A Texas Bond

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “I know, but we’re in a real pickle. Can’t afford to be too choosy.”

  “Why don’t you take the kids to get ice cream? I told them you would if they were good in the store.” Both had been quiet as a mouse, staring back at Ross Lyles. She wanted them out of his sight. And rid of Daddy’s big mouth.

  “Sounds like a plan, once Angel gets here.”

  “Shouldn’t she be here by now?” Stacia checked her watch.

  “She called, said her car’s still in the shop and her mom had to go in to work early, so she’s driving their farm truck and it didn’t want to start this morning.”

  A pickup badly in need of a new muffler sounded out front. “Sounds like she just pulled up.”

  “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.” Daddy waggled his eyebrows at the twins, eliciting a fit of giggles.

  “Shh.” Madison caught herself, tried to shush Mason. “No giggles in the store or we don’t get ice cream.”

  “I don’t think that rule counts when I’m the one who made you giggle.” Daddy came out from behind the counter. “Let’s go. What flavor do y’all want?”

  “I want cotton candy.” Mason darted for the door.

  “No running,” Madison cautioned. “I want bubble gum.”

  “It was nice to meet you, Ross.”

  “Likewise, Maverick.”

  He was already on a first-name basis with her dad?

  The door closed behind them. And only then did Ross Lyles’s gaze return to hers.

  Was he somehow related to Ron? Here on a spy mission for him? Or was Lyles even really his last name? He could be some random nut who’d gotten wind of a scandal. An obsessed fan, reporter or blackmailer. Foreboding crept up the back of her neck. She squelched a shudder. There’s no way she could hire him.

  “I’m afraid I already hired someone for both positions this morning. My dad didn’t know, so I’m sorry if he got your hopes up.”

  He did a slight shake of his head. As if to wake himself up from a trance. “I’m—”

  Nothing else came out of his mouth. This guy was creeping her out. And there were no other customers in the store. Angel, the eighty-pound teenager, wouldn’t be any help, if she ever made it inside. Stacia needed to get rid of him. Fast.

  * * *

  Ross tried to focus. It was tempting to pretend he was here for the jobs. Since he’d worked at his grandfather’s ranch and his parents’ furniture store, he was qualified for both. And he had an inkling both positions were still open. If not, surely she’d have told her dad. Or at least taken the sign out of the window. And she wouldn’t have asked him about experience. But he’d already gotten her suspicious. Did she know who he was?

  No. Ron hadn’t used his real name in years. Except maybe on legal documents. Like when he signed the twins away. They looked similar, but Ron wore thick black eyeliner and kept his dark hair dyed blue, which would throw anybody off.

  So tempting to play his name off as a coincidence. Talk her into hiring him. That way, he’d have a direct window into her interactions with the twins.

  “Can I help you with anything else?”

  Best to come clean. “Are you familiar with the name Ronny Outrageous?”

  She caved in on herself, as if someone had kicked her in the stomach. “Why?”

  “Because he’s my brother.”

  “Oh.” Something akin to fear shone in her pale aqua eyes.

  “Last week, he was in a really bad bus wreck with an eighteen-wheeler on the way to a concert.”

  “I heard about it on the news.” She tried to recover, act all calm, cool and collected. But it was too late. Her reaction to Ron’s stage name told the tale.

  “One long, dark, pain-filled night he made a confession to me. That he’d had a one-night stand, which resulted in twins.” The more information he gave, the more certain he was that he’d found the right Stacia Keyes.

  “That he signed custody over to the mother. That she died three years ago.” The children’s pale coloring had thrown him off since his family had olive skin and dark hair. “That her sister has them now. Sounding familiar?”

  “What do you want?” She sank into a chair behind the counter, as if her legs would no longer hold her up, pushed damp, auburn tendrils away from her face.

  “For now, I just want to get to know my niece and nephew.” To make sure they’re well taken care of. And if not, he’d fight for them.

  She’d turned positively green and he felt kind of sorry for her. Whether she took good care of the children or not, she definitely loved them.

  A bell rang at the front of the store and a teenage girl stepped inside. “Sorry, I’m late. That truck hates me.” Her gaze pinged back and forth between him and Stacia. “Is everything okay?”

  “Fine. Daddy took the kids for ice cream. Could you watch the store for a bit, Angel?”

  “Sure.”

  “We’ll just be in the workshop.” She stood, motioned for him to follow.

  At the back of the barn, they exited into a dusty space filled with tools, a worktable, project pieces. He couldn’t tell if they were in the middle of being put together or torn apart.

  “He said he didn’t have any family.” She sank into a wooden chair, covered her face with both hands.

  “We’ve been estranged for several years.” Since their parents had tried to get Ron in rehab, he’d wanted nothing to do with any of his family. So to him, he probably felt like a loner. He’d patched things up with them after his accident. Only because he needed someone to take care of him once he got out of the hospital. For the moment, he was clean. At least until he could get back out on the road.

  Her hands dropped into her lap. “Does he want them back?”

  “No. He wishes he hadn’t told me.”

  She blew out a big breath, obviously relieved.

