“He takes us on picnics.”
“Yes.” She nodded encouragingly.
“I like Jack’s dog.”
Maddie wondered if that would be enough to keep her with Ty if the judge asked her where she wanted to live. She hoped, for his sake, it would be.
* * *
Maddie and Darcy drove into town after nine. She wanted to make sure Sadie would be at the church when they arrived. The parking lot was empty except for two cars.
“Why are we going to church—it’s not Sunday,” Darcy asked, skipping along beside Maddie as they followed the path to the office.
“I told you, I need to speak to Sadie about the church picnic.”
“Oh, yeah. At the lake. I can swim but I don’t have my bathing suit. It’s at home.”
“Honey, your home is on the Colby Ranch now,” she reminded her. “I spoke to the social worker and your things are being packed up. I hope they will be delivered soon.”
Actually, the conversation had been a bit distressing—Darcy’s grandparents were packing up their daughter’s apartment and would undoubtedly take all Darcy’s things to their place in anticipation of her living with them.
“In time for the picnic?” Darcy asked hopefully.
“I don’t know about that. How about we go to the store after we finish here and get you a new suit, then we don’t have to worry about your other clothes arriving in time.”
“Okay, I want a blue one. Blue is my favorite color.”
Sadie and Pastor Jeb were in the office when Maddie and Darcy entered. They had been reviewing the same paper, the pastor leaning over the desk beside Sadie, who was seated in her chair. The exchange appeared sweetly intimate. Both looked up a moment later.
“Good morning,” Jeb said with a wide smile of welcome.
“Hi,” Sadie said, smiling shyly, glancing at Jeb then back to Maddie and Darcy.
“I brought the folder about the picnic with all my notes. I’ve spoken to almost everyone and I think we’re in good shape,” Maddie said. “I wanted to review everything with Sadie so she’d be up to speed.”
“Ah, one of our favorite summer events,” the pastor said. “No problems, I hope.”
“None. Everyone knew what they were doing and were able to educate me when I asked for updates. The only thing I’m not sure about is who’s doing the barbecuing. I see where people are bringing meat for the grill, and when Ty took me by the place, I saw several built-in grills but haven’t confirmed anyone actually doing the cooking.”
“The men usually show up and rotate,” Jeb said. “They don’t need to be asked. I wouldn’t worry about that. We’ve never had a problem finding volunteers.” He smiled at Darcy.
“How are you settling in, young lady?”
“Fine. We’re going to buy a bathing suit after we leave here,” she said.
“Got to have one for the picnic—everyone goes swimming,” Pastor Jeb confirmed.
“Then I’ll need one as well,” Maddie said. “Unless I go home between now and next weekend to get one there.”
“I should have asked as soon as you walked in—how is Belle?”
“The same. We’re looking into moving her closer to home. There’s not much more the hospital can do until she wakes.”
He nodded. “Violet spoke to me about that. We have several closer than Amarillo, which I think would be suitable.”
“Tell her we have her in our prayers,” Sadie said softly.
“I will,” Maddie replied.
“Sadie has taken on the leadership of the prayer chain,” Pastor Jeb said with a smile at the secretary.
She blushed and looked down at her desk. “It’s my pleasure.”
“And we’re lucky to have a secretary who wants to become so involved with the church. You’re an asset to the congregation, Sadie.”
Her face flamed scarlet. Maddie knew she was pleased with the compliment, yet seemed too shy to even acknowledge it. She studied the woman a moment while Jeb talked to Darcy about the forthcoming Vacation Bible School. From the swift glance Sadie gave the pastor, Maddie wondered if the secretary had a secret crush on the minister. Glancing at Jeb she could see why Sadie might. He was a widower, Violet had told her. His reddish hair was cut short, his smile was warm and friendly. And he always had a good word to say about everyone.
She’d have to ask Violet what she thought. It would be nice if two single people fell in love, found common interests and got married.
Unlike her and Ty.
