by Marta Perry
“I don’t have any other options.” Ryder’s caramel-brown eyes pierced hers. Why was he so handsome? She’d never been attracted to Mason in all the years she’d known him, but she found his identical twin, Ryder, to be positively gorgeous. It was strange.
“Have you even asked Martha if she’d babysit them full-time?”
“I don’t want her to.” Ryder sat with his knees spread, elbows on his thighs. His hands were clasped and dangling between his knees.
The man looked so muscular and lanky and miserable sitting on her couch it was all she could do not to go over there and pet his head like she had Mr. Jenkins’s dogs.
“Martha has a lot of experience.” Eden could not cave. She had her own life to live and would not get caught up in his problems. She’d gotten caught up in everyone else’s problems for five years, and look where it had gotten her. “She used to take care of her grandkids.”
“Martha doesn’t have the energy or desire to watch lively preschoolers all day.” He blew out a frustrated breath. “Is this about me? You wouldn’t have to spend time with me or anything.”
“This isn’t about you.” She didn’t hate the guy. That being said, he was correct. He’d put his foot in his mouth on more than one occasion, but he probably didn’t even know why she’d been offended. Eden would never forget the look on the twins’ faces when he’d taken a phone call from his ex-wife at Christmas Fest and argued with her in front of them. They’d been devastated. When Eden pointedly told him she’d watch the girls if he got another call, he’d rudely told her to mind her own business. Then a few days later, he’d pulled her aside and told her she couldn’t possibly understand since she’d never been married.
That one had hurt.
And over the past year, he’d made comment after comment about how she had the right idea by staying single.
As if it was by choice.
Ryder Fanning should come with a warning: Hazard—Do Not Touch. He was not the guy for her, and if she ever forgot it, even for a moment, all she had to do was picture his former wife, Lily Haviland, the glowing, talented, beautiful actress and winner of a Golden Globe.
Even if Ryder was the greatest guy on earth—which he wasn’t—he would never be into ordinary Eden Page after being married to spectacular Lily Haviland. What man would?
“What is this about, then?” Ryder watched her with a thoughtful expression.
What was it about?
Getting her life together. For five years she’d been babysitting for her loved ones. She’d been happy to be there for them when they’d needed her the most. They were her friends, her support group.
But Ryder? He wasn’t one of her friends. And she didn’t want him to be.
Starting here, starting now, she was saying no.
“Taking care of the twins doesn’t fit in with my plans.”
He raked his fingers through short dark blond hair and met her eyes. “It would only be for the summer.”
Harper and Ivy with their adorable dark wavy hair and gigantic blue eyes came to mind. They were darling girls. She could do the summer, couldn’t she?
No. She wasn’t getting sucked into his problems.
“Look, Lily’s been out of the country shooting a movie,” Ryder said. “The girls have been struggling since I told them we were moving. Ivy asks me roughly eighteen times a day how Mommy will find her when we move to Rendezvous. And Harper gets real quiet when Lily is brought up. They need more care than the local day care center or Martha could give them.”
Her heart ached for the poor girls. This wasn’t just a move for them; it was a complete upheaval of their lives.
The day care would never do. And Martha was in her midsixties. It would be a lot for her to take care of the twins for hours every day. “My apartment isn’t set up for multiple children.”
“What are you talking about?” He stood and pointed to the dining area with all the toys. “You’ve got everything right there.”
“But it would be cramped. I still babysit Phoebe a few times a week.”
“They’ll survive a few months of cramped. I’ll pay you extra.”
What else could she say? No argument came to mind.
“Well, I’d have to talk to Gabby,” she said, caving. “She might not like the idea.”
His face lit up. “Does this mean you’ll do it?”
“I’ll consider it. But if Gabby objects…”
“Thank you, Eden.” He rose, crossed over and pulled her into a hug.
