. Apparently, Arabella took my advice, because I found out yesterday that she has accepted an offer on their house in Victoria. Their things are being packed and moved here as we speak.”
“Mom never told me.” Kelly stared at him as if he’d betrayed her. Sam hated that.
“She thinks she and your dad should stay with you in Marina and Jake’s house,” he confessed.
“No.” Kelly shook her head adamantly. “I’m leaving in six months. Dad
’s condition is getting worse. I know he needs familiar things and places, but he also needs care. Caring for the kids, your parents and mine is asking too much of you, Sam. Besides, Mom’s attitude toward the twins is controlling and very negative. My parents need their own place, nearby maybe, but separate.”
“I have an idea. Mayor Marsha mentioned her sister and husband, who winter in Arizona, intend to move to the coast to be near their grandchildren.” Abby shrugged. “Marsha said they were waiting till spring to list their house, but maybe something could be worked out.”
Sam knew who she was talking about.
“Good idea. Even better, the Emersons’ house is very similar to your parents’ home in Victoria,” he told Kelly. “Put their own things in it, and I think your dad would settle. He’s not at the total confusion stage yet and managed the move to the ranch very well. Waiting might make it harder for him.” He watched Kelly process the information. “Would your mom consider it?”
“Maybe.” She tilted her head. “You’d have to present it with no other option but moving because unless you do, she will insist on staying here. My mother likes to be in control.”
“Understatement,” Sam muttered. He saw Kelly’s amusement and hurried to change the subject. “Problem is she’s concerned about staying with your dad without help.” Frustration returned, accompanied by irritation. Could God actually want the twins to leave their home?
“I just thought of something that might sweeten a move to town.” Kelly’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Abby. “Is there a quilting group locally?”
“Buffalo Gap has three quilting groups.” Abby grinned. “We’re a busy bunch. Some of the quilts come to Family Ties as gifts for the moms or the babies who are to be adopted. Some we donate to charities, and some are given to the local seniors, nursing homes, pediatric wards, etc. We’re always looking for new members.”
“Quilting is the love of my mom’s life,” Kelly said. “If she was in town, she’d be able to get involved, even join a group. But not without someone to watch Dad.” Kelly blinked when Sam started laughing. “What’s so funny?”
“The answer is Hilda Vermeer—no, her name is Cramer now because she married Joel Cramer,” he explained then realized the explanation wouldn’t help newcomer Kelly. “Hilda used to take in foster kids for Abby, but she hasn’t had any lately. She told me after the funeral that she’s bored and asked if there was some way she could help us out.”
“Perfect. She’d be great with Kelly’s father,” Abby said. “Hilda can talk to anyone about anything. Her arthritis bothers her hands, so she’s dropped out of her quilt group, but I know she’d still like to feel useful.” She wrinkled her nose. “I haven’t placed any kids with her lately because of her hands and because I thought she and Joel should have time together after their recent marriage. But with Joel helping at his daughter-in-law’s ranch, Hilda has lots of spare time. She lives in town, so it wouldn’t be hard for her to come to your mom’s on short notice.”
“Hilda’s not playing for the choir anymore?” Sam asked.
“Apparently, it’s too much for her hands.” Abby lifted an eyebrow. “What do you think, Kelly?”
“I think God has prepared a way for us to do this.” Kelly smiled at Sam so warmly he felt a foot taller. “But someone other than me will have to suggest it. Mom will think I’m trying to boot her out of Marina’s house.”
“Arabella has a bug about Kelly,” Sam explained to Abby. “We’re not sure why, but it doesn’t make life easier with the twins listening to everything.”
“I’ll ask Mayor Marsha to find out if the Emersons will consider selling. If so, I’ll present the idea to Kelly’s mom,” Abby offered. “Or maybe I’ll suggest she’d be doing them a favor by house-sitting and then let it slip that they want to move permanently.”
“I’ll make sure Mom knows about the quilting group first.” Kelly grinned at Sam. “Might as well plant the desire before you offer a solution.”
“Some people might say you’re devious,” he teased.
“Just using the brains God gave me.” She winked at him. It took Abby clearing her throat for Sam to snap out of the spell that wink placed him in.
“Okay, that’s our plan. I’ll get working on my part right away. Thanks, Abby,” he said and meant it. “Know that I’ll do whatever I have to in order to ensure the twins stay where they belong.”
“I will, too,” Kelly agreed.
“As will I. The twins belong here where they’ve already established roots. It’s clear that you both love them.” Abby smiled. “Mind if I ask God to bless our plans?”
Sam bowed his head, though he wasn’t sure her prayer would do any good. But just in case—he added one silent plea of his own. Please?
Once Abby had left, he and Kelly walked back to Marina and Jake’s house. Arabella was sitting in the kitchen watching Jake’s mom stir milk she was heating for cocoa.
