Mirror Image Bride (Love Inspired)

by Barbara McMahon

  “Mr. Garland,” Mrs. Lucas said, smiling.

  He did not return the smile, glancing at Maddie and Darcy.

  “I think that’s all I need from you,” Mrs. Lucas said to Maddie. “Perhaps you and Darcy have some place you need to be?”

  “We’ll check on the horses, shall we?” Maddie asked, taking the hint. She wished she could stay with Ty, be there for support, but it was clear she wasn’t wanted.

  She positioned herself in the barn so she could see Mrs. Lucas’s car. When the woman headed out, Maddie called Darcy and they headed back to Ty.

  “Well?” she asked when she entered. He was on the sofa, legs stretched out in front of him.

  “I have no idea how it went. I answered questions the best I could.”

  “Good, that’s all you can do.”

  “Did she bring me any of my toys?” Darcy asked, going to sit by Ty.

  He pulled her into his lap and hugged her. “I’m sorry, I forgot to ask her. We’ll see her again.” He looked at Maddie.

  She hurt at the bleak expression in his eyes.

  * * *

  When they entered the courthouse in Floydada the next afternoon, Mrs. Lucas was in the hallway leading to the courtroom they’d been assigned. She smiled at them. “Early, that’s good. The other party isn’t here yet, but are expected.”

  Ty nodded.

  Maddie wished she could say something to ease the tension, but the only thing that would work would be the judge granting custody to Ty.

  She’d done as he’d asked and dressed as she often did at work in Fort Worth—a navy blue suit, white blouse and pearls. Her hair brushed her shoulders and she’d put on more makeup than she’d worn these last weeks. She knew she looked the part he wanted. Yet it felt strange, as if she were dressing up. To her surprise, she missed the jeans and boots.

  He looked amazing in his Sunday attire. Strong and tall and resilient. Who could want a better man for a father?

  Darcy had insisted on her boots, jeans and hat, and Ty had once again sided with her over Maddie’s suggestion of something less in-your-face to her grandparents. The child was subdued and quiet, holding Ty’s hand and looking around warily.

  “Darcy, oh, thank goodness, there you are,” a female voice called behind them.

  They all turned. Maddie saw a tall woman with white hair, expertly styled, wearing an elegant dress of teal blue. Her eyes were focused on Darcy.

  “Hi, Grandmama,” Darcy said with a smile. She dropped Ty’s hand and ran to greet the older woman. A moment later she skipped into the arms of an older man, obviously her grandfather. The older couple completely ignored Ty and Maddie, focused totally on their granddaughter.

  “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry we weren’t here when your mother died. You must have been so scared.”

  “Mrs. Lucas got me and then Daddy came and got me.”

  The older man looked over at Ty, his eyes hard. After a quick glance at Maddie and Mrs. Lucas, he turned back to Darcy.

  “We’re home now, sugar, and soon you’ll be home with us.”

  “No, I want to stay with Daddy,” Darcy said quickly. She looked at Ty. “I can stay with you, right, Daddy?”

  He nodded.

  Maddie reached out and clasped his hand for encouragement. He tightened his grip in acknowledgment.

  The Parkers’ attorney joined them. They introduced him to Darcy just as Stephen Forester arrived. He greeted Ty and met Maddie and Mrs. Lucas. Then he turned and walked to the other attorney and introductions were made.

  The bailiff came to the door. “Parker vs. Garland,” he called.

  “Why don’t you wait here with me,” Mrs. Lucas said, going over to Darcy. “We’ll let the grownups talk and if they need us, they’ll come get us.”

  Darcy looked at Ty. At his nod, she took Mrs. Lucas’s hand and they walked to one of the wooden benches lining the wide hall.

  The rest of them entered the courtroom, passing others on their way out. Stephen Forester directed Maddie where to sit in the audience portion, then he and Ty went to one of the tables in front of the judge. The Parkers and their attorney took the other table.

  Maddie began to pray. She wanted so much for this to go right for Ty. Listening to the openings from each attorney, she wondered how the judge would rule. Of course she knew Ty, knew what kind of man he was, how he loved his daughter. But the Parkers also loved her, and had known her all her life.

