The Texan's Twins

by Jolene Navarro

  “Who gives this woman to this man?”

  “I do, her father. And in memory of her mother.” Aww’s could be heard throughout the yard.

  “Us too! Us too!” The twins jumped up and down, causing light laughter. The last of their flowers were scattered.

  This was happening. He glanced at Mr. Bergmann. The older man nodded and laid Danica’s hand in Reid’s palm, stepping back.

  Jackie moved forward to take the bouquet. She narrowed her eyes at him. “Cowboy, don’t embarrass yourself in front of the whole town.” Her voice was hoarse like she’d been crying.

  Oh, man, his eyes were leaking. He gritted his teeth and took Danica’s hands in both of his. She anchored him. He focused on their point of contact. Her hands were so much smaller than his, but they were strong hands, graceful and pale with light freckles scattered over her skin.

  Pastor Levi cleared his throat. “We have gathered here today to celebrate and renew the vows of a marriage that took place six years ago. Today, before God and family, Reid McAllister and Danica Bergmann McAllister...”

  McAllister. Danica had taken his name. He didn’t hear anything else the pastor said. At that moment, his world was made up of one woman. His bride. His wife. The mother of his children. His Dani girl.

  God had given him gifts greater than anything he could have ever imagined for himself.

  Adrian nudged him, and he realized they were exchanging rings. His hand shook as he slipped the simple gold band on her finger. She recited her vows and placed a ring on his.

  Claiming him in front of the respectable people of Clear Water, and God.

  “You may now—”

  Just like his daughters, he couldn’t hold back any longer, he needed her in his arms. He grabbed Danica, lifting her off the ground.

  Before the pastor could get the whole sentence out, he was kissing her. Laughing, she threw her arms around him and kissed him back.

  The girls joined them, hugging their legs. He picked Lizzy up and settled her on his left hip, gripping Danica’s hand in his right one. Suzie held her mother’s hand as they walked back to the archway as a family. His family.

  Lizzy kissed him on the cheek, her arms around his neck. “This is the best birthday party ever!”

  He had to laugh, then saw years of extravagant birthday parties ahead of them. Danica leaned in closer to him. “We might have set the expectations a little too high.”

  He didn’t care. Whatever kept his girls happy.

  “Happy Valentine’s Day to my one true love,” she said. “You’ve always had my heart. I’m so glad you brought it home.”

  “You are my home, Dani girl. My bride, Mrs. McAllister. My name never sounded so good.”

  Home. She was his home. A special place God had made just for him.

  The twins ran ahead to join the bridal party.

  The yellow ribbons danced around them. He leaned in close to her ear. “You are my heartbeat, baby. Never forget that.”

  Her fingers cupped her jaw. “I never did, Reid.” With a soft touch of her lips to his, she whispered, “Welcome home, love. Welcome home.”

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed THE TEXAN’S TWINS,

  look for the first book in the

  LONE STAR LEGACY series, TEXAS DADDY.

  Keep reading for an excerpt from CLAIMING HER COWBOY by Tina Radcliffe.

  Join Harlequin My Rewards today and earn a FREE ebook!

  Click here to Join Harlequin My Rewards

  http://www.harlequin.com/myrewards.html?mt=loyalty&cmpid=EBOOBPBPA201602010003

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you so much for riding along on my sixth trip to Clear Water, Texas. It might be a fictional town, but it’s very much rooted in the real Texas Hill Country and planted deeply in my heart. If you have ever been to Leakey and Boerne, you might see familiar sights.

  I hope you enjoyed hanging out with the Bergmann sisters. You can find Nikki’s story in Texas Daddy. I’ve had fun getting to know them. Since I have two sisters and several aunts myself, I have found it interesting exploring sister relationships.

  Walking with Reid and Danica on this journey was at times painful, but I loved watching their faith and love grow and overcome the hurt and self-doubt from the past. Hope you enjoyed reading their story.