“It’s not the best thing for a child before bedtime,” Arabella insisted.
“We always have it on Saturday night,” Sadie told her. She caught sight of Sam and said, “It’s our fam’ly t’dishon, right, Uncle Sam?”
“Your what?” Arabella frowned.
“Tradition. You’re right, sweetie. Cocoa and a movie on Saturday night is a winter family tradition on the Triple D,” he said more loudly than he intended, grateful they’d returned before Arabella could ruin the evening. “My mouth’s watering already.”
“Guess what, Mom?” Kelly stepped into the breach of Arabella’s disapproving silence. “Abby was just telling me about some quilting groups in Buffalo Gap.” She paused. “I had no idea they had such a demand for quilts here. It seems they’re donated to a number of charitable causes. Sam says Abby is an amazing quilter and she has a long-arm machine.”
“An accomplished quilting group?” Arabella asked.
“So I’ve heard,” Kelly said with another wink at Sam as her mother lapsed into thought. This time it took Sadie yanking on his leg before Sam could break eye contact with Kelly.
Some strange connection flickered back and forth between them, something he didn’t yet understand. He did know he was glad Kelly was staying. As he hunkered down to listen to Sadie, Sam realized that Kelly didn’t seem like a guest at the ranch. It seemed to him that like the twins and Jacob Samuel, Kelly belonged with him on the Triple D.
* * *
Kelly blinked to clear her eyes as the credits rolled on the sappily sweet movie. She paused when she caught Sam watching her and knew from his lopsided grin that he’d seen her weeping.
“Softie,” he murmured with a gently mocking grin.
“That movie made even you teary eyed a couple of times,” she insisted. “You can’t deny it.”
“Of course I can. I’m a rancher,” he snorted. “We don’t get teary eyed.” His scoff of disgust roused Jacob Samuel from his comfy position on Sam’s chest. Immediately, the big rancher’s face softened, and he used a soothing pat on the baby’s back.
“Big and tough, all right,” Kelly teased softly, enjoying the sight of this tough muscular man lovingly caring for a baby.
“Well, what about you, dedicated career woman?” Sam shot back. “You look right at home sitting there with the girls. Your hair’s all mussed and there’s popcorn butter on your cheek.” He chuckled when she eased her hand out from behind Emma to brush her cheek.
“We’re saps for these guys, aren’t we?” Kelly brushed Sadie’s bangs off her face and pressed a kiss against her brow then smiled at Sam. “Besotted, that’s what we are.”
“Yep.” His voice sounded lower, more gravelly. He didn’t look directly at her before rising, careful not to jar the baby. “I’m going to tuck this little guy in his crib, then I’ll come and help you with those two.”
“Thanks.” She smiled dreamily at Sam, comparin
g him to the hero in the movie who risked life and limb to save a young boy from people determined to harm him.
“Do I have butter on my face, too?” he asked, one eyebrow arched in a query.
“No.” Kelly felt the heat burn her cheeks and quickly averted her gaze to the handmade quilt he’d spread over them earlier.
“Then what?” he asked.
Sam was good-looking enough to star in any movie, but she had no intention of saying that aloud. Feeling awkward, as if a sudden intimacy had grown between them, she was almost relieved when her mother wandered into the room.
“Are those children still up?” she demanded.
“No, Mom. As you can see, they’re sleeping. We’re about to put them to bed.” Kelly noted Sam leaving the room while she was still speaking. A moment later he returned, his arms empty.
“Did you need something, Arabella?” he asked pleasantly as he lifted away the quilt that covered Kelly and the twins and folded it.
“I made that for Marina.” Arabella’s voice wobbled. “She was so good at taking pictures and drawing and handcrafts, but she never really took to quilting.”
“I’m sure she appreciated it.” Kelly could only pray this wouldn’t turn into another diatribe. “The backing is so cozy.”
“It’s a special kind of chenille,” her mother said in a pleasant conversational tone. Then she caught herself. “But why am I telling you? You don’t quilt, either.” She sighed then turned toward the kitchen. “Your father wants a drink of water. He seems very unsettled tonight.”
“I’m sorry.” This was her own mother, and Kelly didn’t know what to say to her. She was afraid to say anything, lest she trigger unpleasantness. So she remained silent.
“It’s probably because of that cocoa everyone insisted he drink.” Arabella tossed a glare at Sam.
Thankfully, he simply offered a quiet, “I’m sorry.”
When her mother passed through with a glass of water, Kelly said good-night, but the only response was a passing glare Arabella tossed at the still-sleeping girls before stomping her way upstairs. The thud of the bedroom door wasn’t enough to wake Jacob Samuel but it was distinctly audible.