His arms were strong. In fact, the man was a wall of muscle. He smelled expensive, like department store cologne, and the overwhelming reality of him sent flutters to her stomach. She quickly stepped out of his embrace.
“Don’t thank me yet. Gabby might say no.” She doubted it, though. Gabby would probably rave about how Harper and Ivy would be like sisters to Phoebe.
“Why don’t I get a pizza for us?” He grinned. “We can celebrate.”
“Uh, no thanks. I have plans.” The fib was necessary. Babysitting the girls was one thing. Pizza alone with him was another.
His grin faded away, but he cocked his chin to her. “Another time. Thanks, Eden. I’ll see myself out.”
After the door clicked shut behind him, she smashed a throw pillow into her chest. What was wrong with her? She’d done it again. Slid right into someone else’s plans instead of concentrating on her own.
Was she being too hard on herself? She did want to babysit Harper and Ivy. They were going through a tough transition. It wasn’t their fault she had issues with their father.
An uneasy feeling slithered down her spine. What if this wasn’t about wanting to help the girls?
Ryder owned the ranch she grew up on.
He was single.
And alarmingly good-looking.
She’d have to be careful. Being around Ryder on a near-daily basis might revive her dream about getting married and raising a family on a ranch here in Rendezvous.
It had taken a long time to accept the dream wasn’t going to happen.
The only one raising a family on the ranch would be Ryder, not her.
She’d try not to hold it against him.
CHAPTER TWO
“I’m not going to regret this, am I?” The following Saturday, Ryder and the twins were official residents of Rendezvous. The moving company had unloaded the truck earlier, and a group of friends were helping him unpack. Ryder had been riding a wave of adrenaline all day, but now reality was setting in. It wasn’t the first time he’d second-guessed his decision, but standing in the newly renovated living room of the farmhouse reminded him how permanent this move was.
“You did the right thing.” Mason clapped him on the shoulder. “You said it yourself, you wanted a fresh start. A back-to-nature lifestyle to raise the girls.”
“I do.” He rubbed his chin. “I’m worried about them adapting.”
“They sound happy to me.” Mason arched his eyebrows, pointing to the ceiling where little footsteps pounded up and down the hallway accompanied by squeals and shouts. Noah and the girls were up there along with Mason’s friends Gabby and Dylan Kingsley, who’d recently married and were supposed to be helping the twins unpack their toys. Not much unpacking could be happening with all that noise. If Ryder had to guess, he’d say they were playing tag. Or wrestling. Maybe both.
He dropped onto the couch and sighed.
“What’s wrong?” Mason asked.
“I think it all kind of hit me. The weekends I’ve spent with you have helped me get a feel for cattle, but there’s so much I don’t know.”
“Have you talked to Chris?” Mason asked. “He’s been doing a good job managing this place since Bill and Joanna started traveling last year. He’ll fill you in on everything you need to know. And I’m always here. Call anytime. That’s what brothers are for.”
Chris Ashbury had been doing a good job from what Ryder could tell, and he was thankful the man had agreed to stay on now that he owned the place.
“Thanks, Mason.” Two years ago, he hadn’t even known his identical twin existed. Now he relied on him for emotional support. “Chris does seem to know what he’s doing.”
“He does. He grew up around here working for local ranchers. Moved away a while back to get married. It’s a shame he got divorced, but I’m glad he’s back and ranching again.”
Ryder had sunk a lot of money into buying this place, and he wanted everything right. He’d updated the farmhouse. Convinced Chris to work for him. And he’d landed the best babysitter possible for the girls. Eden had called earlier in the week and told him Gabby was okay with her babysitting all three children. So why was he having all these doubts?
“Has Eden been over yet?” Mason took in the room. “I can’t get over the house. It’s the same…but better.”
“No, I invited her to come over tonight, but she’s helping Nicole with the triplets.” Ryder got up and opened a large box marked Living Room. Since he hadn’t expected her to come over, it was stupid to be disappointed.
