Twins for the Texan

by Charlene Sands

  “Miss you, too.”

  “What’s all the mystery?” Dylan asked, noting how strange she was acting.

  “Shh,” she said to both, slinking down in the seat. “Please don’t ask why right now, but I don’t want the people I’m with to know I’m your sister. But it’s not what you think. Just trust me, okay? I promise I will explain everything tomorrow when I come back to Zane’s place.”

  “You sure you’re okay?” Dylan asked, giving her a good once-over with his eyes.

  “Yes, I swear everything’s fine.”

  “And I would know that, if you called me every day like you promised.”

  Emma came to her defense. “Dylan, she’s called me several times since she’s been gone. We know she’s doing well. You have to trust her.”

  Dylan shot his wife a baffled look and then sighed. “Fine, then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Thanks. Oh, and nice disguise, Dylan.”

  She slid out of the booth quickly, before he had time for a snarky comeback, and leisurely strolled back to the table.

  Disaster averted.

  * * *

  As she sat in the kitchen enjoying the morning sunshine, Wyatt came in, surprising Brooke and disturbing her peace. He sauntered inside with that lazy I’m Texan way he had of getting her attention. Wyatt’s presence always seemed to surround her, even when he was ten feet away. “Mornin’,” he drawled.

  “Good morning.”

  He homed in on her sipping hot cocoa and nibbling on a slice of toast. She’d hoped to have a few moments of solitude before the household woke, but instead she found herself gazing into the clearest blue eyes she’d ever seen. So blue it hurt her heart.

  “I’m gonna be driving my mother into Dallas today.”

  “I know.” She’d dreaded this conversation.

  He slid into the seat facing her and leaned in real close. “I don’t know how to thank you for all you’ve done.” He reached across the table and took her hand.

  “There’s no need.” She glanced at the door. Genevieve or Henrietta could walk in any minute.

  “There is a need. You’ve been amazing in so many ways, Brooke. And you’ve meant something to me.”

  Would he care to name that something? No, she didn’t think so. It wouldn’t be what she wanted to hear anyway. She reached for a napkin with the hand he’d held and dabbed at her mouth. It was a way to break the connection without being totally obvious.

  “We’re all going to miss you.”

  “I’ll... I feel the same,” she said, setting both of her hands in her lap. No sense tempting fate. She couldn’t bear to have him take her hand again. It was hard enough gazing into his eyes and knowing things would never be the same between them. “I feel bad leaving the twins with Henrietta. She does so much already.”

  “It won’t be for long. I’ve got two interviews today that look promising. Whoever I hire could never replace you, but we’ll make it work.”

  “I’m glad, Wyatt. Really. And you know, if your mother moved back to Texas, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world,” she said quietly.

  “Yeah, I know. That’s a long way off still, but I’m going to build her a cottage on the property. It’s something she and Dad had always talked about. They drew up the plans and everything. So, if she wants to come back, she’ll...” He cleared his throat. “She’ll have some privacy.”

  Brooke smiled. “That could be the best of both worlds.”

  “If only everything was that easy.” He kept staring at her, his voice husky. She would embed that voice in her memory bank.

  She didn’t feel much like finishing her toast. And this conversation was just about over. They’d said all there was to say to each other. “Well, I’ve got some packing to do myself,” she said, standing. Wyatt immediately stood, too. “I’ll say goodbye now. I’ll be gone before you get back.”

  He stood silently and studied her. There was no stay and give us more time together or I don’t want you to leave.

  No, Wyatt only sighed, nodded his head and stared at her lips so long she thought they’d catch on fire. And then he leaned in and kissed her. As far as kisses went, this one was subpar. It was a cautious, someone-might-burst-into-the-room kind of kiss that spoke to Wyatt’s unending sense of propriety and decency. It was one of the traits she loved most about him. He always did the right thing, no matter what.

  Her eyes stung. Tears threatened. She had to make a clean break and get out of here before she confessed all of her sins and told him she loved him. “Goodbye, Wyatt.”

