The Cowboy's Twin Surprise

by K. T. Byington

  She rubbed her stomach. “Extra sleep does sound pretty amazing.”

  “Okay, then. It’s settled,” he said, feeling proud of himself for convincing her. Now, comes the hard part. Actually getting through the day without her. “We’ll see you later.”

  Later seemed a long time away.

  Chapter Twelve

  Okay, Peanut, here we go. Jessie patted her midsection and then rapped on the front door. Your first dose of Aunt Jocelyn and the cousins.

  “Mommy! Mommy! Someone’s knocking!”

  Taking a quick step to the side, she steadied herself as two little nephews burst through the entrance with an explosion of enthusiasm. The anticipated hearty hugs did not disappoint as the rambunctious boys nearly knocked her to the ground.

  “Whoa, guys! Brandon! Connor!” She clutched the porch railing a bit tighter to catch her balance. “Hey, I’m glad to see you, too.” Jessie kissed the crop of blonde hair on top of each little head while a small, black canine bounced around, yipping loudly. “Hello, puppy. What’s your name?”

  “That’s Harrington. Granny’s dog. Mom thinks he barks a lot. And eats a lot. And poops a lot, too.”

  She laughed. “Dogs do that, don’t they?”

  “Yup,” four-year-old Brandon responded. “And then sometimes we throw a ball, and he brings it back. And sometimes he does dancing tricks for treats.”

  “That’s great.” Jessie ruffled his curls as a twinge of regret nipped at her. She’d seen so little of these children over the years, and she’d not even met the youngest. Maybe she could make up for lost time somehow? “Wow, I’m hungry. What’s your mom fixing for dinner, guys?”

  “Pizza!”

  “Pizza?” She took a dramatic whiff. “Smells like ham and green beans.”

  “Ugh! No green beans! No green beans!” Brandon started, and then five-year-old Connor joined in the chorus. “No green beans! No green—”

  “Okay, boys. That’s enough. Go see what your sister is up to. Right now, guys.” Jocelyn ordered as she appeared in the front entryway, balancing a younger, dark-haired child on one hip. “Hey, how are you, Jess? You finally made it over here.”

  “It’s so good to see you.” She reached for her sibling, pulling her into a tight hug, practically squishing the toddler between them. “And this must be little Drew? He’s a cutie.”

  “Don’t let that fool you. He’s an absolute terror. Sixteen months old and twice as wild as his brothers at this age. C’mon inside.”

  Jessie followed her sister into a smallish kitchen with bright yellow curtains and cluttered countertops. She slid out of her coat and hung it on the nearby rack.

  “Have a seat.” Placing her youngest child into his high chair, Jocelyn pulled ice trays from the freezer and dumped cubes into tall glasses. “I hope you’re hungry. I have pepperoni pizzas in the oven, and I’m heating up green beans with chopped ham and onion. These kids have to eat something healthy once in a while even though their father refuses to. I swear, sometimes I don’t think my husband would recognize a vegetable if he tripped over one.”

  “He can’t be that bad.” She chuckled softly and ruffled little Drew’s curly hair.

  “Oh, yes he can.” Her sister picked up a couple of vanilla wafers and put them with a sippy cup on the high chair tray. “Allie is back there in the playroom somewhere with her grandmother. As you know, Grandpa went into the nursing home for extensive rehab, and my mother-in-law is afraid to stay alone. So, Granny lives with us now. And—as an added bonus—she brought along her delightful little pet, Harrington. You know how much I just love an inside dog.” She rolled her eyes. “Anyway, Granny and the canine are sharing Allie’s room until we figure out what else we can do to make this work.”

  “Sure sounds crowded,” Jessie commented. It was the reason she hadn’t asked Jocelyn for a place to stay—there wasn’t a square foot of extra space in that full house. “So, how’s Andrew?”

  “Good, but he’s working tons of overtime. We’re trying to stockpile some cash in case his job evaporates. They’re talking lay-offs at the garage.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I hope things work out.”

  The loud ding of a kitchen timer made Jessie jump and Drew giggle.

  Jocelyn reached to shut it off. “Kids, the pizzas are done!” her sister practically shrieked. “Come and get it!” Then she turned to Jessie. “Sorry, it’s pretty noisy around here.”

