Gleaming glass counters held domed crystal cake stands filled with her best pies, baked by her newly hired assistant. The room held a few oak chairs and circular tables to encourage customers to relax with their favorite dessert.
“Daisy, is that you?” Luna came out from the back room and glanced around.
“Luna, what are you doing here?”
“Roscoe and I were coordinating the desserts for Henna and Will’s wedding reception.”
“Luna, sweetie, I need your help,” Roscoe called out.
“Un momento, Roscoe.”
Was Daisy imagining the sparkle in Luna’s eyes? She glanced from the back room to Luna. “You and Roscoe?”
“Sí.” Luna smiled.
“That’s...” Daisy searched for the right word. “Nice. Very nice.”
“He makes me happy. Like Mitch makes you happy.” Luna looked outside. “Where are the other children? Roscoe said you all would be stopping by.”
“With Mitch. He’s parking the van.”
A moment later the door opened and the bells chimed. Mitch walked in holding five-year-old Sam’s hand, with Christian, Seth and Grace trailing behind. All four of the children wore cowboy hats like Mitch’s, and their gazes were focused on their new daddy like he was a superhero.
In their world he was.
Daisy’s heart swelled at the sight of her husband. Would she ever stop feeling like she was the most blessed woman in the world?
She glanced at her family and smiled. If only her sister were here to see how her children had blossomed thanks to Rebel...and Mitch.
Through her grief and Mitch’s they’d been brought together, and now two hurting hearts were healing and their love overflowed.
Mitch placed a gentle hand on Daisy’s shoulder and kissed her lips.
“I love you,” Daisy murmured.
“Oh, you two. You’re still like honeymooners,” Luna said. “And look at those hats.” She chuckled.
“We stopped at Sheplers while we were in Tulsa this morning.”
At that moment Roscoe came out of the back room, readjusting the white canvas bib apron around his middle and brushing flour off his chin. As her new employee, the retired police officer was proving to be a stellar right-hand man at the bakery.
“Are you going to just stand there, or tell us what the doctor said?” Roscoe asked. His gaze went to the large industrial clock on the wall. “I’ve been waiting for hours.”
Daisy placed a hand on her abdomen. “The ultrasound showed twins.” She was giddy at sharing the news with her friends.
“Are you sure?” Roscoe returned.
“Yes. It’s pretty much foolproof,” Daisy said.
“Twins?” Luna raised her hands in a gesture of praise.
“Runs in both families,” Mitch said.
“Ha! I was right,” Roscoe said. “You’ve got yourself a softball team.”
“Yes. You were right, Roscoe,” said Daisy. “What we see in our future is construction. Who would have ever thought a five-bedroom farmhouse would be too small for our family?”
“Congratulations!” Luna said. She reached out to hug first Daisy and then Mitch. “Your cup runneth over.”
“Isn’t that the truth?” Mitch said.
“I know I’ve mentioned it before, Chief, but it was mighty nice of you to recommend Henna to fill your position until elections.” Roscoe nodded.
“She’s earned it. The woman put up with you and me, didn’t she?” Mitch asked.
“No argument there. Then again, Daisy put up with us, and now she’s got both of us in her life on a daily basis. On purpose.”
Daisy smiled at the conversation. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Roscoe shook his head and offered a lopsided grin. “Seven kids. Boggles the mind.”
“Yes. It does,” Daisy murmured. She slipped her hand into her husband’s, and leaned over to press a kiss to his cheek.
Seven children. A circle of love. And she and Mitch wouldn’t be going it alone. They’d face their tomorrows with God’s help and the support of their Rebel, Oklahoma, family.
* * *
If you enjoyed this story,
don’t miss the next book in Tina Radcliffe’s
Hearts of Oklahoma series, available later
this year from Love Inspired!
Find more great reads at
www.LoveInspired.com.
Keep reading for an excerpt from The Texan’s Promise by Jolene Navarro.
Dear Reader,
I’m delighted to begin a new series set in the fictional town of Rebel, Oklahoma. Once a working cattle ranch, Rebel Ranch is now a guest ranch owned by the Rainbolt siblings, Mitchell, Reece, Tucker and Kate.
The first book in this series introduces us to Rebel police chief Mitch Rainbolt and outspoken officer Daisy Anderson. This is a story of heartaches and hope. Like Mitch and Daisy, we too must turn our burdens over to the Lord and receive the healing power of His love.
One of my favorite parts of starting a new series is creating the lovable secondary characters who occupy the pages and our hearts. I hope you enjoy this fun and heartwarming story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Please do email me and let me know your thoughts. I can be reached through my website, www.tinaradcliffe.com, where you can also find some of the recipes mentioned in the series.
Sincerely,
Tina Radcliffe
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM
Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Fall in love with stories where faith helps guide you through life’s challenges, and discover the promise of a new beginning.
6 NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE EVERY MONTH!
The Texan’s Promise
by Jolene Navarro
Chapter One
The two-year-old mare tossed her head and pawed the sand of the arena as the thunder rattled the metal roof again. The storm had rolled in fast and hard. Belle De La Rosa laid a hand on the young horse’s neck. “Shhh, girl. It’s okay. It’s just pitter-patter on the roof.”
