Mirror Image Bride (Love Inspired)

by Barbara McMahon

  “I’m only visiting right now, so don’t know if I’ll become a member. I am thinking of staying—if I can find a job.” She took the visitor’s seat he indicated and sat down.

  “I’ll keep that in mind if I hear of anything. How are things coming along for the picnic?” he asked.

  “Everything’s coming along perfectly. It’s been no trouble to call the different committee chairmen and get updates. Everyone I’ve talked to is excited about the event. I’m looking forward to the picnic myself, and to meeting people in person.”

  “Glad to hear it. What can I do for you today?”

  Maddie told him about her father and his missionary journey through the southern part of the state.

  “I’m so anxious to get in touch with him and his voice mailbox is full. He gets so involved with his patients he can forget to eat. Normally it wouldn’t matter so much.”

  “This time’s different,” Jeb said in his quiet voice.

  “You know about our family being split up when we were babies?”

  At his nod, she continued. “It’s all the questions we have that haven’t been answered that are driving me crazy. He could clear things up in a short conversation—if I could only reach him.”

  “Or if Belle comes out of her coma,” he said.

  “True. Even better, maybe, since she’d have the answers to some questions that arose recently. Anyway, Ty suggested I ask you if you might have some contacts in other churches who might know something. Dad was going to start in Laredo and move west along the border until El Paso. We don’t expect him home until Thanksgiving, but I never anticipated not being able to reach him if I needed him.”

  “I know some pastors down in that area. I’ll make a few calls and see what I can find out,” Jeb offered.

  “I really appreciate it. Thank you.”

  “No problem. I know it can be tough when you need to reach someone and can’t. Doesn’t he check in periodically?”

  “Sometimes yes, sometimes no. He gets so caught up in his work. He feels it’s important not only to heal those who are sick and can’t afford regular medical care, but to feed the soul as well.”

  Jeb leaned back in his chair, obviously willing to spend as much time as Maddie needed. “Dedicated. We’ll see if we can find him. How do you like Grasslands and working for Ty?”

  She smiled. “It’s growing on me. And watching Darcy is a pleasure. I don’t know Ty very well, but he’s easy enough to work for.” Actually, she wasn’t totally sure how she felt about Ty. Better to keep her own counsel for that until she had a better idea of what she felt. And he was easy to work for. Just hard to talk to.

  They talked genially for a few more minutes, then Maddie rose to leave.

  “I’ll call you later with any information I discover,” Jeb said, also standing. “I’ll walk out with you to see Darcy.”

  When they entered the main office area, Darcy and Sadie were busy working together on folding the church bulletin.

  “Ah, Sadie, you’ve found a willing helper. Hello,” Jeb said with a smile.

  Darcy looked up and smiled back. “Hi. She said I could help.”

  “Very much appreciated,” Jeb said.

  Maddie watched Sadie when Jeb came closer. The secretary’s face flushed and she averted her eyes, focusing solely on the stack of bulletins in front of her as if they were the most important thing in life.

  Interesting.

  “One more question before we go,” Maddie said. “Could you give me the name of a teenager or someone who would like to babysit on Friday night?”

  Both Jeb and Sadie looked at her.

  “Babysit Darcy?” Sadie asked.

  “That’s right.” Suddenly Maddie wished she’d waited until she’d returned to the ranch and called. With all three of them looking at her in surprise, she felt self-conscious. She suddenly remembered Violet had said Ty didn’t date.

  “Yes. Ty and I were hoping to go out,” she said, feeling more flustered from Darcy’s steady gaze than anything.

  “I could. I’d love to spend some time with Darcy,” Sadie said shyly.

  Darcy looked suspicious. “Where are you going?”

  “Your father asked me to go to the movies in town. It’s not a children’s movie or you could come with us.”

  “If you came to my house, I can show you my new room,” Darcy said to Sadie, obviously accepting the fact her father could take Maddie out.

  “I’d love to, what time?” Sadie looked at Maddie.