  More than anything, he didn’t want to intimidate her. “But let me assure you, my folks would be very interested in the children.” He found a chair that matched hers, pulled it over and sat, so she wouldn’t feel as if he were talking down to her. “If they knew about them, that is.”

  “They don’t know?”

  “I thought I’d come check things out before I involve them.”

  “Daddy and I have been a major part of their lives since they were born.” Fear took root in her expressive eyes. “They’re happy with us.”

  “That’s what I’m here to find out.”

  “And then what?” Her voice quivered.

  “I don’t know yet.” It all depended on if the twins were well cared for. “What do they know about Ron?”

  “Nothing much.” She stood, paced the trail between projects. “They asked once about a year ago. Daddy told them their father has a really important, time-consuming job.”

  “I guess that’s better than saying he’s a self-centered jerk.”

  “How long do you plan to stay?”

  “I don’t know that either.” He shrugged. “However long it takes.”

  “Don’t you have a job or someone to get back to?”

  “I’m a furniture builder and designer at my parents’ furniture store in Houston. I told them I needed some time off.” They actually thought he was at his grandfather’s in Hondo helping out at his ranch. And with the store in high demand, the timing had been terrible. He’d seen it in their eyes; they thought he wanted to leave the business. Just like Ron.

  As for someone, not anymore. Nora had accused him of seeing someone else for the last time. After her, he might not date ever again. Especially not anyone jealous, distrustful or insecure.

  Staying definitely wasn’t on his schedule. He had to get back to Houston where his parents needed him, and he was eager to prove their fears wrong. He didn’t have time to camp out in Medina and appease the twins’ aunt that he was an okay guy.
But they obviously didn’t trust each other and how else could they ever work this out living four hours apart?

  “Here’s an idea. I could work for you, building furniture or as a ranch hand or both since I have experience in both areas. While I work for you, I could get to know my niece and nephew. How does that sound?”

  “Too good to be true. I mean—the part where you have experience in both positions I need to fill.” Her eyes narrowed. “For all I know, you could be a reporter sniffing out a story or a blackmailer for that matter.”

  He slipped his phone out of his pocket, scrolled through it, then showed her a picture of him with Ron in the hospital. “Our mom took that. It had been several years since we’d been together for a photo op.” Ron’s typical makeup made him look even paler than normal.

  “That doesn’t mean anything. You could be an obsessed fan who snuck into the hospital for all I know.”

  “An obsessed fan who happens to have the same last name as Ronny Outrageous aka Ron Lyles?” He showed her his driver’s license. “And trust me, there’s no sneaking into that hospital.” Ron’s manager had hired security, but so far fans hadn’t figured out where Ron was. “Besides, if I were a blackmailer, I’d be talking to Ron. He’s the one with money and a potential scandal to hide.” He scrolled on his phone again. “Here, read the text with the photo.”

  Here’s the pic I took of my two boys in the hospital. Does a mother’s heart good to have the two of you together again.

  “Okay, looks like you’re who you say you are. But do you have a criminal record?”

  “Good one.” He tilted his head back with a belly laugh. “I’m the older, wiser brother. I spent the first twenty years of my life cleaning up Ron’s messes. I guess I still am in a way.”

  “My niece and nephew are not messes you need to clean up.” Her gaze hardened. “They’re children. And they’re perfectly happy without you.”

  “That’s not what I meant. The situation is a mess. That he signed them away—twice.” He let out a heavy sigh. “And never told me or my folks they existed. Until a weak moment when he thought he was dying.”

  Something in her eyes softened. “Just give me a chance to explain things to my dad. And if you’re serious about the job, you’re hired.”

  “I am, but what about your new hires?”

  Pink tinged her cheeks. “I made that up. You were freaking me out staring at the twins.”

  At least she was protective. “What time do you open?”

  “Ten and we stay open until six. Every day but Sunday. One or both of us are usually in the workshop by seven or eight.”

  “I’ll be here. But instead of leaving and coming back tonight, what if I stick around tonight while you tell them?”

  “I’m not comfortable with that.” She hugged herself.

  “Well maybe I’m not comfortable leaving it to you. You might tell them I’m some ogre who’s come to take them away. Or smuggle them out of town and move somewhere else to keep me away.”

  She got that deer caught in the headlights look for a moment. “I haven’t known you long enough to know if you’re an ogre or not and I’d be lying if I said running hasn’t crossed my mind in the last five minutes. But only for a moment. This is their home and I’d never uproot them for a life of hiding, with legal consequences if we were caught.” She grabbed the broom, swept the dusty floor.

  “If I was an ogre, I wouldn’t be here. I’d have contacted a lawyer and taken you straight to court for a custody battle. But I didn’t.” To be honest, if they were still babies, he probably would have. But the twins were five. “Their lives have always been here with you and your father as the two constants. I don’t want to disrupt that. Unless I find they’re not being well cared for or are abused.”

  “I can assure you that’s not the case,” she hissed.

  “All I want is to be part of their lives. I really think we can work through this very difficult situation together and do what’s best for my niece and nephew. And the first step to that is to tell them who I am.”