Sometimes a little lie made everyone feel better. The goal had been to socialize the mare, but the weather had hit harder than forecasted. Now the poor baby was traumatized. The evening could end in complete disaster if the unpredictable animal panicked. She needed to get her safely back into the trailer.
“He’s here.” Jazmine, her brother Elijah’s wife, appeared on the other side of the restless horse. Her hand was over her newly visible baby bump.
Belle closed her eyes to prevent rolling them. The De La Rosa women had joined forces in the “Find Belle a Man” campaign. The latest victim was a single dad. Selena, her cousin Xavier’s wife, had met him in her playgroup for parents of multiples across the bridge in Foster. Belle loved the women her brother and cousin had married, but really, she could do with a little less of the interference they liked to call girl time.
The poor man was new in town, and her sisters-in-law—her cousins were practically her brothers as they’d grown up in the same house—had already decided that he was perfect for her. She glanced at the bleachers where she had left the kids talking horse conformation. The judging team had wanted to meet despite the weather. “Jazz, what’s the latest on the weather report?”
Phone in hand, Jazz frowned at her screen. “It doesn’t look good. They’ve increased the chance of high winds and heavy rain.” Her dark curls bounced when she twisted her head to survey the kids. “Possible hail. Should we call parents for an early pickup?”
Before Belle could respond, thunder rattled the walls of the arena. Then a bolt of lightning struck too close for comfort, blinding her.
The mare reared, forcing Belle to stay clear of the hooves. Her boot stuck in the deep sand and she stumbled.
Strong hands w
rapped around her forearms, balancing her from behind.
Her lungs froze. Like the scared horse, she wanted to lash out, but the hands were gone just as quick.
“Are you okay?” A man’s deep voice, low and calm, washed over her.
Belle kept her back to the stranger. She closed her eyes and took a steadying breath.
She was being ridiculous. It wasn’t him, her ex, so she would move on as if nothing had happened. She focused on the young mare. The soft muzzle twitched with heavy pants. “Nothing’s going to hurt you. It’s okay, girl.”
The mare’s nostrils flared, and her ears flicked.
“Quinn!” Jazz’s voice was a little on the overenthusiastic side.
This must be the poor guy.
“Belle, this is Quinn Sinclair. He has twin daughters who want to join the horse club. They’re interested in the horse-judging team. Quinn, this is our fearless leader and my sister-in-law, Belle De La Rosa. Cassie and Lucy are her daughters.”
The man stepped away from her and moved to the other side of the horse, looking at her over Little Lady’s withers. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. My daughters, Meg and Hannah, are in Cassie’s Sunday school class.” He ran a large hand over the mare’s rump. “Need some help?”
They hadn’t embellished his good looks. He was tall with classic features. His hair was dark blond with streaks of gold from being outside.
Good looks and an easy smile couldn’t be trusted. That took the humor right out of her. Just like her ex-husband. All charm, but as nasty as a rattler when you got too close.
The grin on her sister-in-law’s face was bright enough to put the lightning to shame. “I’m so happy you’re here.” Jazz turned that beaming face to Belle. “He can help with the horses, and I’ll start calling parents to pick up early.” She looked at Quinn. “Is that okay with you?”
“Sure.” His answer was clear and confident.
No one bothered to ask her if she needed help. “I’m fine with the horses.”
The rain pounded harder as strong winds pushed water under the edges of the large covered arena. Quinn moved closer to the nervous mare’s head and brushed her muzzle. His hands were gentle as he calmed her. “She’s a beauty. At least we’re not at the open arena. You have your hands full with this small herd.”
She ignored his friendly chatter. They had probably told the poor man outrageous stuff about her to get him interested. Or made her sound like a charity case.
“Looks like parents have started to arrive,” Quinn observed. “My girls were excited about the horse-judging team. They’ve never been in anything like that. Do they need experience? We don’t own horses, much to their displeasure.” He flashed her a smile, and her feminine side, dormant for years, woke up and paid attention.
Settle down, girl. What had he asked? Oh, yeah, horses. “Most of the kids don’t. That’s why I bring these guys. Some of the kids just want to be around a horse. I’ll talk to your girls as soon as I get Lady in the trailer with Captain. He’ll keep her calm. I don’t want her panicking and hurting herself or any of the kids.”
Jazz slipped her phone into her pocket and leaned close to Belle’s ear. “Smile! Don’t be so grumpy.” Her voice was low, excited. “He’s the one Selena wanted you to meet. He’s cute, right?”
Belle rolled her eyes, then glanced at Quinn to make sure he hadn’t overheard.
Of course, he had. He had his head down, but the quirk at the corner of his mouth was a giveaway.
Great. Were they trying to embarrass her? What had she done to deserve this torture? Just because they were happily married didn’t mean she was missing out on anything.
She’d set them straight later. Of course, she’d done that before, and they’d ignored her.
Heading to the group of kids, Jazz waved at him. “Thanks for your help, Quinn.”
He nodded, then smiled. Belle sighed. Of course he was better looking when he smiled. The long lines that cut into his cheeks were too perfect.
