Mirror Image Bride (Love Inspired)

by Barbara McMahon

  And her father.

  She blinked and caught her breath. She was not falling for a cowboy. She had better sense than that. He’d made it clear from the get-go that she reminded him of his ex-wife and he didn’t like her.

  Over the weeks she’d been working for him, she knew he had changed some of his opinion. But would he ever see her for exactly who she was, and not a replica of his ex-wife?

  What would she do if she fell in love with him? Her home was in Fort Worth. His was in Grasslands. He had to work the ranch. She had no job.

  But I could move, she thought. And find a job locally.

  And do what?

  Not that Ty had given any indication he saw her as more than the nanny he had reluctantly hired to watch his daughter until school started.

  And he certainly had enough to deal with when they returned. Until then, however, she could watch him and Darcy and perhaps daydream a bit.

  Chapter Six

  Ty pushed Darcy high in the swing, delighting in her squeal of laughter.

  “Higher!” she insisted.

  He pushed harder and she flew up, then back. He was sorry Maddie hadn’t found her father, but at least she knew he wasn’t deliberately avoiding her—he’d merely left his phone behind. She’d indicated a time or two that he didn’t keep in close contact with his children when he was working.

  Ty was grateful for the chance to spend more time with Darcy. They’d fallen into a routine at the ranch. She still seemed to be wary around him unless Maddie was with them. In this instance, however, she was acting like the carefree child she should be.

  “Can I go on the slide?” she asked a few minutes later.

  “Sure.” Ty slowed her down and stopped the swing.

  “Want me to come, too?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “You’re too big. Watch me.”

  “Okay. I’ll sit by Maddie, and we’ll both watch you.”

  He ambled over to the bench and sat beside Maddie. “She says I’m too big for the slide.”

  She laughed. “She’s probably right. I love going to the county fair and going down the huge slide in the carnival area. I’d be too big for this one.”

  He looked at her. “You go on a slide at the county fair?”

  “They have these huge ones, as high as a two-story building. It takes a while to climb up all the stairs. Then I use the burlap bag they give everyone and slide down. Never tried it, huh?”

  He looked thoughtful for a moment. “I can’t remember ever going on a slide. Maybe I did when I was really young, but not since I can remember.”

  “Then the next time there’s a county fair nearby, you should go. And take Darcy, she’d love it.”

  “You’re full of surprises,” he murmured.

  She grinned at him. For a moment time seemed to stop, then resume. Her smile lit up her face and she was beautiful. He could look at her all day long.

  Conscious of the attraction that was growing, he looked away, watching Darcy climb the stairs and slide down the circular slide. She jumped off at the bottom and ran around to climb the stairs again.

  “Wonder if I should get a slide for the ranch,” he said softly.

  “Nope. Part of the specialness of visiting parks is that the equipment is not something children have at home. She’s growing to love it at the ranch. Once she can ride competently, she’ll be able to explore more and more. If you take her sometimes, she’d be thrilled.”

  “How about you?” Oops, he shouldn’t have let that slip.

  “Me?”

  “How are you adjusting to living on the ranch?” Once begun, he’d see it through. Plus he was interested in her answer. So far—and it was still early days—she demonstrated none of the frustration and boredom Brittany had. Not that her circumstances were in any way the same. She was still a guest of her sister and brother. Her home was Fort Worth.

  “Well—” She looked off into the distance. “Actually, I’m liking it much more than I thought I would when I first learned Violet lived on a ranch. It’s quite different from what I’m used to, but it’s growing on me.” She looked at him with a smile. “And I’m not so afraid of horses, so that’s definitely an improvement.”

  “A healthy regard for horses is good, but you needn’t fear any on the ranch.”

  “That’s because you grew up around horses, didn’t you?”

  He nodded. “My dad was a cowboy on a ranch until they fired him for drinking on the job. He picked up odd jobs after that. Once I started high school, I could get seasonal jobs working ranches in the area. Can’t remember when I couldn’t ride.”