  The setting for this story was inspired by pictures of baby bats that Teri Wilson shared with me. It was fun getting to research our local wildlife rescue programs.

  Blessings,

  Jolene Navarro

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

  You believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.

  Enjoy six new stories from Love Inspired every month!

  Connect with us on Harlequin.com for info on our new releases, access to exclusive offers, free online reads and much more!

  Harlequin.com/newsletters

  Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks

  Twitter.com/HarlequinBooks

  HarlequinBlog.com

  Join Harlequin My Rewards and reward the book lover in you!

  Earn points for every Harlequin print and ebook you buy, wherever and whenever you shop.

  Turn your points into FREE BOOKS of your choice

  OR

  EXCLUSIVE GIFTS from your favorite authors or series.

  Click here to join for FREE

  Or visit us online to register at

  www.HarlequinMyRewards.com

  Harlequin My Rewards is a free program (no fees) without any commitments or obligations.

  Claiming Her Cowboy

  by Tina Radcliffe

  Chapter One

  If Lucy Maxwell had learned one thing, it was that when life appeared to be going smoothly, it was time to listen closely for the other boot to drop.

  Because it always did.

  The attorney who stood at the head of the conference table, in his finely tailored suit, with his impossibly thick black hair and deep charcoal eyes, was definitely sigh-­worthy. He even had a slight dimple when he smiled. Which he didn’t do very often. Except for his off-center nose, with the scar at the bridge, he was perfect. It was a good thing she was not taken to sighing over near-perfect men with dimples.

  The man was unfamiliar to her. After working closely with the Brisbane Foundation for several years, she thought she knew everyone. But not him. She would have definitely remembered Jackson Harris.

  He began to speak. The icy disdain that laced his voice as he reviewed the last twelve months of charitable funding to Big Heart Ranch obliterated any fanciful thoughts in Lucy’s head. Instead, she blinked to attention and sat up straight, adjusting her sundress and blowing her thick fringe of bangs from her eyes.

  “After a lengthy consultation with the foundation accountants, I recommend a significant reduction in funding to Big Heart Ranch for the upcoming fiscal year,” he concluded.

  Lucy gasped at the attorney’s words. The sound was loud enough to cause the board members seated at the enormous conference table to turn and stare. She fanned her damp skin with the meeting agenda. It seemed that the cool air had been sucked from the room, leaving it as sweltering as the Oklahoma summer outside the conference room windows.

  Reaching for her water glass, Lucy took a long drink. If ever there was a need for divine intervention, it would be now. Big Heart Ranch’s own budget for the next year could not be finalized until the foundation’s donation had been secured.

  She should have suspected something was up when her presence was requested at this meeting. Usually, the ranch accountant met with the Brisbane Foundation accountant. And it was generally a simple transaction. Not this time. This time the director of the ranch was invited to the meeting. Lucy took her director responsibilities seri
ously and had arrived early and eager.

  The start of the meeting seemed a lifetime ago. Now her hands trembled as she set the glass back down. Lucy clasped her fingers together tightly in her lap and turned to the other end of the table, where the chief executive officer of the Brisbane Foundation sat.

  “Mrs. Brisbane?” Lucy prompted.

  Meredith Brisbane had paled beneath her silver coif. She cleared her throat and touched the pearls at her neck, as if to reassure herself she was still breathing.

  “Lucy dear, I can assure you this is as much a surprise to me as it is to you. Though my nephew is newly appointed to the foundation, I am certain he has our best interests at heart.”

  Nephew? How had she missed that significant bit of information?

  “However, through no fault of his own,” Meredith added, “Jackson has a limited understanding of why we partner with your organization. I take full responsibility for this omission. Lucy, perhaps you could enlighten him on how funding to the ranch is utilized.”

  “Yes. Yes.” Lucy nodded, while her mind raced. “I’m happy to.”