The horses needed her full attention. The poor mare’s muscles were quivering under her beautiful roan coat.
“The girls have been excited since Cassie invited them to join the horse club at church a few weeks ago. Selena seemed thrilled. She said you’re the best with kids and horses.”
“Thanks.” Of course Selena was thrilled. Belle sighed again. The last thing she needed was to encourage her sisters-in-law’s matchmaking schemes or lead him on. “Sorry about Jazz and Selena. I find it best if I ignore them when they get...pushy.”
“That’s okay. Family, a blessing and a mess. They tend to think they know what’s best. But it’s all out of love. What can I do to help?”
That had to be a trick. She waited for Quinn to tell her what she needed to do or how she was doing it wrong. “I’m going to load Little Lady into the trailer, but I don’t want to leave her alone. If you could follow with Cap, that would help. He’s the big bay. With him by her side, she’ll be settled.” She headed off.
Without an argument, he did as she asked, leading the big guy to her with confidence that spoke of his familiarity with horses. He stopped at the trailer. “Are you ready for us?”
“Bring him in.”
The trailer shifted as he loaded the gelding. Belle took the lead and secured him. “Thanks.”
Quinn exited and waited for her at the gate. Once out, Belle slid the latch into place.
He nodded over his shoulder. “What about the other three horses?”
She had planned to use them for the demo tonight, but now it might be easier to load the trailer and be ready to leave. A couple of parents had already picked up their kids.
A gust of wind pushed up under the metal roof. “I should get them all in and settled.”
“How far are you driving? This weather’s getting ugly.”
“I’ve handled worse. I’ve helped evacuate with a hurricane barreling down on us.”
He raised his eyebrows. “That had to be terrifying. Which one do you want next? Do they have an order they travel in?”
“They do.” And that he knew to ask shouldn’t impress her. “Clyde’s next.”
They worked together to walk the rest of the horses into the trailer. She reached to shut the gate, but he was already swinging it closed.
She took a deep breath and reminded herself he was behaving like her brother or cousins would. It was not a personal insult to her abilities.
They joined Jazz with the kids.
There were a couple of children left. “Thank you for the help. We’re good,” she told him. “You should take your girls home.”
He placed a black cowboy hat on his head and rested one boot on the bench next to the twin girls she had met earlier. Were they his? He leaned forward, arms crossed over his knee, and glanced at the trailer then her with a frown. “You’re driving the five-horse trailer alone?”
“No, I have Cassie and Lucy.” Don’t be insulted.
The crease lines around his blue eyes deepened. “So, you’re driving with two kids and five horses? How far? Someone should follow you at least.”
A siren sounded from Main Street, heading toward the other side of town. She said a quick prayer, then looked at her wannabe hero.
The one she didn’t need.
Why couldn’t men see she was accomplished at handling whatever life threw at her? Either they had a hard time seeing her as competent enough to take care of herself and her girls, or they didn’t see her at all. She wasn’t sure which was worse.
She smiled; it was tight, but she didn’t growl. Yay, her. “I’m more than capable of getting the horses and my girls home.”
“I didn’t mean to imply you couldn’t—”
“Izabella!” Everyone turned at the booming voice.
She tilted her head and groaned. Xavier was stomping across the arena. Her cousin
had been away for three years but still treated her like a little sister who needed protecting.
“What are you and Jazz still doing here? You should be at home and locked down. I’ll follow you out to the ranch.”
From the corner of her eye, she saw Quinn straighten and cross his arms. His lips twitched as if trying to suppress a grin. Complete failure on his part.
“We had to make sure all the kids were picked up and safe. I couldn’t just take off. The horses are loaded, and as soon as the last kid is gone, I’m heading to the ranch.”
Tanner Hernandez jumped up. “My dad’s here. Bye, Ms. Belle.”
Now they were down to her family and Quinn’s. The identical twins had to be his daughters. They had his sharp blue eyes, but the resemblance stopped there. Their thick dark lashes were so long they looked fake, and their perfectly straight, sleek black hair fell to the middle of their backs.
They were fine-boned and delicate. Their matching features created a picture of sweetness and innocence straight out of a fairy tale. Then they smiled. Wow.
She glanced at Quinn. They had to look like their mother. If that was the kind of woman he was attracted to, her sisters-in-law’s matchmaking plot had never stood a chance.
She was about as opposite as a woman could get. Towering over the girls, she wiped her hands on her filled-out jeans before offering one to them. “Hi. Meg and Hannah, right?” She had met them briefly before the meeting started. “I’m so glad you could make it. Sorry about not getting to work with the horses tonight. Next time, okay?”
They nodded, their movements synchronized.
Jazz introduced Xavier to Quinn.
“Mom.” Cassie took Belle’s hand and smiled the smile that meant she wanted something. “Since we didn’t get to go to the horse club, can they come home with us and spend the night?”
The twins’ eyes filled with joy. They turned to their dad, hope in full force. “Could we?”
“Please?” all three girls said as one.
He started shaking his head no, and the girls’ faces instantly fell.
Finding The Road Home (Hearts 0f Oklahoma Book 1) Page 21
