She’d made plans last night to attend services with Ty and Darcy, at the child’s insistence. Despite spending time together every evening, father and daughter still weren’t comfortable around each other without Maddie in the middle. Sometimes she felt like an interpreter. Ty would say something, and Darcy would get mad. But once Maddie explained what he meant, Darcy would be fine. Then Darcy would do something Ty didn’t like, and he’d get frustrated. Maddie would clarify and things would be fine.
It got exhausting after a while. Somehow she wanted to bring them closer without constantly intervening, but at least they were gradually getting to know each other.
And she was gaining a new perspective of Ty Garland. She was honored he’d confided some of his family history to her. Her heart ached for anyone who didn’t have a happy childhood. Knowing about his dysfunctional past and his broken marriage—not to mention his ex-wife’s keeping their daughter from him—would give any man reason to be distrustful. She hoped she could prove to him that he could count on her.
She entered Ty’s small house through the front door after a perfunctory knock. Ty had told her to treat the place as her own, but she never forgot to whom it belonged.
Heading for Darcy’s room, Maddie was startled to see the child dressed in her jeans and new pink shirt, putting on her boots.
“Good morning,” she said, crossing the room and giving the child a hug and kiss on her cheek. “You look like a rose in pink. But I think something else might be more suitable for church. Those are your work clothes.”
“These are my new clothes and I like them. I want everybody in church to know I know how to be a cowgirl.” She stuck out her lower lip. “Besides, he’s wearing jeans, so I can, too.”
Oops. Maddie had noticed at church the last few weeks that many of the younger people wore more casual attire. And she’d always been able to spot the cowboys and ranchers by their dress jeans and polished boots. She hadn’t really paid that much attention to what people wore. Rachel always had them dress nicely to respect the Lord. It was ingrained into her now, but in truth, the Lord probably didn’t care as long as the person showed up.
Ty came to the door. “Is there a problem?”
Maddie looked over at him. He was wearing jeans, but they looked brand-new. The boots he wore weren’t the ones he had on last night. These were polished enough to please her marine brother. The white shirt and bolo tie were so typical of Texans.
“Is this okay for Darcy to wear?” she asked.
Ty looked at Darcy. “Why wouldn’t it be?” He then studied Maddie for a moment, making her feel like a bug beneath a microscope. “Not everyone dresses to the nines for church. This is a small town. Neighbors aren’t out to impress neighbors.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Are you saying I am?”
“Hey, city girl, that attire might make it in Dallas, but it’s a bit over-the-top here.”
“Fort Worth,” she said with disdain. “Not Dallas. And it’s perfectly acceptable to dress up a little for church. I go to worship and honor God. Why shouldn’t I look my best?”
“I’m looking my best.” Darcy stomped in her boots and grinned. “I’ll wear my hat, too.”
“As long as you take it off in church,” Ty said.
Maddie started to say something, then stopped. For once it was Darcy and Ty against her. She smiled. “I can tell when you two are ganging up on me.” Perfect, their first united front.
Ty grinned at Darcy. “I guess we know more about the lifestyle here than the city girl, right?”
“Right!” She marched proudly over to her father. “I’m ready to go.”
The three of them caused a few heads to turn when they entered the local community church a short time later. The last three Sundays, Maddie had entered with Violet and that had caused heads to turn at the novelty of the long-lost twins reunited.
Today, comments flew because she wasn’t with Violet. She spotted her twin sitting near the front with Landon.
She was glad when Ty stopped at a row only partway up the aisle. She entered the pew first, moving halfway in to sit beside a family of four with two children about Darcy’s age. Darcy came next to her and then Ty. Noticing the clothing of the family to her left, she realized she was a bit overdressed compared to their jeans and cotton shirts.
Fortunately, in looking around, she saw several other ladies who were dressed up. One older woman even wore a fancy hat with netting and white gloves! Rachel would love her. Maybe she should tell Ty to be glad she didn’t dress up to that degree.