  At one point, Stephen mentioned a full-time nanny and asked Maddie to stand. The Parkers showed surprise when she did so.

  To Maddie’s astonishment, the judge asked her to the stand to answer some questions.

  “How long have you know Ty Garland?” he asked.

  “Almost two months. We met when I first came to visit my brother and sister at the Colby Ranch.”

  “Which explains why you look like Violet Colby,” the judge said with a smile. “What’s your assessment—as someone who has spent a lot of time with Darcy recently.”

  “She misses her mother. That was a huge blow. Even so, she seems to love living on the ranch. She’s learned to ride, gone swimming in the river, has started church and is currently in Vacation Bible School, and is looking forward to attending Grasslands Elementary School in September. She and Ty are growing closer each day. He didn’t know about her, you know.”

  “What?”

  Briefly Maddie explained, which had the judge asking about that situation with the opposing attorney. His answer wasn’t very helpful.

  Once Maddie was excused, she hurried back to her seat hoping what she’d said would help.

  Stephen gave her a wink as she passed and her heart lifted.

  Chapter Ten

  Without taking time to retire and consider things in private, the judge ruled the custody in favor of the father, Ty Garland. Ty sat stunned for a moment, then quickly offered a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord before turning to shake Stephen’s hand.

  “Thanks, man. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “Hey, that’s what I’m here for. The change of venue and sudden opening in the judge’s schedule worked for us as well.” Stephen leaned closer. “Plus he knows the Colbys and their reputation of honesty and integrity. Go love that little girl and make her happy.”

  “I’ll always do my best.”

  The Parkers were definitely angry. They were conversing in a low voice with their attorney. Ty hesitated before leaving, but he wanted to get to Darcy, not make nice with her grandparents. Time for that later.

  Maddie stood in the aisle as he joined her. She was smiling broadly. He hugged her exuberantly. “Let’s go find our girl,” he said.

  Darcy was still sitting with Mrs. Lucas when Ty and Maddie burst into the hall.

  “Are we going home now?” she asked.

  “We sure are,” Ty said, opening his arms and hugging her tightly when she ran to him.

  Mrs. Lucas rose, a questioning smile on her face.

  “He was awarded custody,” Maddie explained.

  “Good. She’s happy there.” She smiled gently. “There will be some rough times ahead, I’m sure, when she really misses her mother, but it was my recommendation she stay with him.”

  “Thank you for all you did.”

  The Parkers exited the courtroom and walked over to Ty.

  “She’s still our granddaughter,” Aaron Parker insisted.

  “Yes, she is. And she’ll need you in her life.”

  The older man exhaled sharply. “But under your terms, I assume?”

  “We’d like you to come visit us in the near future,” Ty offered. “See where she’s living now. See how well she’s doing.”

  Arlene Parker touched the edge of Darcy’s cowboy hat. “Your mother had one just like that,” she said with a sad smile. “She loved cowboy stuff.” She raised her eyes to Ty. “I believed she loved you for a time. The thought of giving up the excitement she so craved was more than she could deal with. Having Darcy changed that. She settled d
own a bit in Houston.”

  “I’m so sorry for her death and your loss. Darcy’s loss.” Ty didn’t mention the fact no one had told him about Darcy. Everyone who needed to know that already did. At last he could forgive Brittany. Let go of the anger and heartache. He had been given a priceless gift and would rejoice in it, not dwell on the lateness of arrival.

  Arlene nodded, touching Darcy again. “You’ll have to give us your phone number and email address,” she choked off.

  “I don’t have a computer,” Ty said. He gave her the phone number.

  Maddie fished out a business card from her purse. “This email is mine. I’ll bring my laptop to Ty’s house and you can write or Skype Darcy whenever you wish.”

  “Once things get settled, you’re welcome to come visit,” Ty reiterated, trying to sound sincere.

  “We’re going to sleep in the barn when you do,” Darcy piped up.

  Ty almost groaned. That was not something he wanted her grandparents to dwell on.

