The Texan's Twins

by Jolene Navarro

  “I promise, Daddy, my girls will always come first.” They would not experience the pain that had left her heart a scarred, bloody mess. Her mom’s death, her oldest sister’s departure, running away, her stepmother not loving them enough to stay. And Reid.

  But being tired of trying to stay strong was not an excuse. Danica could overcome any weakness that encouraged her to accept Reid as her one and only love. He’d already demonstrated he couldn’t be trusted.

  Just because he hadn’t started an argument with her father or sister this one time didn’t prove anything. Second chances were God’s business, not hers.

  * * *

  Anger sat in his gut like embers. He needed to release the pent-up tension. There was nothing for him to prove. He hated the anger his father had planted in him.

  It was up to him to not give in to it. Something physical always helped. Back at the ranch, the guys had a punching bag set up in one of the barns. He pressed his right thumb into his left palm.

  “Reid?” Nikki stood in the doorway of the front room.

  Remodeling a house was hard work, but it would keep him focused. Physical work, that’s what he needed. He liked having a mission.

  “Hi, Nikki.” The oldest Bergmann had different coloring but still looked just like the twins. They seemed a lot like their father at first, but they looked more like their mother from the old photos Danica had shown him once. If he remembered correctly, they were about the same age now as their mother was when she died.

  Adrian came up behind Nikki, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, Reid. What’s up?”

  “Bobby’s been doing little things around the house on the sanctuary, the one that has fire damage. At the rate it’s going, it will take years. I told him that I could add it to my volunteer hours and we could get it done faster. I thought you might help me figure out some of the details. But I don’t want Danica and the girls to know just yet, or her father. She might not accept my help.”

  Nikki blinked. “Wow. That’s a great idea actually, but she said she might lose the land if they have to close the sanctuary.”

  “She only has to keep it running a couple more years. Do you think she is going to let anything close her down? Look at all she’s done. She’s willing to work with me to keep it open.”

  He took a deep breath and slowed his pounding heart. “Nothing is going to stop her, and if she lives there that’s even better. With all her focus on the animals, what Danica always wanted has been lost with everything else she does for other people around here.”

  At least the couple wasn’t staring at him with open hostility. They were easier to talk to than the rest of the Bergmann family. It was all the encouragement he needed. “On the first day, I saw the house, and she told me how she had planned to live there but didn’t have the time or the resources to fix it.”

  Crossing the room, Adrian stopped in front of him. He was shorter than Reid, but he was solid and didn’t look like a man you could push around. “Why are you doing this? What are you expecting in return?”

  “I’m not playing a game. It is what it is. Danica wants to live in that house, and I want to give it to her. So, when she tells me it’s time for me to move on, I can leave knowing they have a home of their own.” He took a breath. This part was tougher. “I hope that her family, who happen to own a lumberyard, would help me make her dream come true.”

  Nikki joined her husband. Her stance was just as fierce. “No strings?” Her eyes narrowed.

  “None.”

  Adrian crossed his arms. “What’s your long-term plan?”

  The Bergmanns were a family. A real family. The kind that supported each other no matter what. They were the only family his daughters would know, and he could sleep well knowing they were loved. Even if he couldn’t be the one to love them.

  He had done better than his father already. Now his only job was not to mess it up.

  “I don’t have long-term plans right now. I’m learning to live one day at a time. I start each morning with God, and try to keep Him in everything I do throughout the day.”

  Each word was painful. It went against Reid’s instincts to talk about his personal business, but he needed someone in Danica’s family to not see a total loser when they looked at him.

  Adrian nodded. “We all make mistakes. How we get back on the right path is what matters. We don’t know each other, but this is my family too now. Do you want to be a part of the girls’ lives?”

  He wanted to yell yes, but his father’s words dragged across his brain like the jagged edge of a cut fence. There was no escaping who he was. His father’s son. He clenched his fist. He wanted to be better, but could he be? Was it possible?