“Hey, Ryder,” Brittany called from the kitchen. “Where do you want your pans?”
“Leave the man’s pans alone,” Mason yelled back. Brittany popped her head around the corner and stuck her tongue out at him, but the twinkle in her blue eyes teased.
“The cupboard next to the stove, please,” Ryder said, then turned back to Mason. “I appreciate you guys helping me out.”
“We’re glad to. Noah has been racing around like he scarfed down a bag full of candy he’s been so excited to have Harper and Ivy living here.” Mason dug through a box and held up two remote controls. “Media cabinet?”
Ryder nodded.
Gabby, looking flushed, came down the staircase with a big grin. “Eden is going to flip when she sees this place, Ryder.”
“Why?” He hoped that was a good thing.
“The changes.” The petite, curvy brunette waved her arm. “It’s the same layout but so much brighter. And am I mistaken or did you find more room in the kitchen? It feels bigger, and it wasn’t exactly small before.”
“The kitchen was closed off, so I had the contractor bump out a wall and add an island. It’s a better use of the space.”
“Well, it’s amazing.” Gabby backed up several steps to peek through the sunroom. “Oh, good! You left the sunroom the same. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had tea and cookies in there with Eden and her mother. In fact, Phoebe learned to crawl in there. It’s always been my favorite spot in the house.”
An uncomfortable feeling prickled the back of Ryder’s neck. Everyone kept mentioning Eden. He hadn’t thought about her when he was renovating. She’d grown up here. Lived in this house until last year. She didn’t like that he’d bought her ranch. How would she react when she saw the place? Would she resent the changes he’d made?
That was assuming she’d ever come over to see it. At this point, he doubted Eden would step foot in here.
Harper, Ivy and Noah raced down the stairs louder than wild beasts. Dylan slowly followed with an amused grin on his face. “I promised them sodas.”
“There’s caffeine-free soda in the cooler on the porch.” Ryder hitched his thumb toward the front door, even though the last thing those three needed was more sugar.
“Daddy, guess what?” Ivy stopped in front of him, looking up through impossibly large dark blue eyes.
“What?” He crouched to her level.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m sleeping in Auntie Eden’s room!”
The girls had often heard Noah refer to her as Auntie Eden, and they must have decided to call her that, too. He’d have to run it by her on Monday.
“It’s not fair.” Harper stormed up behind Ivy and crossed her arms over her chest in a major pout.
“What’s not fair?” He turned his attention to her.
“I want to sleep in Auntie Eden’s room! Why does Ivy get to and not me?”
Before Ryder could react, Mason picked up Harper, settling her on his hip. “Because you got Mia’s room.”
“Who’s Mia?” She gave him her full attention.
“Noah’s mother. She’s Eden’s sister. I was married to her, but she died when Noah was a baby.”
“Miss Brittany’s my mommy now, aren’t you?” Noah puffed out his chest as Brittany joined them.
“I sure am.” Brittany ruffled Noah’s hair. “But your mother was a wonderful person from what I hear.” Brittany directed her attention to Harper, still in Mason’s arms. “You’re the oldest, right?”
“Yes, I am.” Harper threw a triumphant look Ivy’s way. Ivy gave her the stink eye.
“Well, Mia was Eden’s older sister. So it makes sense you would have her room.”
“I’m younger, just like Auntie Eden.” Ivy seemed pretty pleased with herself.
“Don’t brag, Ivy.” Harper turned back to Brittany. “Was Mia pretty?”
“She was real pretty.” Noah stepped forward proudly. “You saw her. There’s a picture on the wall in my house with Daddy and me when I was a baby.”
“That’s your mommy. I forgot.” Harper hugged Mason’s neck. “Uncle Mason, you look like Daddy, but you smell different.”
Mason chuckled as he set her down. “Is that bad?”
“No, you smell good. Like clouds and air.”
Mason met Ryder’s gaze, and they both shrugged. Harper grabbed Noah’s hand and they ran to the kitchen, announcing they were thirsty.