  She closed her eyes, leaned on her broom. “Come to the house around seven tonight. That’ll give me time to talk to Daddy and you can have supper with us.”

  “The farmhouse next door?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll be there. But supper isn’t necessary. I don’t want to intrude.”

  “You’ve already done that.” Her stiff posture was in full Mama Bear mode.

  “This isn’t easy for me either, you know?”

  “No, I guess it’s not.” She swept the pile of debris into a dust pan, dumped it in the trash. “Where are you staying?”

  “I’m renting a nightly cabin in Bandera at the moment, but if I stick around very long, I’ll find something else more long-term.”

  “I’ll see you at seven.” Her eyes said she hoped he’d move on. But he couldn’t. His niece and nephew deserved to know about him. About his parents. The twins had seemed fine in the store earlier, but he couldn’t be at peace until he knew for certain they were happy, healthy and loved. Somehow, he had to work this out with complete strangers.

  Chapter Two

  “How do we tell them about this new uncle showing up, without getting into the subject of their father?” Daddy settled heavily on the couch in the great room, covered his face with his hands.

  “I’m not sure, but he’ll be here soon, so we need to figure it out.” Stacia, on autopilot, set the casserole dish in the center of the table in the adjoining kitchen.

  “Are you sure he’s telling the truth? That he’s not some reporter?”

  She filled him in about the picture on his phone and his driver’s license. “But there’s something about him. I can tell he’s genuinely interested in the children.”

  “Or maybe in the support his brother pays you. Maybe he just wants the money.” Daddy stood, paced the room—a trait they shared when unnerved. “It’s a pretty penny. Some people would use it for themselves instead of strictly for the kids and socking everything that’s left away for their future.”

  “I hope you’re wrong.” She hugged herself. The whole thing reminded her of Aunt Eleanor. “If he insists on inflicting himself into Mason and Madison’s lives, I want him to love them.”

  “Me too.”

  But not in an obsessive way like Aunt Eleanor, who’d been so determined to raise Stacia and her sister, she’d tried to romance their dad, kidnapped them and fought for custody. They’d have to be on guard.

  “Do you think it would be better if we told them before he gets here?”

  The doorbell rang.

  Stacia closed her eyes. “Unfortunately, I think that option is off the table.”

  “I’ll get it.” Daddy stood, ambled toward the front door, as if a rattlesnake waited on the other side.

  Seconds later, male voices came from the foyer. Though their tones sounded cordial, Stacia couldn’t make out their words.

  What was up with that? She’d expected Daddy to be defensive, combative where Madison and Mason were concerned.

  She hurried down the hall, popped her head into the guest room–turned–play area. Both children sat on the floor, contentedly building a large Lego structure.

  “It’s a dollhouse.” Madison clicked more blocks into place.

  “Uh-uh, it’s a fort.” Mason grabbed the Legos she’d just added and tugged them apart.

  “Hey, none of that now,” Stacia chastened. “Madison can pretend it’s a dollhouse and you can pretend it’s a fort.”

  “Or we could each build something different,” Mason grumbled.

  “As long as you do it happily. But right now, it’s time for supper. And we have a guest.”

  “Who is it?” Madison piped up.

  Someone who will change our lives forever.

  Stacia’s stomach churned. “Let’s go
see.”

  By the time she’d ushered the kids into the kitchen, Daddy and Ross were there waiting. And Daddy was smiling, like he’d made a new friend. Huh?

  “We saw you in the store before.” Mason sized Ross up.

  “That’s right.” Ross looked as nervous as she felt.

  “This is Mason and Madison.” Her introduction came out forced.

  “I’m Ross.”

  “Are you Aunt Stacia’s boyfriend?” Madison giggled.

  “Madison.” Stacia shushed her niece as heat crept over her face.

  “Actually, I’m here to see you guys.” Ross knelt to their level.

  “How come?” Mason scrunched his forehead.

  “Because I’m your uncle.”

  Both children stared at Ross, wide-eyed.

  “How?” Madison’s gaze narrowed, as if cross-examining him. “Aunt Stacia doesn’t have no brothers.”

  “Any brothers,” Stacia corrected.

  “Madison is all into sorting family out these days.” Daddy chuckled.

  Mason rolled his eyes.

  “No eye rolling. Ross is your father’s brother.” Stacia’s tone held no excitement.

  “You know our father?” Mason, his interest obviously piqued, stepped closer to Ross.

  “I do.”

  “Have you seen him lately?”

  Stacia’s breath stalled.

  * * *

  “Not too long ago.” Ross glanced up at Stacia, trying to remember what the kids knew about Ron. All color had drained from her face. “I was passing through where he was working his job and he asked me to come and check on y’all.”

  “Really?” Madison stepped nearer. “Where was he?”

  “I’m afraid that’s classified. You know, since his job is so important.”

  “But he sent you to see about us?” Mason asked.

  “He sure did. Because, even if his job is important, he wants to know y’all are okay.”

  “Then why doesn’t he come see us?” Madison’s chin quivered.

  And if Ron were anywhere near, Ross would deck him.

  “His boss won’t let him.” Stacia set one hand on each child’s shoulder. “Remember, I told you.”