  “I’m sorry about your father,” she said gently.

  Ty shrugged, keeping an eye on Darcy. “It was a long time ago,” he said. Not that time blurred all the memories of those days. He’d moved on. But could never fully escape the past.

  “I think all children should have a wonderful childhood. One that will help prepare them for their future as an adult, that teaches love and compassion, and faith,” she said.

  “Yeah, what perfect world is that?”

  “Not this one, for sure. But that’s what I wish for all kids. You’ll give Darcy a happy childhood, teach her right from wrong, and how to give.”

  “Given the chance, I will.” The legal action of his former in-laws weighed heavily on him. He couldn’t lose his daughter, he just couldn’t!

  Ty felt Maddie’s hand on his. She squeezed gently.

  “Lay it at the Lord’s feet, Ty. He is an amazing God. He can do anything. He’ll make sure this comes out right.”

  “Except there’s no guarantee that ‘right’ means she stays with me,” he said, his gaze following his daughter’s glee in sliding.

  “‘Right’ means according to God’s plan. Trust Him.”

  “I do. I try to.” He turned his hand over and clasped hers. Studying their linked hands, he offered a silent prayer that he’d accept whatever came, that he’d trust in the Lord to help him let go of the fear and anguish, and focus on loving his daughter the best he knew how for as long as he could.

  They sat in companionable silence for several more minutes, hands together, watching Darcy as she enjoyed the playground.

  When she got off the slide the last time and headed their way, Ty released Maddie’s hand and stood.

  “Ready to get back on the road?” He hated facing what awaited at the ranch, but felt a peace descend that was hard to describe. He was going to trust the Lord and see what happened.

  “Yes. Will we get home in time to ride horses?” Darcy asked eagerly.

  “Nope. We won’t be home until long after dark. We can ride tomorrow,” he said.

  Maddie stood and gathered their things. “We’ll be all rested then and maybe can ride outside of the corral, if your dad thinks we’ve progressed enough.”

  “Can we?” Darcy asked, her eyes wide with entreaty.

  “If Maddie comes along,” he said, giving Maddie a look. “Since she thinks you two are ready.”

  She laughed. “I asked for that. Sure, I think I’m ready.”

  They talked about riding for a little while once they were back in the car and heading toward Grasslands. Then Darcy fell silent and when Ty glanced in the rearview mirror, he saw she’d fallen over, asleep.

  “If she naps all the way home, she’ll be up all night,” he said wryly.

  “Maybe. But it’ll pass the time faster for her. Thanks again for bringing me. I was hoping someone would know where my dad was, but it’s not time, I guess.”

  “You’re pretty complaisant about it,” he said.

  “I could rant and rave, but I still wouldn’t know where he is. I trust the Lord to be watching over him.”

  He glanced at her again. “Sorry we didn’t make our date.”

  She smiled. “This far exceeds a movie. I really appreciate you coming with me—and driving.”

  “Glad to do it.”

  Maddie watched Ty as he drove. He focused on the road and for a few
minutes she studied him, thinking how much she admired him. He had a way of looking directly at people—honestly and forthrightly. He didn’t sugarcoat anything. And she could see he loved his daughter even if she baffled him at times. He should have been a part of her life from her birth. It was sad Darcy had to lose one parent to find the other.

  As the afternoon waned, Maddie grew sleepy. She let her eyes drift closed, thinking of all she wanted to do—finish up the planning for the church picnic, see Belle again, seriously consider looking for a job in Grasslands. When she finally succumbed to sleep, she was trying to imagine Ty’s reaction when she said she wasn’t leaving Grasslands. Would he care, or merely give her his solemn look and wish her the best?

  The slowing of the car awakened Maddie. She blinked and looked around. Ty had pulled into the parking lot of a family-style restaurant.

  “Stopping for dinner?” she asked.

  “It’ll be way too late by the time we get home. We’ll eat now and when we arrive at the ranch, Darcy’ll be ready to go straight to bed.”