  And then she marched out of the room, her head held high, her face perfectly masked in a performance worthy of an Academy Award.

  Later that afternoon, with a hole in her heart and missing the twins and their father like crazy, Brooke entered Zane’s magnificent custom-built home with two pink bakery boxes in hand. She had a lot of explaining to do, and sugar always seemed to help.

  “Hello? Anyone home?” she called out. She might as well get this over with, but on the drive from the bakery in Beckon, she suddenly felt lighter, the weight lifted, knowing she was about to unburden herself of the truth.

  “We’re out here,” Dylan called from the backyard.

  She found Dylan and Emma stretched out comfortably on chaise longues on Zane’s veranda overlooking the countryside. They sipped from tall glasses of iced tea. “Hello, my family,” she said.

  “Ah, the prodigal sister has returned bearing gifts, I see,” Dylan said.

  Emma rolled her eyes. “Hi, Brooke. What did you bring us?”

  “A peace offering,” she squeaked.

  “And why do you need a peace offering?” Dylan asked as he sat up on his chair, all jest aside.

  “Because I have a confession to make and it’s a big one.”

  Dylan and Emma exchanged glances.

  “I’ve got red velvet cupcakes for you, Em, your favorite. And for Dylan, I brought an assortment of bakery cookies.”

  It was a throwback to when they were kids. Dylan had an eye for only the best, even then. He longed for the better decorated, fancier cookies he’d see displayed at the local bakery on his way to school every morning. But Mom couldn’t afford the luxury, so she brought home the grocery store brand every week. When Dylan finally made it big, he began sending home fresh-baked cookies on a regular basis to their folks.

  “Raspberry shortbread?” he asked.

  “And chocolate-dipped macaroons. Take a peek,” she said, holding open the box.

  Not only did he peek, he grabbed two and gave one to Emma. “These are the best,” he told her.

  Emma chuckled. “You’re like a little boy getting his favorite cookie.”

  “You’re my favorite cookie,” he said to her with a wink. “Brooke, take a seat, have a cookie and tell us your big confession.”

  She lifted a shortbread cookie out of the box and sat down. “Hmm. I’ve been craving these.” She bit down and the soft cookie crumbled in her mouth.

  “Craving?” Emma asked, scooting up in her lounge chair. “As in the way I have cravings?”

  There was another exchange of looks between her and Dylan.

  Brooke nodded. “Let me start from the beginning. You see, I met my miracle cowboy on the road to Heather’s wedding...”

  When Brooke was through telling her story, shedding her guilt about hiding the truth from them and begging for their understanding about the baby, Emma wrapped her up in her outstretched arms. Brooke snuggled into her embrace and breathed a sigh of relief. “Brooke, of course we understand. And to think, our babies will be very close in age. They’ll be cousins.”

  The acceptance in Emma’s voice did wonders. “Yeah, that part is exciting.”

  But Dylan sat pensive, staring at her, absorbing all the facts. “T
his guy’s got to be told he’s the father of your child, honey. If he’s as decent as you say, he’d want to know.”

  “You’re right, Dylan, he should know, but I’m... I’m in love with him. And he’s still grieving over his late wife. The love of his life,” she said quietly. “I’ve heard him say half a dozen times his two children were quite enough. He doesn’t want any more. I don’t think I could take seeing disappointment or fear enter his eyes when he learns the truth. I wanted to tell him the entire time I was staying there, but...it just wasn’t the right time.”

  “You were too busy playing nanny to his kids and deceiving his mother,” Dylan replied.

  “Dylan, please.” Emma rose to her defense. “We both know some things are out of our control. Brooke did what she thought was right at the time.”

  Her brother ran a hand down his face. “God, I’m sorry, sis. I just wish you would’ve come to us first.”

  “You’re right. I should have confided in you guys. I know I’ve handled this whole situation all wrong. I was hoping...”

  “Hoping what?” Dylan asked.