  “I’ll have to let you know. I’m not sure myself,” she replied. She hoped she wasn’t overstepping her boundaries, but she was in charge of Darcy, so wanted to make sure she had someone to watch her on Friday.

  Jeb left them to discuss Vacation Bible School with Sadie. They chatted a few more minutes, getting information for the morning sessions. Then Maddie and Darcy left.

  “Want to eat at the café?” Maddie asked, checking her watch. They’d spent longer at the church than she’d anticipated.

  “Yes!” Darcy answered enthusiastically.

  It was early afternoon by the time they reached the ranch. Maddie hoped Pastor Jeb would find out something about her father, but she tried not to raise her hopes too high. She was anxious to speak to him, but knew he was so involved in ministering that he forgot all else.

  The phone rang almost as soon as they entered Ty’s house.

  Maddie answered it. It wasn’t Pastor Jeb, to her disappointment.

  When she hung up, she knew she had to find Ty immediately, hoping he wasn’t too far from home.

  “I need to talk to your dad,” she told Darcy. “Let’s see if he’s around the barn.”

  Unlikely. As far as she knew he found every chance he could to ride. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to look. She needed to find him as fast as she could.

  The barn was deserted except for two horses in stalls.

  She went to the main house. Maybe he was meeting with Jack or Violet. But when she reached the house, only the housekeeper, Lupita, was home, vacuuming the front room. Violet had gone into town. Lupita hadn’t seen Jack and her husband was working in the truck farm, so he probably hadn’t seen Jack, either.

  Returning to Ty’s house, Maddie settled Darcy in the living room with crayons and paper to draw. She went to the kitchen to try Ty’s cell.

  “Garland,” he answered.

  She took a breath. She hated to make this call, but he needed to know as soon as he could.

  “Ty, it’s Maddie.”

  “Is something wrong? Darcy?”

  “No, well, yes, something’s definitely wrong, but Darcy’s fine. Ty, I answered your phone earlier and it was Miss Lucas from social services. Darcy’s grandparents are home and want her to come live with them. They’re threatening legal action.”

  He was silent a moment. “No.”

  “No?” she repeated.

  “They’re not going to take my daughter.”

  Chapter Five

  “I’ll be back at the house in half an hour,” he said. “I want to hear every word that was said.”

  “I’ll be here.” She hung up. Maddie hoped Darcy wasn’t going to end up as a pawn in a battle between adults. In her book, Ty should have his daughter. At least for the next ten years to balance out what he’d missed. Darcy was his, though the child knew her grandparents better and sure hadn’t warmed up to her father. It was early days, though, and given time she knew Darcy would love Ty.

  Only it looked as if maybe he wasn’t going to get the time.

  It was less than twenty minutes later that Ty strode into the kitchen. Maddie and Darcy were finishing up the cookies and milk they’d had and looked up at his arrival.

  “Hi. It seems like I arrived at the right time,” he said, looking at the cookies.

  Maddie could hear the strain in his voice.

  “They’re really good. Lupita made them,” Darcy said, referring to the ranch’s long-time housekeeper.

  Maddie tried to read some
affection into her tone, but Darcy still had that wary look she so often wore around Ty.

  “I’ll try them out,” he said, his gaze locking with Maddie’s.

  She could read the frustration. He made the effort, however, to keep things light with Darcy.

  When he’d finished, he looked at Darcy.

  “Jose needs some help in the barn. Want to help him?”

  “Sure,” she said with a big grin. “I’ll get my hat.”

  When Ty had taken her to the barn and returned, his expression was grim.

  “Tell me everything,” he said to Maddie.

  “Your case worker at social services called and asked for you. I explained that I was Darcy’s nanny and you were working. She said Brittany’s parents had returned from their trip to Africa and learned their daughter had been killed and their granddaughter taken away from Houston. They insist she come live with them.” She took a breath. “The social worker said she explained how she found you and that Darcy was with her father. That’s when they became quite adamant that Darcy belonged with them and they would be seeking custody.”