  “Sorry I fell asleep. It had to be boring driving without someone to talk to.”

  “It gave me time to think. I’m sorry you didn’t reach your father.”

  “He’ll call eventually. Either back at that church asking about his phone, or he’ll get another one and call me directly. Maybe the lesson to be learned from this is patience.”

  “Not an easy lesson. I could use some of that myself.”

  “I think I’ll go visit Belle on the weekend. I haven’t been since I started working for you. The doctors will call Violet if there’s any change, but who knows, something one of us says might be the key to unlocking her silence.”

  Darcy awoke as Ty pulled into a parking space. “Are we stopping?” she asked, rubbing her eyes.

  “We’re going to dinner. You hungry?” he murmured, looking at her in the rearview mirror.

  “I’m starving.”

  Maddie smiled. She remembered herself and Grayson telling Rachel they were starving when they were kids. Sometimes it seemed a long time between meals.

  They were back on the road an hour later.

  Darcy had fallen asleep in the back as the daylight waned. Maddie glanced at her and then Ty.

  “Have you spoken to your attorney since we’ve been gone?” she asked softly.

  “No. I gave him my cell number, but told him I’d be in touch when we returned. Unless there was urgent communication needed, I wanted these couple of days. The thing is, if it came to choices, I think Darcy will choose her grandparents. She’s still uncomfortable around me.”

  “More uncertain, I think.” Maddie reached over and touched his arm, feeling the warmth beneath her fingertips. “It takes time.”

  “Which I may not have.”

  “You’re not alone in this, Ty. The Colbys will stand behind you 100 percent.”

  “How about you?” he asked, flicking her a quick glance.

  “Of course. How could you even ask? I personally think she should be with her father. You’re doing a good thing here. Anyone could see it.”

  “I don’t have the money the Parkers have. Not to fight the case, nor to provide lavishly for Darcy.”

  “Kids don’t need lavish things, they need attention, to know someone cares. You’re showing her that.”

  He nodded. Maddie could tell how worried he was.

  “They’ve had years to know her,” he said. “To her, I’m a stranger.” The bleakness in his tone touched her heart. She wished she could say something to comfort him, to reassure him.

  “She’s getting to know you now. Spend more time with her. Tell her how much she means to you. She can’t read minds, you know.”

  “It’s hard to say sometimes,” he muttered.

  She nodded. Her own father wasn’t outspoken about his feelings. She knew he loved her and Grayson and Carter, but he rarely told them. Had whatever happened in the past to split up their family made it difficult for him to express his feelings? Or was that part of the reason for the split? She wished she knew.

  When they reached the ranch, Maddie went in with Ty and helped Darcy get ready for bed after Ty carried her in. When she was tucked in, Maddie went to find Ty. “Your turn to tuck her in,” she said with a smile. Then her smile faltered. “What?”

  He rubbed his hands over his face and shook his head. “Messages from my attorney, the Parkers and their attorney. And a note from Violet that a process server was here yesterday and she took delivery of a summons.”

  “So first thing in the morning, call your attorney,” Maddie urged, her heart aching for him.

  “I need to talk to Jack. I might need some time off to fight this.”

  “Do you want to see if he’s home now? I can stay for Darcy,” she offered.

  “Yeah, might as well get it over with. I’ll check in with them after I tell Darcy good-night.”

  Maddie went to sit on the porch. The hot August weather held, but after sundown it was balmy enough to enjoy sitting outside. Closing her eyes, she identified all the new sounds she was growing used to—horses shuffling in the corral, blowing their breath loudly sometimes. She heard the distant lowing of cattle. The sound of the goat’s bell. No traffic noise, no sirens or horns. It was peaceful. Had she inherited an affinity for this land from the same genes that Violet had? Her sister loved it here. Maddie was growing to love it as well.

  She opened her eyes and stared at the starry sky. A short time later, she heard Ty’s return.

  “All set?” she asked.