  “Camping out,” Maddie murmured to defuse the anger she could see rising in Mr. Parker’s face.

  “How fun,” Arlene said, although she obviously thought it was deplorable.

  “Did you know Daddy has pictures of Mommy? When they were married and everything. I have them in my room,” Darcy said.

  Arlene’s eyes filled with tears, and she looked at Ty. “Thank you for that.”

  “I loved Brittany. I’m sorry things didn’t work out,” he said softly.

  Arlene smiled at Darcy. “Take good care of her.”

  “Always,” Ty affirmed. “We’ll be in touch. See about you coming to visit Darcy.” Ty took Darcy’s hand. Maddie reached for her other hand and they left the courthouse, conscious of the couple watching them walk away.

  “You did good, cowboy,” Maddie said softly, glancing at Ty.

  “I thought I’d feel triumphant at the result, but they’re hurting.”

  “You did the right thing, however.”

  Darcy looked from one to the other. “I’m glad I’m going back to the ranch. I want to go riding.”

  “You’ll have plenty of time in the years ahead for riding,” Ty said, giving her hand a squeeze. “You have your whole life ahead of you on the ranch.”

  * * *

  The three of them were all quiet on the drive back to the Colby Ranch. Ty was relieved that he’d been granted custody. He offered another prayer to the Lord, and vowed to be better in trusting in Him. He glanced at Maddie from time to time. She gazed out the front windshield and he wondered what she was thinking.

  At one point Darcy fell asleep leaning against Maddie. She put her arm around the child and drew her closer, but said nothing.

  Ty began to worry as they neared the ranch. Had something happened that caused Maddie to be so silent?

  “You okay?” he asked as they drove down Main Street in Grasslands.

  “Fine. Grateful, thankful, happy for the ruling,” she said. Glancing at him, she smiled. “As you must be.”

  “All that. And wondering a bit how I’ll manage in the future. It’s an awesome responsibility to raise a child.”

  “You’re up to it. God will be with you every step.”

  He nodded. He wanted to suggest she be with him every step as well. The notion had been growing gradually. He reminded himself she was there temporarily. She did an amazing job with Darcy. She seemed to like being around him as well. He flat-out liked being with her.

  Did she feel the same?

  He thought back to Brittany. He had loved her, but had it been because of the good time they’d shared? Young, first love? Would it have stood the test of time?

  He had not been a Christian back then. He would never party today like he had following the rodeo circuit. He doubted Brittany would even look at him today. Their love had been built on sand. He wanted a love built on a solid rock—like Christ said. A house built on solid rock would prevail. Especially if he and his wife put Christ in the center of their marriage.

  Giving in to impulse, he turned the truck into the parking lot of Simmons Coffee Shop.

  Maddie looked at him in surprise.

  “This calls for a celebration, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, I do,” she beamed.

  They entered the coffee shop and took a booth near the front. As they opened the menus, Ty glanced at Maddie. She looked incredibly polished and sophisticated. She’d done as he’d asked for the hearing. It also reminded him of their obvious differences. She was city through and through. He was a rough cowboy, not happy unless he was working with horses and cattle. He could never fit in at Fort Worth.

  “I’m having the pot roast. Rachel used to make the best pot roast. I have her recipe and should make that for us soon. Nothing like comfort food to celebrate with,” she said, grinning at Ty and Darcy.

  Catching his eye, her smile faltered. “What?”

  “Nothing. That sounds good. I’m having the meatloaf.”

  “I want a hamburger,” Darcy said. “With French fries and lots of ketchup.”

  Darcy chatted happily about her grandparents and her hope they could come visit soon. “But not until after Vacation Bible School and when real school starts. Unless they could come to the picnic. But I don’t think they like picnics—we never go together on one. Mommy took me to the park and we had picnics.”

  “And now you go with your dad and me,” Maddie said affectionately.

  Ty studied the table as he let the conversation swirl around him. They had done several things as a family. Maddie seemed happy to join in. And Darcy clearly adored her. Yet he couldn’t help feel the gulf between their lifestyles. If they wanted a future together, something would have to give. He hadn’t a clue if she was thinking along the same lines as he was. And without something concrete to offer, it was a moot point to bring it up.