  “No problem. Life isn’t exactly quiet at the ranch either.” She’d almost surprised herself with how much she enjoyed the commotion of a happy home all full of life.

  I can imagine how busy and loud Chase’s house will be as the twins get older. And if Peanut were added into the mix… A wistful sigh escaped. No sense daydreaming.

  Then Jessie inhaled the wonderful smell of oven-baked tomato sauce and pepperoni as Jocelyn started cutting the pizzas. Thank goodness, she had no nausea tonight.

  “Here, Jess, grab those potato chips and put them on the table. And then fill me in on what’s been happening with you. I need details, you know.”

  She moved the bag of chips and began a quick session of catching up with her sibling. But the little detail she suddenly most wanted to share would have to wait for a more private moment than mealtime with her niece and nephews.

  Well, Peanut, I’ll tell Aunt Jocelyn about you later. When the time is right…

  Chapter Thirteen

  “I’m ’lergic,” six-year-old Allie protested, shoving away the bowl of green beans. “More pizza, please.”

  “It’s a-llergic,” her mother corrected. “And, no, you’re not.”

  Jessie frowned. What are they talking about? She glanced from her young niece to Jocelyn, who frowned back. “Is that a real thing? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone being allergic to green beans.”

  “And she’s not. She just doesn’t like them.” Her sister exhaled an exasperated sigh. “Eat one spoonful, kiddo. That’s enough for now. Then you may have more pizza.”

  Jessie stuck a fork into the vegetables and took a bite. Maybe, by example, she could make a difference in the standoff? “Mmm… Warm and buttery.”

  Harrington barked loudly, drawing Jessie’s gaze in his direction.

  “See? Even the dog wants to try them.” She stabbed a few more and munched away. Okay, maybe a bit too much enthusiasm over a side dish? Still, she was just trying to help.

  Allie’s nose crinkled up in obvious distaste, but she raised a forkful to her lips and shoved them in, chewing vigorously until they were gone. “But ooey-gooey stuff tastes sooo much better,” the child proclaimed and grabbed a piece of pepperoni pizza with sauce and stringy cheese oozing down the sides.

  No argument there.

  Jessie abandoned her fork and reached for another spicy slice. She’d no more than taken a bite when the grandmother began to share a few thoughts.

  “Well, Jocelyn, maybe if you’d serve vegetables first to the children, before you bring out the junk food, they’d obey better.”

  Jessie cringed, pizza in midair. Granny’s sharp statement nearly took her breath away. Patience was not a virtue her sister possessed in abundance—never had been—and a good verbal lashing toward anyone came easily to her. But to a mother-in-law? An older woman? She glanced at her sibling; Jocelyn’s narrowing eyes could be the calm before a colossal storm.

  The chill in the room grew even colder as, to Jessie’s horror, Granny’s unsolicited suggestions continued. “The pizza crust could be a smidge crispier, the ham far less salty, and the iced tea a tad sweeter, if you’d just listen to my advice, now and then, dear.”

  Her sister visibly fumed at every syllable as Jessie fidgeted in her seat. Much more of this and there’d be steam blowing out of her sibling’s ears. She ought to do something. But what? The adults at the table proved far more problematic than three nephews, one niece, and the canine licking at her ankle.

  Am I going to have to play referee? In front of the children? She took a quic
k drink of soda, hoping for a truce. But none seemed on the horizon as her sister haphazardly gathered up empty pop cans and crumpled napkins in stone-cold silence. The stillness was preferable to the flurry of words likely lurking behind Jocelyn’s tightly pressed lips.

  Jessie wiped little Drew’s messy face. The kids, thankfully, seemed oblivious to the conflict as they munched away. Or were they so used to it they just didn’t notice anymore? She shuddered at the thought.

  I sure want to do better than that for Peanut.

  When Jocelyn leveled a lethal look in the older woman’s direction, the flood gates opened. “Any way I can make those beans just a pinch greener to suit your color preference, Mother?”

  “Sooo…I understand your husband is in the nursing home,” Jessie interrupted, scrambling for some kind of diversion. “How’s his rehab coming along?”