  “Man, think about it carefully, because it’s a serious commitment. Once they know you and love you, there is no going back without damaging them.”

  Nikki slugged him in the arm. “Adrian. Simmer. Mr. Never Missteps here tends to be a bit overprotective of the girls in his life. Between the two of us, I’m the one that made the huge mistakes. So I want to help you, but you need to understand that if you hurt my sister or my nieces, I will hunt you down, and I have the skills to do it.”

  “She does.” Adrian slipped his arm around her waist. They made a solid wall. “So, what’s the plan?”

  “When it comes to telling the girls, I’ll let Danica decide. Other than that, I want to do as much as I can while I’m here. I want to make the ranch house livable.”

  They nodded in unison. Adrian spoke. “So, how can we help with the Home for Danica Project?”

  Reid smiled. “I’ve done construction and know my way around a basic job, but I thought you could look at the house and see if I’m missing any serious problems. I thought your dad might provide supplies. I’ll pay, but I don’t think he’d sell to me. Plus, I wasn’t sure if he would fight the idea of her and the girls moving out.”

  “Let me see when I’m available.” Adrian pulled out his phone and flipped through it. “Looks like the end of this week works.”

  Nikki smiled. “I’ll take them to Kerrville for dinner. Let me take care of Daddy. I don’t know why we haven’t thought of this before now. She loves that place. It seems a bit obvious she should move into the house.”

  “Knowing her, she didn’t want to bother anyone. It was a small fire, so hopefully, the structure is solid and not compromised.”

  “It’s not going to take her long to figure out what’s going on.”

  “I know, but I think once the plan is in motion, and the repairs are started, she’ll be fine.”

  “This is a good thing you’re doing.” Nikki was the first Bergmann to look at him with something other than disdain. Of course, she hadn’t been there the first time around.

  Adrian held his hand out. At first, Reid didn’t realize the man wanted to shake. He was an idiot, reaching forward to grasp Adrian’s palm. His grip was firm.

  The song “Wish Upon a Star” started playing from Adrian’s pocket. Nikki laughed. “You need to get your daughter a new horse, or you’re going to have to live with girly ringtones. She’s ready for a faster horse.” She turned to Reid. “That’s his daughter’s way of letting him know she is not happy about his decision.”

  “No. I’m not giving in to ringtone blackmail.” Shaking his head, he walked out of the room as he answered his phone.

  With nothing else to say, Reid dipped his head. “Thank you, Nikki. I’ll talk to you later.” He turned to leave.

  “Wait.” She lowered her voice. “Can I have a minute?”

  Outside the oversize windows, clouds shrouded the sun, casting a darkness over the room. He knew better than to assume he could walk away without taking a hit. Planting a smile on his face, he turned back to her and waited. He would smile and stay calm, no matter what she thought he needed to know.

  “You’re not the first to walk out o
n her. There is a long line of people she loved and trusted that disappeared on her. Including me. So be patient. She’s strong and independent, but more important, I’m afraid she’s not going to let anyone close to the real her. You must know for sure if you’re in this for keeps. Because you’ll have to cross the Grand Canyon without a safety net to reach her.”

  “How do I make this right for both of us? My family history doesn’t offer me a great deal of hope. I want...” His hands were cold. “I don’t know if I can do what I want to do. I want to be a good family man and father, but what if it’s not in my DNA? I have a screwed-up past. What I did to Danica is just part of it.”

  “God is in your DNA. With Him, your past does not have to be your future. I know that firsthand. I’m not a counselor like Adrian or any kind of spiritual leader, but I know God gave me a new beginning. I ran for about ten years. God brought me back here. To my family. To Adrian. To a community that I thought would reject me when they learned what I had done.”

  “I don’t even know how to be part of a normal family.”

  She laughed. “There’s no such thing as normal. On the surface, it looks all-American, but hang around, and you’ll find out all our sordid secrets.” She looked over her shoulder. “Except for Adrian.”

