A Texas Bond

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “How so?”

  “It seemed like she was trying to take Emilia’s place. In the house, in the girls’ hearts and in mine. She became less sisterly and set her sights on me. I told her I thought the world of her, but not in that way. She was embarrassed and planned to go back home.”

  Maverick stared off in the distance, lost in memories. “But just as she was supposed to leave, I got a bad case of bronchitis, so I asked her to stay and take care of the girls until I was up to it. She drove us to the doctor and then the pharmacy. I went in to get my medication and when I came out, they were gone.”

  “She took them?” Stacia’s hang-up suddenly made sense.

  “Yes. At first, I thought maybe she’d gone to get the girls ice cream or something. I didn’t feel well, so a friend drove me home and I left a message on Eleanor’s cell phone that I’d gone home. When she didn’t call back, I started getting worried. That’s when I listened to the answering machine.” Maverick closed his eyes. “I’ll never forget the words. ‘Maverick, I just can’t leave the girls behind. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of them as if they were my own. I’m sorry.’”

  “Did you call the police?”

  “No. I knew if my Emilia was alive, she wouldn’t want her sister going to prison. I’d gotten the girls a cell phone and I had a computer guru friend.” Maverick seemed to age as he told the story. Shoulders slumped, more lines on his face.

  “I called him and he was able to track them. They were headed toward Dallas. I have no idea where she planned to go. I called her and left a message that I’d put a tracking device on her car and that if she didn’t immediately turn around and bring the girls home, I’d call the police.”

  “So she did, right?”

  “At first, we watched her red dot on my friend’s laptop stop. As if she was weighing her options. I tell you, in that moment, I was petrified I’d made the wrong call. That she’d decide if she couldn’t have the girls, no one would.” Maverick’s voice cracked. “It was the most terrifying moment of my life. But then she turned around. And I knew my girls were coming home.”

  With how Ross felt about the twins in such a short time of knowing them, he couldn’t imagine how Maverick must have felt. Or Stacia and Callista for that matter. They’d probably loved their aunt and definitely trusted her.

  “They were home within two hours. Physically fine, but mentally traumatized. I told Eleanor to never come near us again or I’d have her arrested.”

  Such behavior from someone you loved and trusted would do a number on your ability to love and trust in the future. No wonder Stacia had issues.

  “But it still wasn’t over. Eleanor served me with papers, suing me for custody.”

  “You can’t be serious?” Tension built in Ross’s chest.

  “Dead serious. I had no proof she’d kidnapped the girls since I never called the police. It was my word against hers.”

  “What about your friend or the girls?”

  “My friend was considered an unreliable witness since he was my friend. And the girls were having nightmares. I couldn’t let them be called to the stand. In the end, I won. There was no proof that I was negligent like Eleanor claimed.”

  “So what happened to her?”

  “She went away and we never heard from her again. Until Calli died. She sent two letters, one for me and one for Stacia. It took me a year to open them.” Maverick gave the rundown on everything Eleanor had said. “My letter confirmed my suspicions, her trying to romance me was all a ruse. She just wanted the girls.”

  “Has Stacia read hers?”

  “After I read them, I was afraid they’d give her nightmares again, so I tucked them away. Until last night. I gave her the letter, hoping it might help her put everything behind her.”

  “How is she?”

  “She’s okay. I think it cleared some things up for her. Understanding why Eleanor acted the way she did helped her come to terms with her aunt. And it helped her confront her own trust issues.” Maverick clapped him on the shoulder. “That your first question concerns my daughter’s welfare proves my theory. You’re in love with her.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I think she’s got it bad for you too, my boy. And if you want to pursue something with her, you should go talk to her. I think she’s ready to hear you out. To trust.”

  “Thank you, sir. If she’ll have me, I’ll do my best to never hurt her.”

  “I’m aware of that, my boy. Now go on, while I rustle up some vittles.”

  Ross stepped off the porch, trying to play it cool. But he couldn’t pull it off. He loped for the workshop.

  The doors were open. Inside, Stacia stood at the worktable with her back to him, securing deer antlers on a slab of wood above the name Rand spelled out in tin letters. He stood watching as love and understanding welled up inside him with a strong desire to provide comfort for the wounds her aunt had inflicted.

  She turned, got a glimpse of him. “Is breakfast ready?”

  “No.”

  “Then why are you here? You don’t work here anymore.”

  He ambled over to her, drew her into his arms.

  “What are you doing?” She was all stiff.

  “I’m hugging you. This is called a hug.”

  “Why? Oh, is this goodbye?” She relaxed a bit, raised her hands to his shoulders, but didn’t really hug him back.

  “No. I’m hugging you because I love you.”

  “But I didn’t believe you. And accused you of trying to take the twins from me. I thought you were mad and giving up on me.”

  “Your dad told me about your aunt. About the letter you read last night. Why didn’t you tell me? I would have understood your distrust, your phobia, if you’d just told me what she did.”

  Her arms finally came around his neck. “It’s still hard to talk about.” Her voice broke as she went all soft, leaning into him, seeking comfort he was more than willing to provide.