She saw Sadie sitting in the front pew. Also near the front sat Gwen and Gabe Simmons from the café. Maddie knew she’d have to be here longer to know many people, but at least she recognized a few.
Maddie loved the hymns chosen for the day. She shared her hymnal with Darcy and could clearly hear Ty’s strong voice singing the familiar songs. It gave her a thrill to hear his voice so strong in conviction.
The sermon was on the prodigal son. Listening to the pastor’s explanation of forgiveness and love, she hoped some of it would resonate with Ty and his situation. She offered up a silent prayer for her employer and his child, trusting the Lord to bring everything about to His glory. She added her own petition to discover the facts of her own past and a request to heal Belle and have her father get in touch. And for her to forgive them both for whatever had split their family.
When church ended, Ty and Darcy moved toward the back with the rest of the congregation while Maddie waited near the aisle to speak to Violet and Landon. When they drew abreast, Violet reached out and hugged her.
“Love your dress.”
“Ty thinks I’m showing off—city-girl style,” Maddie said, falling into step with them. “He certainly isn’t big on anyone who wasn’t born and bred to ranch life.”
“Once burned, twice shy. As long as you watch his daughter, what do you care what he thinks?” Violet asked.
Maddie didn’t want to voice her interest in the ranch foreman. Was it the appeal of someone so totally different from anyone else she knew? No, it was more than being different. There was some special spark between them. She was happier being with him than being apart. He appealed to her on a basic level. He was a strong man who wasn’t afraid to ask for help. His values seemed in line with hers. And he was the cutest thing she’d ever seen. But even Jack was easier to understand than Ty.
“Violet. Maddie.” Sadie hovered behind the last row of pews, beckoning them over.
“What’s up?” Violet asked. Landon greeted her politely, then told Violet he’d wait outside.
“Your mother’s listed as the coordinator of the church picnic. Pastor Jeb asked if I’d check with you to see if you could take over in her absence.” She bit her lip nervously. “You know everyone, Violet, and I’m still trying to get names straight. As I understand it, Belle made some plans before the accident, now everyone’s sort of floundering and the picnic’s in three weeks.”
“I don’t know,” Violet said slowly. “I already have a full plate. Between running the teen youth center, working at the truck farm and helping out at the ranch, I barely have a second to spare. And when I do, I’m off visiting Mom.” She sighed. “I’d like to help, but I’m not sure I’d have the time to do a good job.”
“What’s involved? Maybe I could help,” Maddie offered.
Sadie’s face brightened. “Oh, that would be great. Actually, everything was divvied up and people have been working on their tasks. We need someone to check with all the committee chairmen to verify things are going along as they are supposed to, and then oversee the actual picnic day. It’ll be out at Fraser Lake, where it’s been held the last ten years or so, from what I’ve learned,” Sadie explained. “I haven’t been here long enough to know what all’s involved, and really feel out of my depths. Thank you, Maddie!”
Maddie smiled and nodded. “My pleasure. I worked for three years in the production of the Texas Today magazine, and I excel at project management. It wil
l be a challenge, but I’m sure Violet’ll help where she can.”
“You know it. Nice of you to volunteer,” her twin said.
“Here’s the folder with the notes I found in the office. I’m sure there’s probably more at the ranch that Belle had,” Sadie said. “This is such a relief. I was afraid I would have to step in and this is not something I felt comfortable with. There’s so much to learn in my new job, sometimes I feel overwhelmed.”
“Maddie, come on. He’s waiting,” Darcy called from the double doors.
“‘He?’” Violet asked, swinging around to look at Darcy.
“She never calls Ty anything but he. I’ve not heard her call him Dad or Ty or anything directly and when talking about him it’s always he. I hope she warms up to him soon,” Maddie said, tucking the file folder beneath her arm.
Maddie gave her sister a quick hug. “I’ll check in later to see if there’s more information in the ranch office.”