  Ty fisted his hands and looked out the window.

  “Can they do that?” Maddie asked. “I mean, they can try, I guess, but you’re her father.”

  “Yeah, let me tell you about me and her grandparents. They have more money than they can spend in a lifetime. I’m a foreman of a ranch in west Texas. I have to work all day.” He sighed with frustration. “They’re retired, could devote every hour to Darcy. I’ve saved some money hoping to get my own spread one day, a long court battle will deplete that and then I’ll have even less to offer her.”

  “Those are things. You’re her father. Blood ties count. She should stay with you.”

  “Oh, yeah, and I’m sure you’ve seen how much she cares about me. Half the time I think she’s afraid of me. I would never hurt her!”

  “I know that and so does she. I don’t think she’s afraid of you, more wary. Remember, this is all new to her. Before you showed up a couple of weeks ago, she thought you were dead.”

  “And I still don’t think she’s convinced I’m her father,” he said.

  “Her grandparents have to know.”

  “Of course. For all I know, they are the ones who kept Brittany from notifying me about Darcy.” He scowled. “They were never happy their precious daughter hooked up with a rodeo cowboy.”

  “What are you going to do?” Maddie asked.

  He shook his head. “Stall them, I guess, until Darcy decides she wants to stay here. Surely she has some say in the matter.”

  “I would think so. I’d suggest we talk to Violet and Landon. Maybe they’ll have other ideas,” Maddie said.

  “Give me the social worker’s phone number and I’ll call her. See how much time I have. If there’s anything to do to avoid court.”

  “We’ll work it out,” Maddie said gently.

  He raised a brow.

  “Hey, I care about her and you. I’m firmly on your side.”

  “I thought you’d think a city offers more opportunities.”

  Maddie shot him an exasperated look. “Get over your contempt of cities. They’re fine. But so are ranches and woodlands and the beach. It’s love of a family that counts, not location.”

  “You really aren’t like Brittany, are you?” he asked huskily.

  “Not a bit. Make your call. I’m going to hunt up Violet to see if she’s back from town yet. She might have some suggestions. We can call Landon—he knows lots of people and can recommend someone who might know more about this kind of thing.”

  * * *

  Ty hung up the phone a half hour later, no more comfortable with what he’d learned than when Maddie had first told him. He should have expected something like this, but he hadn’t. This blindsided him. Almost as much as discovering he had an eight-year-old daughter.

  The social worker had been totally neutral. The best place for the child would have to be examined if it came to a custody hearing. Judges ruled in the best interest of the child. Could that be quantified without mentioning money? Ty made a good salary. Darcy had her own room in their home and good care with Maddie.

  But that was not a long-term solution. What if they questioned his plans for when she was in school? He didn’t expect Maddie to remain for the next ten years.

  The phone rang. It was Pastor Jeb.

  “Maddie said to call this number,” the pastor said. “I have some news for her about her father.”

  Great, Ty thought. He knew she’d been frustrated not hearing from him.

  “I’ll tell her.”

  “Everything all right?” Jeb asked. “You’re not usually home in the afternoon.”

  Ty debated telling the pastor, then knew he needed some spiritual support as well as advice. Briefly he described the situation.

  “Oh, tough one,” Jeb said. “Talk to Stephen Forester. He’s the best attorney I know. His office is in the county seat, but he takes a strong interest in anyone who lives in the county.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  “And before we hang up, we’ll take it to the Lord. He’ll know what’s best,” Jeb said gently.

  “And what if the Lord doesn’t think I’m the best for my daughter?” Ty asked, voicing aloud his greatest fear.

  “Then we’ll be guided for what is best for Darcy. Isn’t that what you want?” the pastor asked.

  “Yes. Except—I want it to be me,” he said in a gruff voice.

  “I don’t see why it wouldn’t be. Let’s pray.”

  * * *

  Ty felt better when he left the house to go find Maddie. Whatever happened, he’d trust the Lord to know the best solution. And if it was with her grandparents, then he’d still insist on being a part of her life. Darcy was an unexpected blessing he gave thanks for every day. Her living elsewhere wouldn’t change that.