  “I’m so sorry you had to go through all that. I can’t imagine.”

  “The worst part was Calli whimpering on my shoulder, wanting to go home. And me promising her we’d see Daddy again, when I didn’t know if we would or not.” Her words ended on a sob.

  “It’s okay now.” Ross held her, stroking her hair. “I’d take away all your pain and the memories, if I could.”

  “I’m sorry for not trusting you. For accusing you of trying to steal the twins.”

  “If I’d been through what you have, I probably would’ve thought the same thing. It’s okay.”

  Eventually, the tears stopped and she stilled. “How can I forgive her? I mean, the Bible says we’re supposed to forgive. And if Jesus can forgive the people who crucified Him, I should forgive Eleanor.”

  “He also knows we’re human. Just pray about it.”

  She nodded against him, then pulled away. Tear streaks traced down her cheeks, leaving a trail through her makeup, revealing the freckles he loved. And none of it took away from her beauty.

  “Look, I know you’re dealing with some things. And there’s no rush, but I love you, Stacia. I’d like to come on the weekends to see you. And when you’re ready, I’d like to be part of your life. Maybe take you on a date.”

  But she was shaking her head before he even finished. Obviously still unable to trust that his feelings were real.

  “The way I see it, since my family is probably moving to San Antonio and you’re being so accommodating in letting them see the twins, me romancing you won’t help anything. Except my happiness. How about dinner tomorrow night?”

  “Not a good idea.”

  He swallowed hard. “You don’t have feelings for me?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Then what?”

  “I can’t have kids, Ross. I won’t take the chance of leaving motherless children behin
d. I’ve been there.”

  “Aren’t you getting a bit ahead of things?” He chuckled, trying to lighten her mood. “I’m just talking about dinner.”

  Her cheeks tinged pink and she pulled away, turned her back on him. “But dinner—and feelings—can lead to marriage, and you want kids, so how can there be a future for us? I mean, if I only risk one pregnancy and I don’t have twins, maybe I could survive, but I can’t chance it. I won’t be responsible for leaving motherless—”

  “Stop.” He gently gripped her shoulders, turned her to face him, and pressed a finger against her lips. “I’d never ask you to do that. Never. You’re too important to me. But it sounds like you do have feelings for me?” He held his breath.

  Her almost imperceptible nod sent his heart into overdrive.

  “I do want kids,” he admitted, weighing his words carefully. “I love the twins. And they’re not mine. If it works out between us—and I’m praying it does—there are a lot of children in the world looking for good homes. I’m pretty sure we could provide one filled with love.”

  “Adoption? You’d be okay with that?”

  “More than okay.”

  She swiped her eyes. “I’m a mess.”

  “You’re beautiful.” He cupped her face in his hands. “So how about that dinner?”

  Tears rimmed her lashes as she met his gaze. “I’d like that.”

  He lowered his lips to hers.

  “Wait.”

  “Wait?”

  “I need to wash my face before you kiss me.”

  “I’ve wanted to kiss you for weeks and I’m not waiting a second longer.”

  Her breath caught as their lips met.

  Soft and yielding. Sweet and addictive. Trusting. The last woman he’d ever kiss.

  Epilogue

  “I do.” Stacia smiled up at Ross.

  “By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  “You’re my wife now. Forever,” Ross whispered as he drew her into his arms. Gentle as if she were a rare treasure.

  Her breath stilled as her hands slid up his shoulders. His toe-curling kiss made her heart giddy. Every time. Even after a year of dating.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I present Mr. and Mrs. Ross Lyles.”

  The crowd applauded as the piano started up. Mason and Madison walked the aisle toward the back of the church, followed by Larae and Lexie, then Ross’s best friend from high school and Sam.

  Ross escorted her to the fellowship hall to form a line so guests could congratulate them.

  “I don’t know about you,” he whispered close to her ear, sending a shiver over her, “but I’d like to get out of the penguin suit and split.”

  “Stop. Everybody here loves us and wants to share in our happiness.”

  “I know. And I appreciate them. But couldn’t we have done all this before the ceremony?”

  Denny and Stella made it to them first.

  “Child, I sure wish your mama could see you.” Stella adjusted the train of Mom’s dress.

  “Me too.” Stacia’s gaze went misty.

  “You’re the spitting image of her.” Stella winked.

  “Thanks. And thank you for being a wonderful stand-in mom all these years.”

  “My pleasure.” Stella hugged her.

  “That goes for me too.” Lexie joined in their hug and dragged Larae in too. “And thank you, Larae, for sharing your mom with us.”

  Larae fanned her face with one hand. “Y’all stop. We’re all gonna be blubbering and have to repair our makeup before pictures.”

  “Pictures.” Ross groaned.

  “Might as well settle in.” Clint, Lexie’s newlywed husband, grinned. “This will be the longest day of your life.”

  It had been fun to see the friendship develop between Ross and her two best friends’ husbands over the last year.

  “I just want to ride off into the sunset with my bride.” He drew her against his side, then stiffened. “Ron, what are you doing here?”