Shocked at the thought, she focused on the pastor and what he was saying to Darcy. She wasn’t falling in love with the ranch foreman. They had exactly nothing in common.
Though she did think he was coming around to believing she wasn’t totally like his ex-wife—longing for the city scene and loathing the ranch style.
Still, she knew she was too unfamiliar with the seasons of ranching to be of any help to anyone involved in ranching.
She could learn.
Did she want to?
“I’ll leave you two to review the picnic,” Jeb said. “Let me know if you need anything from me.”
When he’d left, Maddie took the visitor’s chair and opened the folder. “Let me bring you up to date so someone else knows what’s going on.”
Sadie scooted closer and studied the notes as Maddie reviewed them. Darcy entertained herself for the short time. When they finished, Maddie praised her for being so good. “How about we eat lunch at the coffee shop after we buy your swimsuit?” she said, gathering her notes.
“That’d be fun. Want to come with us?” Darcy invited Sadie.
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s not lunchtime yet.”
“We’re going shopping, so you could meet us,” Darcy suggested.
“Do join us if you don’t have other plans—we can meet at noon,” Maddie added. She wanted to get to know this shy woman more. Maybe she could make a new friend at the same time.
“Well, if nothing is happening, I’ll come at noon,” Sadie said.
“And I can show you my new swimsuit. We’re going to get it now!” Darcy said excitedly.
It warmed Maddie’s heart to see the young girl so happy and upbeat. It gave her hope that everything would somehow work itself out.
* * *
Maddie decided to try another store in town for the swimsuits. The Feed and Grain was fine for Western wear, but she hadn’t even noticed swimsuits there. Campbells was the other clothing store in Grasslands and looked like it went on forever toward the back, yet was only as wide as the storefront on Main Street.
The prices were higher than the Feed and Grain, but nothing like Fort Worth prices. When they each found a swimsuit they liked, they also looked for matching cover-ups. It had been Darcy’s idea, and Maddie was happy to go along with it.
“That way people will know we’re together, because we have look-alike cover-ups,” Darcy explained.
“They’ll know we’re together because we’ll be staying together there. No wandering off.”
“I wouldn’t. But maybe I’ll make some new friends.”
“You’ll know lots of children by the time we have the picnic. It’s the Sunday after Vacation Bible School ends, so you’ll have met everyone by then.”
“Do you think they’ll like me?” Darcy asked in a small voice.
Maddie gave her a quick hug. “Of course they will, Darcy. You’re a delightful person.”
She looked unconvinced, and Maddie wished she knew what she could say to ease her uncertainty.
They arrived at the coffee shop promptly at noon. Sadie was standing out front.
“Hi,” she said, smiling at Maddie and then Darcy. She seemed a little out of breath.
“Did you rush over?” Maddie asked. “We would have waited for you.”
“Well, I hurried a little. I don’t want to take longer than an hour for lunch.”
“I know how that goes,” Maddie said as she pulled open the door and gestured for Darcy and Sadie to enter. �
�When I worked at the magazine, it was luxury to even have an hour. There was always so much to do.”
“You don’t work there anymore?” Sadie asked when they were seated at a booth along the side.
“Laid off. They let fifteen people go the day I got my pink slip. I really miss it. Yet, somehow I wonder if it was the hand of God. I would never have been able to take this much time off to spend with Violet and Jack if I’d still been working. So that part seems like a blessing.”
Sadie cleared her throat and glanced at Darcy. “How are Violet and Jack?”
“Fine.”
“And their mother?” she asked.
“Belle is still the same. We’re planning to move her closer, as I said earlier.”
“She’s always on the prayer chain,” Sadie said softly.
“I appreciate that, and know Violet and Jack do as well. One day I think she’ll wake up and be completely healed.” She hoped so. There were so many questions she wanted answered—some only a mother could tell her, even if her father explained things.
She still felt odd to think of Belle Colby as her mother.