“Daddy?” Ivy had her worried face on again.
“What, pumpkin?”
“When is Mommy coming? Can she stay in my room?”
Ryder’s heart sank. Ivy had been having a lot of separation anxiety in regard to Lily lately. Lord, will You help me find the right words? “She’s shooting a movie in another country. Remember how I told you it’s far away?”
“How come everyone else’s mommies live with them and ours doesn’t? It’s not fair.”
Ryder took Ivy by the hand and led her to the sunroom for privacy. He sat next to her on the small love seat.
“I know it’s not fair, Ivy. But I can’t do anything about it. We aren’t married anymore, and Mommy will visit when she can. Until then, we’ll enjoy our new house and our new friends, okay?”
A tear dropped to her cheek and slid down her face. Then another.
“Aw, Ivy, don’t cry. Your mommy loves you.”
“Then why isn’t she here?” She hiccupped.
Not having an answer for her, he pulled her into a tight hug. “You’ll always have me. That’s one thing I can promise.”
“Ivy, I got you a orange pop!” Noah yelled.
She wiped her face and let out a pitiful sigh, then left the room to claim her soda.
He pinched the bridge of his nose. Maybe this move was going to be more difficult than he’d imagined. He’d asked Lily several times to visit the girls as soon as possible, and she’d said she would. But he knew her. If she planned a visit, something would come up—an amazing opportunity or a meeting she just had to take—and she’d either cancel the trip or cut it short.
In time the girls would come to terms with their mother’s ways. But they were too young to understand at this point.
They wanted to be with her.
And she didn’t want to be with them.
He would never put anything—or anyone—above his girls. Their needs came first. Everything else was a distant second. He wished Lily would put the girls first for once, too. But he doubted she ever would. And he’d be the one left to deal with the emotional fallout. As usual.
* * *
Her first day with the Fanning twins. Eden checked the side window again on Monday morn
ing. Mrs. McNally was set to arrive any minute, and Eden didn’t want her to have to navigate the stairs to the apartment. A silver minivan turned into the parking lot. Eden threw on her coat and headed down to get the girls.
Had she done the right thing by agreeing to babysit them?
It was too late to back out now, and frankly, she didn’t want to. She’d make this transition as smooth as possible for them. Get to know them better. Then she’d be able to plan a schedule to keep them active, learning and engaged.
The sky was overcast, and the temperature had dropped overnight. She shivered as she approached the minivan idling in the spot next to the SUV her mom and dad gave her when they started traveling.
“Hi, girls!” Eden slid open the door and waved to them. They looked sleepy, but they both said hi. “Come on, let’s get inside where it’s warm.”
After helping them out of the booster seats, she took their backpacks and thanked Martha. The girls waved as she drove away.
“This doesn’t look like a house.”
“It’s not.” Eden followed them up the stairs. “It’s an apartment.”
“Oh.”
She opened the door and set their backpacks in the hall. “Go ahead and take off your shoes and coats. There are hooks in the closet for you.”
The girls both had long brown hair with natural waves, big blue eyes and button noses. Eden sighed in relief when she saw that Ryder had pinned name tags on their sweaters. She thought she could tell them apart, but she wanted to be sure on the first day. Harper wore purple leggings with a green sweater featuring a purple puppy. Ivy wore pink leggings with a baby-blue sweater featuring a pink kitten.
Eden gave them a quick tour of her place before leading them to the play area. They instantly gravitated to the play kitchen and doll furniture. Ivy selected a doll, and Harper began baking a pretend cake.
“Do you like your new house?” Eden sat cross-legged on the rug. As much as she didn’t like the thought of anyone else living in her old home, she wanted them to be happy there.
“Yes, it’s big. Auntie Eden, I sleep in your room!” With shining eyes, Ivy brought the doll over and set it in her lap. Cradling the baby, Eden melted at Ivy’s sweetness.