“I’ll look for it as soon as I get home,” Violet said. Turning to Sadie, she smiled. “Don’t hesitate to call me if you need any information I might have. I know a new job can be stressful until you get the hang of it. We’re just glad Pastor Jeb was able to find someone so quickly after our former secretary had to quit.”
Sadie blushed at the mention of the reverend’s name, which didn’t go unnoticed by the twins.
Maddie bid Violet and Sadie goodbye and hurried to join Darcy, taking her hand in her free one and smiling at the child.
“What’s the hurry?” she asked.
“He’s waiting. He said he wants to go home.”
“Ummm, I have another idea. I’ll ask him to take us to where the church picnic is going to be.”
“What church picnic?” Darcy looked intrigued.
“Apparently, the church family gets together at a lake for a big picnic each year. I want to know more about it, so maybe your dad can tell us about past years.”
Ty was leaning against his truck when they walked over. He didn’t look impatient or in a hurry.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Do you know where Fraser Lake is?” Maddie asked.
“Sure, on Tim Fraser’s land. Big man-made lake. Why?”
“Is that where the church has its summer picnic?”
He nodded, opening the passenger door and helping Darcy get in. After she scooted over, he turned and held his hand to assist Maddie.
She took it, feeling the hard calluses. It gave her a fluttery feeling, both appealing and disconcerting.
Once she was seated, he closed the door and walked around to get behind the wheel.
“Why the interest?” Ty asked, once in the truck.
“I sort of volunteered to coordinate the picnic. Apparently, Belle was in charge and they put off getting anyone else, hoping she’d recover faster than she has.”
He looked at her. “Sounds like it’s a lot of work.”
“Maybe, but it sounded more like organization was needed. Anyway, I said I’d give it a shot.”
“Do you have time for it?” he asked.
“Sure. Darcy can help me,” Maddie said with a grin at the young girl.
“I love picnics,” the child gushed.
Ty glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. “I didn’t know that. We can have a picnic lunch today if you like. Ride out to a shady spot and eat lunch there.”
“Can Maddie come?”
“Of course.”
“But can we see Fraser Lake first?” Maddie asked.
He shrugged. “It’s not on the way, but not too far out of the way, either. It’ll mean a later lunch, but sure, we can swing by.”
Ty turned left out of town and before long, turned into a long drive that wound through fences lining both sides. Around one bend in the road an old, wooden two-story house came into view. He kept driving beyond it and then came to a stop in a large, packed-dirt field. Directly ahead was the lake. On the banks, here and there were tall shade trees.
“This is larger than I expected,” she said, staring at the size of the lake. Probably four or five football fields in size, with grassy sloping land between their parking place and the water and several picnic tables beneath the trees.
“Old man Fraser made it during the forties. He only had the one son—Tim Fraser. He ran cattle for a while, made a killing in the stock market and decided working was more than he wanted to do. So he spends some time here, most of his time in Dallas,” Ty explained. “He hired a skeleton crew to keep the few head he still runs. Mostly he lets the town use this lake however it wants. I’ve only been a member of the church a few years, but know they’ve had an annual summer picnic here for at least a decade or longer.”
“Can we go in the water?” Darcy asked.
“Not today, but when the picnic’s going on folks bring little boats, rubber rafts, tire inner tubes and everyone likes to swim. The lake’s fed by rain in season and then kept full by a well over on the other side. By late September it’s down more than this, but always fills back up during the winter.”
“How many people come to this picnic?” Maddie asked, suddenly realizing this task might be larger than she’d expected.
“Most of the families from church and whomever they invite. I’d say we have a couple of hundred people.”
“Oh, my.” She gazed around. “And there’s enough parking?”
Ty nodded.
She counted the picnic tables. “Surely there aren’t enough tables for everyone.”
“Seems to me folks bring stuff that day like portable tables, blankets, chairs. I came one year with a couple of the ranch hands. We just sat on the ground.”