  After all, Big Heart Ranch was Lucy, and her brother, Travis, and her sister, Emma. They’d single-handedly built the Timber, Oklahoma, local charity for orphaned, abandoned and neglected children.

  Lucy paused, her confidence waning. She could provide the smug attorney with numbers until the ranch cows came home. Like the fact that the average cost of raising a child was well over two hundred thousand dollars, and that the ranch was raising sixty children. However, something told her that Jackson Harris would not be impressed with numbers. What would get through to this man?

  She blinked. Like the kick of a stubborn mare, out of nowhere, inspiration struck. Lucy smiled and turned to face him.

  “Spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations can’t possibly show you the true heart of our ranch, Mr. Harris. The best way to understand the big picture is to come to the ranch. Spend time with us. I’d love to show you our ministry in action.” She paused. “Of course, I’m happy to provide you complete access to our financials, as well. You have an open door to anything you need from us.”

  It was Jackson Harris’s turn to show surprise. He opened his mouth, but before he could respond, his aunt chimed in.

  “Why, Lucy, that’s a splendid idea. I couldn’t agree more. He needs to see the scope of the ranch’s reach.”

  Jackson’s gaze moved from his aunt and then back to Lucy. He narrowed his eyes. “What exactly did you have in mind?” The words were measured and precise.

  Lucy scrambled for a plan. “Summer,” she burst out.

  “Summer?” The attorney tugged at the collar of his dress shirt.

  “Yes. We’re about to start our summer program at the ranch. It’s our busiest and most ambitious undertaking of the year. Not only do we work with our own sixty children, but we invite the children from the State of Oklahoma orphanage in Pawhuska to the ranch for vacation Bible study at rotating intervals.”

  He adjusted his silk tie and said nothing.

  Lucy continued. “We’re about to start our annual series of old-fashioned trail rides and campouts.” She flashed him what she hoped was a confident smile. “The summer events are capped off in August, with a black-tie fund-raising gala hosted by your aunt.”

  Had she imagined his jaw tightening as he reached for his water? The board members seated at the table glanced away and carefully examined the paperwork in front of them. An awkward silence stretched for moments until a melodic ring filled the large room. All hands shuffled and reached for cell phones. Meredith shot Lucy an apologetic smile as she retrieved her own phone.

  “I’m so sorry. I must take this.” Phone in one hand, cane in the other, Meredith stood and wobbled precariously. As she reached out for the table ledge, her cane fell to the thickly carpeted floor with a soft thud.

  Lucy jumped up in time to grasp Meredith’s forearm and gently steady the benefactress.

  Jackson was around the table and at his aunt’s side in seconds. “Are you okay, Aunt Meri?” he asked. Genuine concern laced his voice—the first sign of humanity Lucy had seen in the man.

  “Oh, my. Sorry to give you two a fright.” Meredith glanced from Lucy to her nephew and frowned. “An inner ear issue, the doctor tells me. Sometimes I’m a bit off balance. This getting-old stuff is not for sissies.”

  “How are you feeling now?” Lucy asked.

  “I’m fine. Thank you, dear. I simply need to remember not to stand quite so fast.”

  Lucy nodded as she picked up the ebony cane and handed it to Meredith.

  Head held high, Meredith’s measured steps were nothing short of regal as she moved across the carpet. The room remained silent until the door closed behind her.

  Harris again turned to Lucy. The man’s unflinching gaze was anything but warm and fuzzy. The dark brows were drawn into a serious frown.

  Lucy glanced around the room. Had she missed something here? Why was he so irritated?

  “Visiting the ranch is out of the question, Ms....” He faltered for a moment. Clearly, he’d forgotten her name.

  “Maxwell. Lucy Maxwell.”

  “Ms. Maxwell, I can’t—won’t—leave my aunt.” Harris gathered up his papers and stood without sparing another glance in her direction.

  Lucy folded her hands and willed herself not to panic.

  The other boot had officially dropped.