  “Oh, my dear, it’s such slow progress.” The woman’s hand flew to her forehead in obvious frustration. “Honestly, it’s taking so much longer than we anticipated.”

  A lengthy monologue about the husband’s deteriorating health followed, the brunt of which Jessie gladly absorbed, as Jocelyn finished clearing the table. Disaster averted. However, those dirty plates would have banged together quite noisily, had they not been made of paper.

  Not the best time to be visiting my sister.

  If I could only get out of here and back home to Chase and the girls.

  She chuckled quietly to herself and brushed crumbs from her jeans. Who would have thought the idea of hurrying home to one-year-old twins as being more peaceful than visiting a sibling? She’d come here hoping for someone to confide in about her pregnancy. A sister seemed a logical choice, but instead, she’d found Jocelyn awash in problems of her own.

  No need to add to that burden.

  Maybe she’d missed the obvious choice all along. Maybe the person she needed to talk to was back at the ranch, someone else making life work with the unexpected arrival of babies.

  Chase.

  As Granny’s chatter waned, Jessie grabbed a clean washcloth and wiped off the table. “There’s pizza sauce everywhere. What did you guys do? Sneak bites to the dog under the table? You need to wash up.” Then she turned to her niece. “Allie, honey, are you messy, too?”

  “No, I’m fine. See?” The child raised both hands for inspection. “I’m going to the play room now. Come with me, Granny.”

  A car door slammed shut, and Jocelyn peeked out the window. “Thank goodness, it’s Andrew. It’s about time.” She opened the back door and waved him in.

  “Hey, everyone! How ya doing?” He stepped inside wearing a dirty blue mechanic’s uniform with his name stitched in red letters on the pocket.

  “Daddy! Daddy!”

  Andrew was soon lost in the midst of flinging arms and saucy kisses. “Pizza, eh? Any left or did my kids scarf it all down?” Then his gaze landed on Jessie. “My favorite sister-in-law! I didn’t know you were coming over.”

  “Hi, Andrew. How are you? How’s work?”

  “Ah, you know, things could be better. But we’re hanging in there. I’m so glad you’re here. My angel of a wife needs someone to talk to. She’s taken Mom in for a while, and it has not been easy.”

  “I’m fine,” Jocelyn assured him. “Just a little good-natured sparring with my mother-in-law. Nothing new there.”

  Jessie bit her lower lip. If that was good-natured, she sure didn’t want to see an angry exchange. She turned to the children. “C’mon, guys, let’s wipe your hands.”

  “My bouncing baby boy!” Andrew reached for little Drew and pulled him easily from the high chair. “I know it’s getting crowded around here lately, dear.” Leaning toward his wife, he gave her a quick kiss. “Missed you today.”

  She patted his cheek. “Missed you, too, babe. Every single second.”

  “Okay, boys, all clean.” Jessie gave the two adults a moment as she rinsed the washcloth and left it by the sink. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Brandon and Connor disappear toward the playroom.

  “C’mon, son.” Andrew kissed his youngest on top of the head. “You and me, pal. Let’s see what kind of trouble we can get into. Just let me grab a slice. Got any cold soda?”

  Jocelyn handed him a can and a napkin.

  “Hey, Jess,” he added, “Did you know Jonas is in jail again?”

  She groaned. “Jail?” Why can’t you stay out of trouble, big brother? “I guess that explains why he hasn’t returned my calls.”

  “Yeah, well, you know Jonas. Always in one jam or another. This one cost him thirty days.”

  “Thirty days? Seriously?” Jessie clapped a hand to her cheek. She’d had no idea. “I should go talk to him.”

  “He’ll be out before long. No need for a lawyer now,” Andrew explained. “Anyway, you’ll embarrass the guy to death if you visit him in lockup. I’ve been down there, and it’s pretty damn unpleasant. Let Jonas bide his time. It’ll teach him a lesson. You can catch up with him when he gets out.” He took a swig of soda and juggled his son on his hip. “Let’s go watch the news, baby boy.”

  “Don’t worry about Jonas.” Jocelyn groaned and waved a hand through the air in a dismissive gesture. “Whatever happens, he’s got it coming. If he’s not guilty of this crime, he’s guilty of something.” She tossed a couple of tiny cars into a wooden toy bench in the corner of the kitchen. “Hey, are you going to set up a law practice here?” She chuckled. “Or is babysitting your new calling?”