She had a lot to catch up on. Maybe she should have followed Violet’s lead and said she didn’t have time. But she wanted to help. And what better way to get to know more of the residents of Grasslands?
“Can we go now?” Darcy asked, losing interest once no one made a move to get out of the truck.
“Sure. Let’s go get our own picnic today,” Ty said.
* * *
Maddie was tempted to let Darcy and Ty go on their picnic without her. She wanted to see whatever Violet found about the picnic plans. When she suggested that to Darcy, however, the little girl begged her to come with them.
So within an hour of reaching home, the three of them changed, made lunch and piled back into Ty’s truck. Bouncing over the fields as he headed to a spot he thought would be good, Maddie thought how much fun it would have been to ride their horses. But Darcy hadn’t progressed that far yet, and her own skill was novice at best. Though, thanks to Ty’s tutelage this week, she wasn’t as afraid of the animals as she had once been.
Ty stopped near a group of tall trees, their leafy branches offering shade in the hot Texas sun. In the distance she saw cattle grazing. Several were bunched under another cluster of trees, seeking shade in the sultry afternoon.
Lunch proved delightful. Ty told Darcy about the Hereford cattle on the ranch, how they roamed at will most of the time, but were gathered periodically to move to fresh fields. And at least annually they were gathered for culling, vaccines and to brand the calves.
Despite the shade, the day grew warmer. Replete from a roast beef sandwich and veggie sticks, Maddie felt her eyes closing. She’d rest them a minute, she thought as she lay back on her edge of the blanket.
“Do all the cows have names?” Darcy asked.
He shook his head. “Most don’t, that I know of, anyway. They’re cattle. You know we sell them for the beef.”
She looked perplexed. “What does that mean?”
“They go to a slaughterhouse and become hamburger,” he said bluntly.
Her eyes widened and she looked over to the cattle. “They get killed?”
“Where did you think your meat came from?” he asked.
“The grocery store.”
He started to say something but realized she looked as if she were about to cry.
“Hey, it’s the way things are desig
ned. We grow peaches and apples from trees. Violet grows her tomatoes and pecans. We get fish from streams and the ocean and cattle provides meat.” After watching her chase after the piglets, he thought he better not mention bacon and ham.
He’d grown up on a ranch. He couldn’t remember when he didn’t understand about the purpose of cattle. But Darcy hadn’t. He should have watched his words.
He wondered if he would ever make it as a dad. So many pitfalls.
Ty glanced at Maddie. Her eyes were still closed. He could have used her help in this conversation.
A few minutes later Darcy got up and wandered around the shade, spying a tree she thought she could climb. He watched as she scrambled up the lower branches, pausing when she was about six feet from the ground.
The day was warm, but the slight breeze kept it pleasant in the shade. For a few minutes he relaxed and let his thoughts drift. This was what life should be about, a family sharing time together, not going to parties or seeking superficial entertainment, but content to be with each other doing nonspectacular things like lazing around on a quiet Sunday afternoon.
For a moment Ty didn’t recognize the feeling—contentment. It came from Darcy—and Maddie—being part of the day. Of knowing he’d done good work this past week. And knowing he was gradually making headway with his unexpected daughter.
He looked over at Maddie. She’d swapped her pretty yellow dress for jeans and a cotton shirt, but somehow they looked more stylish on her than on other women who wore the same attire. Was it the way she carried herself? Or her own innate flair?
She hadn’t complained once in his hearing about the differences between the ranch and Fort Worth. He doubted she did around Violet, either, knowing how she didn’t put up with whiners.
Checking on Darcy, he smiled when he saw her straddling a large branch, leaning against the tree trunk with a peaceful expression. She found as much contentment here as he did. Could he make her a country girl? She’d asked a couple of times about some computer game she used to play, but he didn’t have a computer and so that ended that. He thought she was growing more comfortable around the horses. She sure loved the piglets, chasing after the goat and playing with Nipper when Jack was around.
Mirror Image Bride (Love Inspired) Page 6