  “Don’t listen to her.” The male voice carried through the rooms. An edge of laughter floated right behind it. “I have issues, too. Just ask my daughter’s mother.”

  “We’re not talking to you,” she yelled back so Adrian could hear, a smile on her face as she shook her head. “The point is all of us have messed up. Including my father, so don’t let him fool you.”

  “If someone like me came around one of my daughters, I’d chase him off, too. Undoubtedly in a violent matter. Then I’d definitely be on the run.”

  “You’re leaving? Where are you going?” Danica was on the stairs, concern and maybe even a little panic in her expression. “Reid, don’t do anything to get yourself in more trouble. They’d throw you back in prison! I’m not taking my girls to visit you in jail.”

  Nikki chuckled. “That’s what happens when you jump into a conversation midstream.”

  “I thought you wanted me to leave.” Hope was a deadly thing.

  She stood at the top of the stairs as if she might take off running.

  He slowly moved toward her, but not so close that she’d bolt. “Are you thinking of letting me see the girls?” Words were hard to get past his dry throat.

  “You’ve already met the girls. But that’s not the point. Who were you going to chase in a violent manner?”

  Nikki chuckled. “I’ll let you handle this one, big guy. I’m sure Adrian needs my help with something.”

  Danica cut across the room to an old pine table. She wouldn’t look at him as she ran her fingertips across the worn surface. “This belonged to my great-grandparents.” She looked around the room. “This was the family living quarters in the early days.”

  “You didn’t answer my question. Are you thinking of introducing me to our daughters?”

  She crossed her arms. “And you didn’t tell me who you wanted to fight. You know you’re going to have to let insults slide, right? I noticed you’re better at holding your temper than you were when I brought you home last time. So don’t let anyone control your emotions. It’s not worth it.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Hip on the table’s edge, he crossed his arms and smiled at her. Just being in the same room with her was a gift. “We were talking about fathers and daughters. I told her if some punk like me showed any interest in one of my girls, I’d hit him. I didn’t see it the first time we came to visit, but I have a much deeper appreciation for your father. He was right. You shouldn’t have trusted me.”

  “If you stick around, the girls will have no chance of dating. Between you, my father and Adrian, no boy would be brave enough.”

  The need to be near her beat down his resistance. Not able to take the distance any longer, he worked his way around the table, until he stood next to her. Her fresh, sweet scent invaded him, reassured him.

  He placed his hand where hers had just traced the wood pattern. It was still warm from her touch. Head down, he watched her hands. “Danica, I want to stay for the long haul. I do. I already missed six years. Years I’ll never get back. Please, let me be here for the next fifteen.” He swallowed and hoped she didn’t hear the catch in his throat.

  For what felt like an eternity, they stood in silence. Reid feared to take a breath.

  Soft bells chimed from her pocket. Taking out her phone, she swiped the screen. “I need to go pick up the girls from school. One day a week, they get to go out and help feed the animals.” Flipping her braid over her shoulder, she looked out the window. “Do you want to go with me? I could use the help. As a friend.”

  His heart slammed hard against his chest. “Yes. Thank you. I came into town with Wade, but I’ll let him know I don’t need a ride back to the ranch.”

  “Okay.”

  She already looked like she was regretting the invitation. Reid followed her down the steps. “I appreciate this. I know it’s big for you to trust me this way.” He struggled with ways to assure her. “I promise I won’t say or do anything without your approval.”

  “I’m counting on that.” Back on the store level, she retrieved her bag from under the counter. “Daddy, we’re getting the girls and heading to the sanctuary.”

  Her father blocked the narrow hall that led to the back door. “We? He’s not going with you.”