  “I’m just helping Chase temporarily. I’m an attorney, not a nanny.” Jessie put away a couple of small trucks and a headless doll. “In fact, I looked at a house in town earlier today. Great office space with a separate entrance. It’s rather pricey though, and I don’t think the owner will budge on the amount.”

  “How did you get a day off from your round-the-clock job?” Jocelyn pulled open the refrigerator door and put a few leftover sodas inside. “And what’s it like working for Chase?”

  “It’s going well. The twins are nearly a year old and both walking a bit, so they keep me busy.”

  “Practicing for the day when you’ll have one of your own? If that day ever comes?”

  She smiled. Sooner than you think. Suddenly, Jessie could almost swear she felt a flutter. A quivery movement. Oh, my goodness! Peanut? It’s way too soon, isn’t it?

  “You’re telling me Chase can handle two babies for an entire day? By himself?”

  “I hope so,” she replied hesitantly. This was a big undertaking for him to have them all day, but he’d been doing so much better with them. Jessie brushed stray bangs from her eyes and rearranged toys in the box so she could get the lid closed. “He’s good with the girls. More confident. More capable. And Birdie, his housekeeper, is there in case he runs into any snags.”

  “How’s the living with him part going?” Jocelyn offered a sly grin and returned to the sink. “Any romance in the air? You kinda had a thing for that cowboy years ago, as I recall.”

  Jessie blinked in surprise. Why did she have to remember that? “Well, I…”

  “And Jade really had it bad for him years ago,” Jocelyn said casually over her shoulder as she started the water.

  “Jade?” She halted, shocked by the news. “Our sister?” Could that possibly be true?

  “Yeah, you were long gone to Seattle by then. She tried her best to get his attention, but it just didn’t work out. She finally gave up.”

  “I didn’t know.” Jessie hesitated. “I could hardly believe her first marriage didn’t last. They seemed like a good match.”

  “We were all shocked when it fell apart. All of a sudden she was a single mom with two kids and no job. Tough times.” Jocelyn rinsed a soapy pizza pan and placed it in the dishrack.

  “I remember how upset Mom was about it. She called me in tears several times.” Jessie lowered her gaze. Guilt throbbed through her veins like a pulse. She’d been self-absorbed in her own career for so long, she hadn’t been around for many of the woes of
the McKinnons over the years. She sat down on the toy chest, suddenly feeling about ten years older.

  “Have you met the new husband yet?” Jocelyn dried her hands and gave a quick thumbs down. “Not Jade’s best decision. And he has custody of his three rowdy kids.”

  “I spoke to her on the phone, but I haven’t seen her. She’s been so busy with her new job and family.” Jessie patted the empty seat next to her.

  Jocelyn plopped onto it and leaned back against the wall. “Yeah, I haven’t seen her for a while, but we’re supposed to meet at the diner for coffee tomorrow morning before she goes to the office. Granny is going to babysit, if you can believe it.”

  Is she serious? “You’re leaving her alone with the kids?”

  “Hey, for an hour of freedom? They’ll survive. Believe it or not, Granny is the one I’m worried about.” Her warm hand touched Jessie’s arm. “Come with me?”

  That sounds good. But she shook her head emphatically. “Sorry, I need to look after the twins.”

  “Well, let me just say, you’ve missed a lot of interesting stuff around here over the years. If you had stayed in better contact, even on social media, instead of pretty much shutting down after you moved away, you wouldn’t have been so out of the loop on the local gossip.”

  “I know, I know. But I spent long days on the computer for school and work. I didn’t want to use up what little free time I had at home, too, doing the same thing. And whenever you had something important to talk about, you always called.”

  “True. You deserved a break from family stuff, anyway.”

  “That’s exactly how I felt about it,” Jessie admitted and then instantly wished she hadn’t been so candid. No reason to bring up old hurts. Maybe a change of subject was in order. “But I wish I’d known about Jade’s crush.”

  “Pfft. She was no different from plenty of other women. Chase Tanner is one of the few unattached men around here worth taking a second look at. Then and now.”