  * * *

  “Jackson? Is Lucy gone?” Meredith asked from the doorway of the great room.

  Jack turned from the tall window that overlooked the front lawn and circular drive. “If she drives a beat-up mustard-colored Honda, then yes, Aunt Meri, she’s gone.”

  Lucy Maxwell. He shook his head. He’d never met anyone like her before. A sunflower. That was exactly what she reminded him of, with that cap of dark hair and round chocolate-brown eyes, along with a smattering of freckles on her golden face. A petite woman, she wore a pale yellow dress along with red hand-tooled cowboy boots. When she walked, the dress fluttered around her calves, capturing his attention, whether he liked it or not. And he did not. Con artists came in pretty packages too, he reminded himself. He’d been taken in once before, and even put a ring on her finger. Never again.

  “When will you start at the ranch?” Meredith asked.

  “Hmm?” He blinked and met her gaze.

  “What are you thinking about?” His aunt smiled. “Lucy, perhaps?”

  “What? No.” He gave his aunt his full attention. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  “I asked when you will be heading to Big Heart Ranch.”

  He paused for a moment at the question, planning his strategy. “I’m not leaving you to spend time observing a ranch.”

  “Oh?” She smiled. “Then you’re approving the original donation amount?”

  Jack crossed the room and put an arm around his aunt’s thin shoulders. “Aunt Meri, you know you’re my favorite aunt.”

  She chuckled. “I’m your only aunt.”

  He grinned. “True. And while you are as generous as you are kind, you can’t give away the foundation money to every shyster that comes along.”

  Meredith gasped. Her sharp blue eyes blazed, taking him back to his childhood days of misbehaving and facing his aunt’s wrath. She had never hesitated to serve up well-deserved punishment for his crimes. Jack took a step back when she straightened to her full five-foot-nothing height.

  “Lucy Maxwell is not a shyster!”

  “What do you really know about the woman, Aunt Meri?”

  “What I know is that the bulk of the foundation’s income is from mineral and oil rights. My husband inherited those rights from his great-great-grandfather, who was one-half Osage Indian. The foundation was set up to ensure that the funds were invested locally.” She pinned her gaze on her nephew. “Big Heart Ranch is
as local as it gets, and they are an investment in this community’s future.”

  He wasn’t going to point out that she hadn’t answered his question. Instead, he tried another tactic.

  “You’ve proposed nearly doubling the donation to this ranch. Why?”

  His aunt narrowed her eyes and exhaled sharply. “Have you been talking to your father?”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “He’s made it quite clear that he believes I’m not fit to manage the foundation. Oh, he thinks he’s being subtle, sending you out here as in-house counsel, but I know what he’s up to.”

  “Aunt Meri, Dad’s concerned about your health, that’s all.”

  She offered a harrumph at his words. “I’ll tell you what I told him, Jackson. Vertigo does not equal diminished mental capacity.”

  “What about the chemo?”

  “My treatments are completed and I’ve been given a clean bill of health by my physicians. The cancer is in remission. Shall we have my oncologist contact your father?”

  “Aunt Meri, please don’t get upset. The bottom line is I’m here as the foundation’s attorney. Not to inspect a ranch in Timber.”

  “I don’t see why you can’t do both. They have internet and telephones at the ranch, so you’ll be able to stay in touch. My assistant has all the numbers. Besides, while the ranch is on the outskirts of Timber, you’re still only twenty minutes away.”

  “Twenty minutes is forever if you need me.”

  She paused and gave him a hard, assessing glance. “What are you really doing in Oklahoma, Jackson? You’ve been in New York since forever. I have a hard time believing your father didn’t pressure you to come out here.”

  “Not at all. Dad would never do that.”

  “Oh, please. Your father could talk a peacock out of his feathers.”

  He laughed. She was right, he’d give her that. Except the truth was more complicated. His father did want him to check on his aunt. It was a coincidence that Jack desperately needed a change of scenery.