“The accident was a tragedy,” Sadie said. “I know people here in town were shocked. It happened before I came, though, so I didn’t know her.”
“I’m sure you’ve heard all the rumors. There’s no denying Violet and I are twins. And if you saw my brother Grayson, you’d know he is the exact image of Jack.”
“Ready to order?” Gwen asked, coming up to the table. “Hey there, sugar, you want a hamburger and fries?” she asked Darcy.
“Yes, please. And lots of ketchup.”
Sadie and Maddie ordered and then Sadie looked at Maddie. “How did your family split up?” she asked.
“I have no idea. None of us does. Belle’s unable to answer any questions, of course, and my father’s out of touch.” Briefly she told Sadie about her father. Ending with, “Ty was so helpful driving me all that way.”
“He seems nice. I don’t know him very well. I’m too new to know many of the congregation,” Sadie said.
“How did you come to Grasslands?” Maddie asked as their lunches were being served. The delay in her response she attributed to Gwen’s friendly banter when she brought their iced tea and chocolate milk for Darcy.
But once she’d left, Sadie still didn’t answer.
“What brought you to Grasslands?” Maddie asked again.
For a moment, Sadie looked blank. Then she smiled. “I was looking for a quieter place to live than the big city. Spread out a map and closed my eyes and put my finger down.”
“Where did you live before?” Maddie asked.
“Dallas,” she said quickly.
“I lived in Houston before I came to the ranch,” Darcy said.
“I heard that,” Sadie said with a sad smile. “We’re glad you came here.”
“Ty is my dad,” Darcy said.
Maddie almost gave a sigh of relief. Was Darcy finally warming to the idea that Ty was her father? She hoped so. So much change in the child’s life in such a short time.
“I heard that as well,” Sadie said.
“Do you want to see my swimsuit?” Darcy asked, pulling it from the bag.
“I sure do. That’s so pretty.”
“Do you find it hard to meet people here?” Maddie asked.
“Not working at the church. I was fortunate to get that job right away,” Sadie said.
“Pastor Jeb is really great. He helped me find out where my father last visited.”
Sadie nodded, dropping her gaze to her salad. “He’s wonderful,” she said softly.
Once again, Maddie wondered if the secretary had a crush on her boss. Taking in the glasses, baggy clothes and bland colors she wore, Maddie wished she knew Sadie better and could suggest some things to perhaps have Jeb notice her more than just as a secretary.
“Do you still need me to watch Darcy sometime?” Sadie asked a bit later.
“We didn’t get our movie night. I don’t know if Ty’s going to feel like it anytime soon. I’ll let you know, if I may?” Maddie said. Their trip south had canceled the planned date. Would he ask her again?
* * *
Ty was not back when they returned home. Maddie helped Darcy put away her things, then they went to the barn to check on the animals. Jose rode in and asked if Darcy wanted to help him take care of his horse. Maddie stood in the barn watching the little girl as she carefully brushed the horse’s legs. The older cowboy told her all about where he had been and what he’d seen.
When she heard Ty’s pickup truck, she looked at Jose. “Will she be okay with you for a little while?”
“Sure. We’re getting along fine.”
She turned to Ty’s little girl. “Darcy, I’ll be at your house. When you get done here come right home, okay?”
The child bobbed her head in agreement.
Satisfied, Maddie walked briskly to the house and saw Ty climb out of the truck, holding a file folder.
“How did it go?” she asked when she was closer.
He waited for her and they walked into the house together.
“I know a lot more about legal rights and custodial arrangements than I ever thought I’d know,” he said with a weary sigh. “I’d say my chances are about fifty-fifty right now. I think we’re getting the venue changed to this county. Which will help a lot with time and expense. It’s still going to be a battle. But Forester is cautiously optimistic. The courts usually side with the parents. That being said, the grandparents have known her from birth and have a connection I don’t have.”
“Hardly your fault.”
“That’s the part that could go either way. If they say I knew and ignored Darcy, it’d be their word against mine.”