  Reid tried to stay calm, but as always, Mr. Bergmann brushed against his brittle ego. He closed his eyelids and breathed before opening them and meeting the man’s gaze. Facing the grandfather of his daughters, Reid prayed for wisdom. He needed to earn this man’s favor. So far, he hadn’t done a thing to deserve that honor. His short fuse was his problem, not her father’s.

  Making sure to keep a glare from forming on his face, he waited for Danica. No big deal. He could do this. He forced his fists to relax, right along with his jaw.

  Chapter Nine

  Danica blew out some hot air, puffing her cheeks. Her father wasn’t even looking at her. He was too busy staring down Reid at the back of the store. “Yes, Daddy. Reid is going with me to the sanctuary.”

  He crossed his long arms. His jaw twitched. “It’s Tuesday.”

  God, please save me from the overprotective people in my life. “Yes, it is. Tomorrow is Wednesday.”

  “You don’t need to get smart with me, girl.”

  Keys in hand, she walked toward Reid. “You didn’t raise me to be stupid, Daddy.”

  Her father reached for her arm, stopping her. “The girls go with you on Tuesday. You’re taking him to pick up the girls? Are you sure that’s wise?”

  She sighed and resisted the eye roll. Really, she was too old. “Daddy, please don’t start.” She looked around the store to make sure it was clear of any other ears. “He is their father, whether you like it or not.”

  “I don’t like it. Don’t go getting weak on me. It’s not just you that he’ll hurt this time.” He grunted. “I feel like I’m repeating myself too much.”

  She glanced at Reid. He stood relaxed and calm. Not like he had just been insulted by her father. Wanting to encourage him, she smiled. If she still knew him, this was hard on his pride.

  She hugged her father, then stepped around him. “Come on, Reid. Let’s go.”

  “If you don’t want to listen to me, maybe you want to live somewhere else.”

  This time she couldn’t stop her eyes going skyward. Reid looked worried. “He doesn’t mean it.”

  “Danica! Don’t go rolling your eyes at me. You’re too old for that!”

  She went back to her father. “I love you, but please don’t treat me like I’m five.” With a quick kiss on his cheek, she turned to leave. “Bye, Daddy. I’ll see you for dinner
tonight.”

  “You’re not bringing him into my house.”

  With a sigh, she took Reid by the arm. “Do not engage. Just walk. I need to get my own place.” She mumbled it under her breath, but she must have spoken louder than she thought.

  “In good time, baby.” Reid winked, his expression relaxed despite her father’s surliness.

  Her lungs threatened to stop working. This was the playful Reid she had fallen in love with. He held her car door open. The now-familiar seriousness quickly replaced his mischievous smile. “You sure about this? I don’t want to cause more problems.”

  “Daddy will be okay.” She paused before getting into the car. Straightening, she looked into his eyes. They were grayer today. “But no, I’m not sure. The last time I was sure about something, I ended up alone and pregnant.” He had to know this was not easy for her.

  “Danica...”

  “Let’s go before I change my mind.”

  It didn’t take long to get the girls. Excited to see Reid, they chattered from the back seat the whole ride.

  She slowed the car down.

  “Momma! Why are you taking us home?”

  “There’s something I need to get at the house before we head out to the refuge.”

  Reassured, they went back to asking Reid a million questions and telling him all about their day at school.

  They were so engaged in their rapid-fire conversation, no one asked her what was in the bag she put in the back. She wasn’t even sure if she was going to give it to Reid. Maybe her father was right, and she was weak. Her resolution to keep Reid at a safe distance was already eroding.

  Reid laughed as the girls told him who got in trouble at school, and who had the best lunches. As they pulled into the gates of the sanctuary, the girls started talking about the cub and the baby bats.

  “Can we feed them, Momma?”

  “Please. Can we help give them their baths?” As usual, the girls spoke at once.

  “Girls, if you’re very quiet, you can watch, but we don’t want them getting used to a bunch of people.” Danica parked and cut the engine before hopping out of the car with the rest of her crew. “They’re wild animals, and we need them to go back into the wild.”