Her Secret Twins

by Janette Foreman

  It was the little details that made family so amazing.

  After surveying the land one more time, he headed home to his parents’ house, where he’d been staying. The walls there were already closing in on him. A constant reminder of what brokenness could look like in a family.

  And he could either continue that legacy of brokenness or start a new one of healing and togetherness within his own family. But how, he didn’t know. Togetherness sure didn’t seem possible anymore.

  As he reached his parents’ door, his foot brushed something on the welcome mat. A box wrapped with a bow. It was flat and long, and so he’d almost stepped on it. Grant frowned and picked it up. Turned it over in his hands. Then he noticed a strip of wrapping paper folded and taped to the present, working as a personal note.

  Grant lifted the paper to read.

  For your collection of firsts. —Kallie

  PS—Better rip the wrapping paper. Apparently the kids won’t learn it from me.

  “What...” He looked around in case she was hiding in the bushes or something. Had she just dropped it off, knowing he wouldn’t be there?

  He stepped inside and took the present to the living room. As he sat on the couch, he ripped off the paper and took off the lid.

  Inside was a whole collection of items, with a note attached to each. A photocopy of Ainsley’s and Peter’s footprints in the hospital. A photograph of them in their first pajamas. A couple of those little stretchy beanie hats newborns get in the hospital. A thumb drive labeled “videos of first bath, first solid food, first steps.” And the plastic zipper storage bag at the bottom? Held two smaller zipper bags—each with a lock from the kids’ first haircuts.

  Slowly, he pulled out each item. With all the pieces laid out on the coffee table, Grant looked them over. Really studied each one, his hand over his mouth and his elbows propped on his knees. Besides the kids themselves, this was by far the coolest gift he’d ever been given. And he couldn’t help but feel his throat thicken a little at the gesture.

  He and Kallie had their rough patches. Neither of them was even close to perfect, and it showed too often.

  But when they tried to be on the same page, they were a knockout team. Being with her and the kids could bring forth a legacy of healing, no doubt about it. And suddenly, there was nothing more that he wanted in his life than to be with her.

  Except, first he’d have to convince her.

  He had just the plan.

  * * *

  But when I ended my marriage to your mother, I made the biggest mistake of my life. I should have fought for us, not turned into a coward and let her slip away. I loved your mother, but I was hurt. That was no excuse. You suffered the most from my mistake, and for that, I’m truly sorry.

  When you were young, we nearly lost the farm. Too many poor seasons in a row, and I’d spent too much of our savings getting the dog business up and running. I told your mom she needed to go find a job.

  Back then, you couldn’t work remotely like you can now. She had to travel. At first, this worked fine, but it wasn’t long before our marriage was strained, and I never took the necessary steps to bring our relationship back.

  Your family is one of the biggest legacies you can leave your kids.

  It doesn’t matter what luxuries you have or where you live. If the kids are safe, and your marriage is strong, and your faith in Jesus is even stronger than all of it—then that’s the legacy worth preserving. You’ll do okay.

  I love you with all my heart. I hope you learn what is worth preserving in this life.

  Love,

  Dad

  Kallie wiped her eyes and stared at his words a few more times before finally folding the letter and clasping it close. She’d give anything for it to be her dad in the flesh, but seeing his words and being able to read them over and over was truly a gift.

  Mom came down the narrow stairs to the living room where Kallie sat on the sofa. In her arms was a large tote of clothes she was taking to the laundry room. She hadn’t yet taken over the hired hand’s cottage, as Grant had suggested. Partly because she was still deciding what she was going to do with her new freedom. Stay here on the farm? Move into town and volunteer at the library, something she’d always wanted to do?

  In the meantime, she was staying here and helping out, which Kallie couldn’t have appreciated more. Until Grant had shown up, she hadn’t quite realized how exhausted she’d become without help, trying to do everything on her own. Now she was seeing the benefits of asking for help and allowing that help to happen.

  If only she’d realized it over a month ago, when she could have fixed things. When Grant had accused her of not letting him in, he’d been dead-on. So accurate, the truth had pinned her between the eyes, and she hadn’t wanted to hear it. But the truth was, yes, she wanted Grant in her life, in their kids’ lives. Problem was, she’d pushed him away, and no doubt he couldn’t be convinced to come back.

  Mom noticed the letter in Kallie’s hands and smiled. “Reading your note from Dad?”

  “Yeah. I really miss him.”

  Sadness crossed Mom’s eyes and she set the laundry basket on the recliner before sitting down next to Kallie. “Me too, hun. I know it may not seem like it, but I really did love your father. I was just too selfish to realize it until it was too late.”

  That familiar burn started in Kallie’s eyes, and she blinked. “I know.”

  “I’m sorry we made such a mess of our family.” Mom shook her head, seeming to reflect on the past. “All because we wanted to chase dreams and avoid the hard stuff of life. Don’t get me wrong, dreams are so important. Never forget that. I’m learning more and more that God created us with creative spirits that long to participate in amazing things. But when we pursue them at the expense of what’s most important, our families and even sometimes our faith? Where’s the reward in that?”