  She laughed and he looked at her. She was so beautiful—especially when she laughed. If nothing else, he’d keep moments like these in his memory forever.

  * * *

  Saturday morning dawned clear and warm. Maddie was up early, checking on all the last-minute details for the picnic. Ty and Darcy were picking her up at nine and she wanted everything to be ready.

  Lupita and Violet had helped her pull out all the tables, chairs, fly covers and other items Belle usually saw to at the annual event each year. Ty had loaded everything in his truck. There remained only the side dishes they were contributing. Lupita had made a huge bowl of potato salad. The bowl nestled in a larger bowl of ice to keep it cold until eaten. Violet had baked dozens of rolls and made two kinds of butter—savory and sweet—to go with them. Everyone said Maddie was excused from bringing a side dish since she was doing all the coordinating—and Lupita made enough for four contributions.

  When the horn sounded at nine, Maddie grabbed her folder and dashed out.

  “Good morning,” she said breathlessly when she climbed into the cab of the truck.

  “Good morning,” Ty and Darcy responded.

  “I can’t wait for the picnic! I have my swimsuit on under my clothes and we brought towels and sunscreen,” the little girl said excitedly.

  “But when you’re not swimming, keep that hat on,” her father reminded her.

  “Okay.”

  “All set?” Ty asked Maddie.

  “Yes—or as ready as I can be.”

  They were not the first to arrive at Fraser’s Lake. Pastor Jeb and Sadie were already there, as well as several others already helping to set up. Sadie was showing people where to put the food. Jeb was firing up the large brick barbecue pit.

  Ty and Darcy helped Maddie unload all the items from the back. The next hour was spent setting up tables, spreading disposable tablecloths on all the picnic tables, dusting off benches, setting up chairs and hauling floats and inner tubes to the water’s edge.

  “You don’t go swimming until there is an adult to watch you,” Ty admonished.

  “I won’t. When will others be here?” Darcy asked, danc
ing with excitement.

  No sooner had she spoken than two more cars pulled into the parking area. A moment later, a truck. From then on it was a steady stream of families arriving.

  Darcy went to play with some of her new friends from Vacation Bible School and one mother volunteered to watch the kids if they wanted to swim. That set off a rush to the water.

  Maddie did a final check with the committee chairs and then turned the folder over to Sadie for use next year.

  “You’ve done a great job,” Sadie remarked, looking at all the families enjoying themselves.

  “Only a bit of organization—everyone was already set. I appreciate the chance to get to know so many people in a short time.”

  “Umm,” Sadie said, glancing across the space where Jeb stood laughing with several other men as they hovered around the barbecue.

  “It wasn’t hard,” Maddie repeated. “Next year you can handle it fine, and if I’m still here, I’ll help.”

  “If I’m still here...” Sadie murmured.

  “Don’t you like Grasslands?” Maddie asked, startled by the comment.

  “This is the happiest I’ve ever been, I think,” Sadie said. She smiled wryly at Maddie and then headed for the heavily laden table and the newcomers, who were bringing even more.

  “You did as good a job as Mom would have,” Violet said, coming to stand by her twin. “People will think we are deliberately dressing like twins if we both keep wearing yellow blouses.”

  Maddie grinned. “I know, but it’s my favorite color. I wanted to look nice when meeting so many people. Oh, and I forgot to tell you last night. Paul Linden left a message for me on my cell—he has a potential job I might be interested in.”

  “Fabulous! And you are only telling me now?”

  “With getting everything ready for the picnic, it went out of my head.”

  “He’ll be here today, find out what he has in mind,” Violet instructed.

  “Business with pleasure?” Maddie asked doubtfully.

  “Of course. He’ll probably seek you out, but if he doesn’t, you find him.”

  The day passed in a whirl. Maddie was introduced to the entire town, she was sure. Some faces she recognized from church. Others she’d met in the weeks she’d lived here. She knew it would take some time to associate children with parents, husbands with wives, and others. But she enjoyed meeting everyone.