“Can’t you prove it somehow?” she asked.
“How do I prove it?”
She hadn’t a clue, except she knew Ty was as honest as the day was long. His word was his bond. “I think this is where character witnesses come in. Everyone around here knows you’re as honest as they come. We might have to ask the entire ranch to testify. That should carry some weight.”
He gave a half smile. “Sure be interesting. I can just imagine the faces of Brittany’s parents if everyone from the ranch did show up. Wild idea, but not bad. Thanks for the support.”
Maddie nodded and kept walking, her heart lighter just being with him.
Chapter Seven
“So what are the next steps?” she asked gently.
“Stephen Forester’s in contact with Brittany’s parents’ attorney, and they are doing as much as they can before the hearing, which they’ve scheduled for next week. Obviously, we all want this settled as soon as possible.”
“Ummm, anything I can do?”
He looked at her. “Pray.”
“We could put it on the church prayer chain,” she suggested. “I was talking to Sadie earlier about other things and she mentioned Belle is on the prayer chain constantly. I know prayer helps.”
“I guess.”
She reached out and took his hand. “Don’t guess, Ty, know. God hears every word we utter.”
“I know... It’s just I’m small potatoes compared to the rest of the world.”
“Every one of us is as important to the Father as the next person. Trust in Him.”
He squeezed her hand gently. “I want to. It’s hard. So many things I’ve counted on have vanished.”
“Like?”
“Starting with my mother,” he said bitterly. “She abandoned my brother and me years ago. Then Brittany. When life didn’t go the way she wanted, she bailed. I hoped to make enough money riding the rodeos to buy my own place, and that didn’t happen.”
“Don’t confuse Darcy with her mother. She’s a sweet child who’s had a life-altering blow. I can relate to Darcy and losing her mother, I lost mine—” She shook her head. “When I think about it, I lost two mothers. One I don’t remember, and the other I’ve missed ever since she died. It takes time to recover fr
om grief. Not only did she lose her mother, she’s living with a stranger in a place totally foreign to where she was raised.”
“Sort of like you.” He released her hand and brushed a tendril of hair back from her face, looking deep into her eyes. “Thank you for helping with my little girl.”
“Glad to do it.” She waited a second, hoping for something more.
He dropped his hand and moved into the kitchen, tossing the file onto the counter and going to the refrigerator. “Want something cold to drink?” he asked.
“There’s iced tea. I’ll take a glass,” she said, swallowing her disappointment.
When they both had the cold beverage, he looked around. “Where’s Darcy?”
“Out with Jose. He said she wouldn’t be a bother.”
“Good.” He looked at the folder. “Papers to read. Decisions to make.”
“Like?” If he wanted to share, she’d be a willing listener. If not, she wouldn’t press.
“If I get custody, how often will her grandparents see her. Can she go visit or must they come to the ranch. If I don’t get custody, how often do I want to see her, same parameters for visitation. This is my daughter, and the attorney talks about her like she’s just a package or something.”
“He’s probably looking at the law, not the personal aspect. He’s good—Violet vouched for him. Pastor Jeb recommended him. You have a lot of people on your side.”
“Yeah, and that helps. Apparently, Stephen’s been a longtime friend of the Colbys. He highly respects Belle and what she’s done with the ranch since old man Crawford died and left it to her.”
Maddie felt a small spark of happiness knowing Belle was admired for her accomplishments. She wished she’d recover consciousness. Her mother. She felt a wave of longing sweep through her. She hoped she hadn’t come this far, discovered Belle was her mother, only to never be able to talk with her. Never know about her life, the struggles and the joys. What she’d thought when Maddie and Violet had been born. What had she wanted for her children when they were infants?
She felt a wave of homesickness for the days when she and Grayson and Carter were still at home, Rachel at the helm and their dad in and out as his studies allowed. Things had seemed much simpler back then.
Mirror Image Bride (Love Inspired) Page 12