  A wave of tears threatened to fall. “That’s exactly what Dad was telling me in his letter.”

  “Now, see, your dad always was a smart man.”

  Kallie laughed softly. “It was right when I needed to hear it, too. I don’t know how the two of your planned this little intervention, but I’ve gotta say, I’m impressed.”

  Mom laughed. “I’d say the intervention is more divine than anything else.”

  The smile faded from Kallie’s mouth as questions took over her thoughts. “Mom? Why didn’t you tell me we almost lost the farm?”

  “Did your Dad tell you about that in his letter?”

  “Yes. That’s why you went on the road, wasn’t it? To keep us here.”

  Mom sighed. “It started out that way. This land has been in our family for generations. It was a part of your dad, a part of me. Just like it’s a part of you.” She looked away. “But after a while, when things got difficult in our relationship, I found it easier to stay away. I was wrong. It wasn’t fair to you or to your father.”

  Kallie’s heart ached so much, she thought it might crumble. “I can’t believe I have to sell some of it. And there’s already someone interested, the Realtor says.”

  “What does Grant say about that?”

  A huff escaped her, more hurt than anything. “Nothing, I guess. I just got a call this morning from our attorney that he removed himself from receiving any of the inheritance.”

  Mom frowned. “He can do that?”

  “Apparently. For up to sixty days after the death or something.”

  “But why? What benefit is there?”

  “I don’t know. Probably just wants to cut ties with us, I guess.”

  Mom was quiet a moment. “Kallie, does that sound like him? To cut ties?”

  Her heart squeezed. “This past June, I wouldn’t have thought so, but—I guess that’s just his default behavior. He wants to be loyal and dependable, but in the end, maybe he doesn’t follow through. He left me,
left the farm, left the kids.”

  “He comes to visit them every day. Still sits by us at church.”

  “Yeah, I suppose.” Made no sense, though. If he wanted to be in their lives, why would he reject the inheritance? It felt like another betrayal. Which was ironic, considering her initial aversion to Grant inheriting anything in the first place. “But everyone lets you down at some point, Mom. I’m not trying to be negative—just truthful. Everyone lets you down, and this is how Grant has done it.”

  “You’re right. Eventually, everyone will let you down. No one has a perfect record,” Mom said. “But that’s why we have a Savior.” She traced the piping on the sofa cushion beside her. “I think regardless of everyone’s imperfections, we’re still called to rely on each other. I think it teaches us to let things go and offer grace when things don’t work out as we’d planned.”

  “Letting go. I have a lot to work on in that area.”

  “Don’t we all.” Mom grinned. “Also, I think when we fail to let go and trust in people, we ultimately are failing to let go and trust in God, and failing to reflect His goodness toward others. Allowing yourself to love means opening yourself up to pain and loss—because it will happen—but God does the same thing for us every day. In the end, love is worth the cost.”

  “Hmm.” Interesting. And convicting. Kallie had never thought of it that way before. Was her distrust of others—like Grant—a reflection of her distrust in her Heavenly Father?

  That brought her around to the question of legacy again. A word Dad had used in his letter. What legacy would she be leaving for the kids? A legacy of bitterness and stubborn independence? Or one of community and faith? The questions pressed deeply on her heart. She knew what she wanted her answer to be—but which one was she actually living?

  In the end, it was about more than just a stretch of land.

  A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Kallie made eye contact with her mom before they both rose to answer the door. Ruby was out on the porch, so thankfully she hadn’t barked at the visitor. The kids were sleeping and weren’t due to wake for a while.

  Kallie opened the door and looked around. No one stood there, and Ruby was prancing through the yard, staring up the road with her tail wagging wildly. Distantly, Kallie could hear the fading rumble of a pickup engine.

  She looked down and found a box at her feet. Her heart pricked with warmth.

  “Someone left a package?” Mom asked, glancing around.

  “Yep.”

  It was just a small, unadorned cardboard box, too small to even hold a pair of adult-size shoes. Like her gift, a folded strip of paper had been taped to the top.

  Since you’d only fret about ruining the wrapping paper, I didn’t include any.

  Kallie bit back a giggle and opened the box. Inside, she found a large coin purse, made of soft pink leather.

  “Is there anything in it?” Mom asked.

  “Let’s find out.” Kallie wiggled her eyebrows, then opened up the purse, pulling gently on the zipper, to find a few small slips of paper inside.

  She instantly recognized the shape of the first two strips she pulled out, and her heart jumped. Airplane tickets.

  Mom leaned in, squinting over Kallie’s shoulder as she tried to read one of them. “New York City? What’s there that you want to see?”

  Fighting those tears again, Kallie stared at the airline tickets. Ellis Island. He’d remembered.

  The last strip of paper was a note. She unfolded it, easily recognizing the distinct block lettering.

  Kallie,

  Take advantage of this time with your mom. I’ll watch the kids. Go find your heritage.

  —G

  PS—Use this purse at the farmers market for all the money you’ll rake in. I know you’ll make a killing. Go get ’em.

  “So, what’s with New York City?”