  “That Wyatt would fall in love with her,” Emma answered.

  Brooke gave her friend a nod. No more needed to be said. Heartsick, she choked up. Wyatt had said goodbye to her. He hadn’t stopped her from leaving. He didn’t love her.

  Her bestie had her all figured out. It was most likely because a similar thing had happened between her and Dylan. For a time, Dylan thought the baby Emma carried was his, and when he found out the truth he’d been taken by surprise and deeply hurt. But he came to love both Emma and the baby with all his heart. They were one tidy little family unit now and happy as clams.

  Dylan came over and pulled Brooke into his arms. She rested her head on his broad shoulder and felt his love surround her. He really was the best brother ever. “We’ll work it out, hon. Don’t worry.” He stroked her hair and kissed her forehead.

  “Thanks. I feel better now that you know the truth. But I’m unsure what to do next.”

  “Give yourself a day or two,” Emma said. “You need to be away from the situation for a while. I’m sure you’ll figure out what to do.”

  “I’m gonna tell him, Em. Maybe just not to his face.”

  “Just don’t text him,” Dylan said, trying for levity.

  “Maybe I’ll send him an email.”

  Dylan tugged on her hair. “You’re a goof sometimes. You know that?”

  “Yeah, I know that.”

  Emma took her hand, and Dylan held her around the waist. The three of them were solid. “We’re here for you, Brooke,” Emma said.

  “If you need something, just let us know,” Dylan added. “You’re feeling well?”

  “Yes, just a bit of morning sickness, but it’s not terrible.”

  “Good,” Emma said. “It should pass soon.”

  “My shoot’s almost over. Just a few pickup scenes and we’re done and headed home. Don’t rush into anything,” her brother said. “Take Em’s advice and think things through.”

  “I will. I promise. I already feel ten times better now that you guys know. Thanks. Your support means so much to me. Now I think I need a nap. Confessing is exhausting.”

  “Have at it, sis. We’ll be here when you wake up.”

  “I think I’ll take a nap, too,” Emma said. “Our baby might grow up to be a soccer player with all the kicking he was doing last night. I didn’t get much sleep.”

  “It’s dangerous, you know,” Brooke said, starting to feel her old snarky self again.

  “What is?” Emma asked.

  “Leaving Dylan alone with that entire box of bakery cookies. He might get pudgy around the middle and then the ladies won’t buy tickets to see his movies.”

  “Funny,” he said, reaching for the box, but Brooke was too quick for him. She snatched it up, tossed him a sole macaroon and then strolled away with the box under her arm as she headed for her bedroom.

  “You’re the one who’ll be getting pudgy around the middle,” Dylan called to her.

  She grinned and thanked heaven for normalcy again.

  Well, as normal as her life could possibly be from now on.

  Without seeing her miracle cowboy every single day.

  * * *

  Wyatt sat atop Josey Wales, his favorite gelding in the string as the sun descended on the horizon. Riding had always been his balm, a way to cool off from a bad day, a way to let off steam. He’d pushed his horse hard this evening, racing against the sunset, going farther and farther out on Brandt land. Now that they’d turned around, Josey was taking his sweet time heading back to the house.

  It was a lonely time of night. The babies were already asleep, thanks to the new nanny he’d hired just today, Loretta Martinez. She didn’t have warts or knobby knees. Her résumé had been the best of the women he’d interviewed. Loretta was in her midforties, divorced, a little chubby, and her own children were all grown up. At first, the twins called out for “Book” each time Loretta went to pick them up. It broke his heart all over again that Brett and Bri would have to make another adjustment in their lives. They missed Brooke.

  So did he.

  He pushed his Stetson back from his forehead and sighed. The ride, the night air and cooler temperatures weren’t working. He felt lonesome and isolated, cut off from the world. Abandoned by Brooke McKay. Though that made no sense, since the deal he’d made with Brooke was that she’d stay the week until his mother left for Dallas. She’d honored her part of the deal. He was the one having trouble with all of it.