  “But please, Lord, let her stay with me. I just found her. I can’t lose her now,” he prayed as he headed for the main house.

  Maddie, Violet and Landon were in the office when Lupita showed Ty in. He immediately focused on Maddie.

  “Pastor Jeb called. He heard from a church in Blackstone. Your father was there a couple of weeks ago. The pastor’s away this week, but the secretary thought your dad was heading west. But she wasn’t sure. She’s going to check with some others in the church to see if they can remember anything specific.”

  “Where’s Blackstone?” Maddie asked.

  “Down near the border,” Ty replied.

  “Maddie’s been telling us about Darcy,” Violet said. “Is there anything we can do?”

  Ty shook his head. “I don’t know. I’m still reeling from the news. How dare they try to come and take my daughter? If I had to guess, I’d say they were instrumental in keeping all knowledge of Darcy from me.”

  Landon turned to him. “I have some friends who can help.”

  “Pastor Jeb recommended Stephen Forester. Ever hear of him?” Ty asked.

  “He’s good,” Landon said with a nod. Then he looked at Violet.

  “I’ve heard of him, he’s really good. And local,” she confirmed.

  “Call him and see what he has to say. You might ask if he can have the venue changed to our county since Darcy resides here. Home turf,” Landon suggested. “Easier, too, for you rather than having the hearing in Houston.”

  “Will they do that?” Ty asked.

  “I don’t know, but they sure won’t if not asked.”

  “Good advice, thanks.”

  “So do you want to call that church again to see if the secretary learned anything further?” Violet asked.

  “Actually, I’d rather drive to Blackstone to talk to her and to anyone who knew my dad when he was staying there,” Maddie said.

  “It’s a day’s drive down and one back,” Ty told her.

  “Still, talking directly with people who knew him might get more information than a secretary asking around. And how far will she follow up on it? I feel I
need to do something,” Maddie said restlessly.

  Ty cleared his throat. “I’ll drive you if you want to go.”

  “You would?”

  “I figure if we’re not here for a couple of days, I can’t be served with any papers.”

  Landon chuckled. “Smart man. Take Maddie and go as soon as you speak to the attorney. We’ll hold the fort here and let you know if anything or anyone shows up.”

  Maddie smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Landon.” She felt a wave of affection for her longtime friend. Their engagement had been a mistake, which they both acknowledged now. She hoped they would remain friends.

  “I’ll pack,” Maddie said. She turned toward the door and then paused. “Darcy’s going with us, right?”

  “Of course,” Ty said.

  “Then I’ll pack for her, too. Where will we stay?”

  “Let’s leave as soon as possible. We’ll eat dinner on the road and with any luck be in Blackstone before midnight.”

  An overnight stay didn’t require a lot, so it took Maddie only a few moments to pack. She then ran back downstairs and told Violet and Landon goodbye, hurrying to Ty’s place.

  Darcy wasn’t in the house. Probably still with Jose. She heard Ty in the kitchen talking. Was he still on the phone with the attorney?

  She packed enough clothes for Darcy for three days, not forgetting her toothbrush and teddy bear.

  When she was ready she went to find Ty.

  He hung up as she entered the kitchen.

  “Things go okay?” she asked.

  “Yeah, fortunately Stephen Forester’s assistant knows the Colbys and when I said Violet and Jack would vouch for me, I was put through to the man himself. I explained everything—including our leaving—and he said he’d get right on it. He also told me to tell Violet and Jack that if anything comes to me, it should be sent to him as my attorney. I need to pack and then we can leave.”

  “I’ll tell Violet. Hurry. I don’t want to be here if anyone shows up,” Maddie said.

  He paused a minute. “I appreciate your helping me, Maddie. I don’t think I’ve been as forthcoming as I should have been. The longer I’m around you, the less I see my ex-wife. You are nothing like Brittany and I should have recognized that from the get-go.”