  “It’s a long story.” Kallie tucked the tickets away in the purse for safekeeping. “Suffice it to say, you get to be my guest on the trip.”

  Mom lifted an amused brow. “Oh, I do? You don’t want to go with the giver of the gift?”

  An idea began to form in Kallie’s mind—a crazy, harebrained idea that might have no merit, but she definitely had to check. “Mom, could you watch the kids for me while I run to town?”

  Chapter Eleven

  The dogs were shaping up to be fine setters indeed. Mighty fine.

  After stopping by Maxwell Thornton’s land to feed the dogs and get them settled in for the night, Grant drove down the street leading to his parents’ house, heart light at the promise he’d seen during their training session earlier today. He’d missed getting into the grit of training. Sure, he really liked teaching other handlers what he knew. But he’d forgotten what it was like to literally be in the field, watching those dogs do their thing. It was like any other aspect of nature—witnessing the fine and elegant orchestra of instinct reminded him of the hugeness and goodness of God.

  As he approached his driveway, he spotted someone sitting on the porch steps. Someone he instantly recognized. Tender face, long blond hair draped over one shoulder in a long, loose braid.

  He got out of his truck and paused. “Kallie?”

  She stood. “Hey.”

  “Are the kids okay?”

  “The kids are fine. They’re with Mom. I wanted to thank you for the tickets.”

  “No problem. Thank you for the kids’ things. They’re really special.”

  “I thought you needed something of theirs.”

  He stood stone still. Judging by the way she rocked back on her heels while watching him, Kallie had more to say. So he held his breath and waited.

  “What happened to the job in North Dakota?”

  “Didn’t take it.”

  “But why?”

  “I told you. I’m not leaving the kids.” Or you.

  Kallie swallowed, took a step forward. “I was going to tell you we’d like to follow you there.”

  Grant’s brows peaked. “What? Really?”

  “I’ve been acting foolish. I realized it the first time I saw your empty cottage and the pickup missing out front. No one stopping in for morning coffee. The kids’ dad not helping me bathe them and put them to bed. Neither Mom nor I can read Goodnight Moon quite like you can.”

  A corner of Grant’s mouth ticked into a smile.

  “And it’s not just because you gave me plane tickets or the money bag, which were both super thoughtful. Or even the fact that I just found out from the real estate agent that you’re the one trying to buy my land—”

  “Wow, so much for privacy.”

  “Grant.” She tried to hide that beautiful smile, but it found its way onto her face anyway. “Your name is right there on the purchase agreement. And anyway, I’m trying to apologize here.”

  “Sorry. Proceed.”

  She laughed. Then her features sobered. “How did you pay for the plane tickets?”

  He pursed his lips before answering. “Dog training money.”

  “And the land?”

  Grant didn’t answer.

  “You sold your car, didn’t you? Then rejected your inheritance so you could buy it instead, which was the only way I could have enough money to pay off Dad’s debt, yet still keep the land.” Tears trailed down her lovely face. She took another step toward him. “How could you do that?”

  He shrugged. “It needed to stay in the family.”

  “Our legacy to our kids and future generations is rooted deeper than land. I think that’s what Dad wanted us to understand. I think he wanted us to be a family. I see that now.” She stepped right up to him, merely a foot away. “I was so very wrong. About everything. I didn’t deserve your kindness and yet you gave it to me anyway. You belong in our lives, Grant. I’m terrible at getting my feelings out, but I’m going to work on t
hat.” She reached out for both of his hands. “So hear me when I say this—I love you.”

  Wow. Air released from his lungs. Letting go of her hands, he slid his arms around her. “You do, huh?”

  “Mmm-hmm.”

  “Well, I guess the feeling’s mutual then.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I love you, Kallie Shore. I have from the very beginning, and I’m sorry I got lost along the way.”

  “I get it.”

  “But don’t mistake what I’m about to tell you,” he said, hoping the look he gave her communicated the truth he felt deep in his bones. “I need you. Not just for the farm. Not just for the kids. For myself. And I promise to spend the rest of my life proving it to you.”

  Questions seemed to languish in her eyes as hope replaced them. “And I need you, too. No more trying to run our family on my own.”

  Music to his ears. “Be careful what you promise, there, Kal. Don’t go losing your stubborn streak.” He winked and tugged her closer. “Your determination and bossiness are some of the things I love most about you.”

  Breaking into a grin, Kallie hugged his neck. “Then you listen here, Grant Young. I’m expecting you for breakfast tomorrow morning at eight o’clock sharp. It’s eggs and pancakes, and don’t you be late.”

  His brows ticked in amusement. He sure loved that gal.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said before giving her a kiss.

  “Does that mean you’ll move back to the farm?” she murmured against his lips.

  He chuckled. “Only on one condition.”

  “Which is?”

  “You have to bake a whole lot more pies. And not just for the farmers market.”

  Her blue eyes glittered. “I think that can be arranged.”

  “Oh, actually, there’s a second condition, too.”

  “Okay, what?”

  “You have to open another present.”

  She grinned. “Okay, show me where it is.”