  Stacia’s gaze jerked to her husband, then to his brother, standing in front of them, then to the twins. They were oblivious, putting up with hugs from other well-wishers.

  “I came to give you a wedding gift,” Ron said.

  With his career in high gear, Ron had remained clean and sober since his accident. Minus his goth makeup, blue hair, and with him looking healthy, no one would recognize him.

  “This should be enough to put a down payment on a house.” He held up a check.

  Stacia’s eyes widened at all the zeroes. “I’m not sure we’d feel right about accepting it.”

  “Please, let me do this for my big brother,” Ron whispered. “I owe you a lot more than that. And I figure you can use some of it for legal fees to formally adopt the twins.”

  Stacia gasped as tears threatened. “That’s the best gift you could ever give me.”

  “They deserve a real family. And a house.” Ron folded the check in half and tucked it in Ross’s tux pocket, then hugged him.

  “You saw Mom and Dad?”

  “Yes. And if it’s okay with y’all, I might start coming around more often. Maybe for Christmas.”

  “That sounds wonderful.” Ross caught her gaze. “As long as you’re okay with it?”

  “Of course.”

  “What do we tell those two?” Ron nodded toward Mason and Madison.

  “We’ll figure something out.” Stacia hugged him. “Thank you, Ron.”

  “Thank you for taking such good care of them.” It was there, the glint in his eyes. He knew he was missing out. But it didn’t frighten her anymore. “I’m honored to get to.”

  “See y’all soon.” Ron turned toward the exit.

  “Did that really just happen? The biggest fear in my life just turned out to be harmless.”

  “God fixed everything.” He pulled her into his arms. “Can we get out of here yet?”

  “That would be rude.”

  He kissed her into silence.

  “Ewww!” Mason cringed.

  “Break it up, you two.” Madison giggled.

  “Y’all better get used to it.” Ross chuckled. “I plan to kiss my wife a lot.”

  “You better.” Her heart was full. The twins were hers. And so was their uncle. Their happily-ever-after was better than anything she’d ever dreamed of.

  * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from A Secret Amish Crush by Marta Perry.

  Dear Reader,

  Inspired by Flea Market Flip and Salvage Dawgs, my husband and I rented a booth. We enjoyed repurposing furniture and crafting junk decor. But the time and labor involved equaled dismal sales and only the owner turned a profit. We dream of owning a flea market someday and watching our vendors work while we run the register and a side booth.

  I had a blast fashioning a Salvage Dawgs type store for Stacia Keyes. Like me, Stacia is a sensible rule follower, juggling responsibilities. Unlike me, she’s raising her twin niece and nephew. She considers herself damaged and focuses solely on keeping her loved ones safe.

  Like Stacia, Ross Lyles is the older, wiser sibling, but his connection to the twins terrifies her. He’s determined to be an uncle and make up for his brother’s abandonment. With Stacia questioning his every move, he’s intent on a peaceful solution and what’s best for the twins.

  Finally, they realize they’re not in control, God is. As their fears melt away, He paves the way for their happily-ever-after.

  This is the final book in my Hill Country Cowboys series. I’ll miss these characters and the ranches based on family property in my second home, Medina, Texas. I hope y’all loved vicariously living there.

  Shannon

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  A Secret Amish Crush

  by Marta Perry

  Chapter One

  Lydia Stoltzfus had gotten only a mile down the road toward town when the first huge wet flakes began to fall. Several spattered Dolly’s black coat, and the mare lifted her head, sniffed the air and gave a soft whicker.

  “I know,” Lydia said, as much to herself as to the mare. “We weren’t supposed to get so much as a flake today. Maybe it will stop as soon as it started.”

  Driving another few hundred feet along the road was enough to convince her that hope was futile. The flakes had begun by melting on the narrow country road, but now they were sticking, and the sound of Dolly’s hooves was muffled by their coating.

  Should she keep going or turn back? Daad and Mammi would worry, that was certain sure, but how could she fail Elizabeth? Elizabeth Fisher, the elderly owner of the coffee shop where Lydia worked, had been sick off and on for most of the winter. She’d be relying on Lydia, and Lydia couldn’t let her down.

  Keeping a firm grip on the reins, Lydia tried to discourage Dolly’s excited reaction to snow after what had been a fairly mild March. Those who had proclaimed an early spring in Lost Creek were going to be sadly disappointed, she feared.

  “Komm, Dolly. Act your age.” The mare was nearly as old as she was, and at twenty-five, Lydia was seeing even her best friends begin to use the word maidal in connection with her. Old maid.

  A car went past, moving slowly in response to the increasingly slick road, and a sliver of apprehension slid through her. Still, Dolly was sure-footed, and she certain sure didn’t get excited about traffic at her age. As long as they kept a steady pace, they should be fine.

  Lydia had about three minutes to think that before she heard the sound of a car behind her—a car coming fast. She hugged the side of the road, hoping for the best. The driver was going much too fast for conditions, but there was plenty of room for the car to pass—