  “Jack said I can take all the time I need. Which I hope won’t be much. It’s late. I didn’t mean to keep you so long.”

  “No problem. You drove me to Blackstone, don’t forget. Thank you for that. And for being with me.” She stood and gave him a smile. When she started to pass, his bleak expression touched her heart.

  “Things will be okay, Ty. God promises He’s there for us. Trust Him.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “We’re all behind you as well.” Stepping off the porch, she hurried to the house, wondering if her kiss had been a mistake.

  “I’ll be over early to fix breakfast,” she called back.

  He stepped to the edge of the porch. “I appreciate your help, Maddie. I didn’t think you’d last two days. I’m glad you stayed.”

  Her heart skipped a beat and began to race. She turned and tried to see him in the darkness, but he was only slightly silhouetted from the light of the starry sky.

  “Good night,” she said softly with a wave, then turned and headed for the main house.

  His opinion meant a lot to her. She had given her word. He’d realize sooner or later that she stood by it. Now she was sadly counting down the days until he no longer needed her—when Darcy started school. The time was fleeting and there was nothing she could do about it.

  * * *

  Ty watched as Maddie walked quickly away. Her kiss had caught him by surprise. He’d almost given in to impulse and pulled her closer for a real kiss, and then curbed that thought at the last instant. He would like to give her a real kiss. But he wasn’t sure where that would lead. Was he feeling more than mere gratitude for her help with his daughter and support for his cause? The last thing he wanted was to alienate her and have Maddie leave before he found another solution to Darcy’s care.

  Turning to enter the house, he quietly went back to Darcy’s bedroom and looked through the open doorway. She looked adorable asleep in the twin bed. Her hair had been brushed and lay around her head on the pillow. The light sheet was enough covers since he didn’t have the air-conditioner on.

  Thank You, Lord, for this precious child, he prayed. Let her stay with me, please, Father.

  As it had the night before, a feeling of peace descended. Ty moved to his own room. He was practicing what Maddie had said—trust in the Lord. What other words of wisdom did she have? He had come to the Lord only in the last few years. Was this a test? If so, Ty was going to clamp down on his faith and hold fast.
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br />   Once in bed, he reviewed their trip. How he wished they’d found her father. She appeared to take it in stride, but he suspected she was disappointed and frustrated. He would be. If it had been up to him, he would have found the man and made sure he answered all her questions.

  Ty almost laughed. Like he was some hero riding in to set things right. He had enough trouble in his own life.

  But for a little while he wished he could do something to make Maddie Wallace sit up and take notice.

  * * *

  The next morning Maddie prepared French toast for them, keeping the conversation light. The closer it drew to eight o’clock, the more nervous Ty became. When the phone rang, he snatched it up.

  Maddie tried not to listen to the one-sided conversation, especially when he turned his back and hunched over the phone slightly as if to shield himself. Yet she couldn’t help hearing the single-word responses.

  When he hung up, she looked at him, eyebrows raised in silent question.

  “I need to go to Floydada to meet with Stephen. He wants to go over things with me.”

  He looked so distraught, she wanted to reach out and hug him and offer whatever reassurance she could. Not that it would be much.

  “I’ll be here with Darcy,” she said. “We need to go to the church this morning and review some things with Sadie. I think we’re on track for the picnic and am hoping she can catch anything I’m missing.”

  “I’ll let Jack know and then head out,” he said. Glancing at the breakfast on the table, he shook his head. “I’ll skip it—I’m not hungry.”

  When Ty had left, Darcy looked at Maddie with wide eyes. “Is he mad at me?”

  “Of course not, why would you think that?” Maddie asked, putting French toast on her own plate and going to sit with the child.

  “He looked mad.”

  “He’s got a lot of things on his mind. But he’s not mad at you at all. He’s your father, he loves you.”

  Darcy ate another bite. “He lets me ride the horses,” she mused.

  Maddie smiled. “And you’re getting good at that.”