  You big dummy, you didn’t ask Brooke to stay. Of course you feel abandoned. It’s your own damn fault.

  By the time he reached Blue Horizon stables, misery had set in. He dismounted and led the horse inside for grooming. When his cell phone rang, he had a mind not to answer, especially when he saw the caller’s name pop up. But it could be important. His mother didn’t usually call at night, preferring to FaceTime with the twins while they were awake.

  “Hi, Mom,” he said.

  “Wyatt, what’s wrong? I can hear it in your voice. Are the babies okay? Bri didn’t catch cold. She was sneezing quite a bit when I left the ranch last week.”

  “Everyone is fine. I’m just in from a ride and the babies and I are all healthy.”

  “Okay, good. That’s a relief. Actually, I’m looking for Brooke. She isn’t answering her cell. Is she there by any chance?”

  “Uh, no. She’s not. Why do you ask?”

  “She promised to give me her recipe for almond crusted halibut. She said it was foolproof and you know how appealing that sounds to me. My cooking skills are lacking lately. I’d like to perfect the recipe for the next time I come out. I’ll make it for everyone.”

  “You mean, you’ll make it for James, don’t you?”

  “Well, if he likes fish, he’s welcome to come.”

  Wyatt chuckled. His mom was so transparent. “Maybe you can email her, Mom.”

  “Oh, right. I guess I could do that. Speaking of Brooke, I’ve been thinking about her, honey. Does she have someone?”

  Wyatt cleared his throat. He hadn’t broken the news that Brooke had been replaced yet. “Someone?”

  “A boyfriend or anything? She never talked about her private life.”

  “Maybe because she wants to keep it private.”

  “She’s great with the twins, Wyatt. But I couldn’t help noticing for such a thin girl, she had a bump in her belly and well, she never touched a drop of alcohol even when she was off the clock. One morning I saw her take a look at the ham and eggs cooking on the griddle and turn pea green. I thought she was going to lose her lunch, right then and there.”

  “What exactly are you getting at, Mom?”

  “Nothing. I’m being silly.”

 
“Mom,” he said more firmly.

  “She’s the best you’re going to find as a nanny, Wyatt. I don’t want you to lose her because she’s pregnant.”

  “You think Brooke’s pregnant?”

  “I, um, it’s just a hunch, son.”

  Wyatt ran a hand down his face. His whole body shook at the possibilities. He’d noticed a little thickening of Brooke’s stomach lately, but hadn’t thought anything of it. To him, she had the perfect body. But if he recalled correctly, Brooke didn’t have any trouble drinking alcohol at Blake and Heather’s wedding. Yet a month later, while she was there, she’d never accepted a drink from him. Little things were beginning to add up in his head now. All those little remarks he’d made about the twins being enough for him and Brooke giving him strange, almost pained looks after his comments. “Mom, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  He ended the call quickly and slumped against the stable wall. Could it be true? Was Brooke carrying his child? Suddenly, and out of the blue, he came to the conclusion that he didn’t need to know. It wouldn’t matter anyway.

  He pushed Johnny’s speed-dial number. His friend answered on the first ring. “Johnny? Tell me what’s going on with the production. Are they through filming yet?”

  “Hello to you, too, pal.”

  “Listen, this is serious. I need to know if Brooke is still in Texas.”

  “Wow. You are serious. Yeah, she should be. As a matter of fact, I’m getting ready to go to the wrap party tonight. The whole cast is supposed to be there. I’m assuming she’ll be there, too.”

  “Where is it?”

  “They’ve rented out the Applewood. Are you crashing it?”

  “Damn right I am.”

  “This I gotta see. Listen, I’ll swing by and pick you up in half an hour. Deal?”

  “Deal.”

  Wyatt showered and dressed fast, then began pacing the floor and glancing at his watch every fifteen seconds. When he heard the roar of an engine in front of his house, he was out the door instantly. “Hey, thanks for this,” he said to Johnny. “But is it okay if we take my car?”