A Dad for Her Twins (14 page)

“I shouldn't. The twins don't seem to like chocolate.” She laid a hand on her stomach and smoothed it. “It looks delicious.”

“Try a little and see how they react,” he offered. He scooped a tiny bit onto his fork and held it out.

Abby hesitated. The gesture seemed so intimate. People would see them and probably gossip. She knew how Cade felt about that.

“What's wrong?” he asked in a low voice.

“Everyone's watching,” she whispered.

“So?” He glanced around, shrugged, then returned his focus to her. “Taste it.”

Since when didn't Cade care about the townsfolk watching him?

Abby forgot all about the others when he moved the fork closer to her lips. She tasted the chocolate confection, closing her eyes in delight as the flavors of chocolate, raspberry and caramel exploded on her tongue.

“Good?” Cade's voice was so close. She opened her eyes. Everything in her quavered when she realized his lips were mere centimeters away.

“Yes.” Why couldn't she tear her gaze from his?

The rest of the evening passed in a blur for Abby. Mayor Marsha spoke of the importance of providing homes for children who could be the future of Buffalo Gap but Abby absorbed little of what was said.

Something was happening inside her. Something strange and wonderful. Something that depended on Cade. When he went to speak to his father, who'd come to the event with Hilda Vermeer, Abby felt a sense of loss. And when he returned she reveled in his presence at her side.

She cared for him. But was this affection right?

If You don't want this, please stop these feelings.

“Shall we dance?” Cade asked.

Soft, romantic music played. Red paper lanterns swayed overhead as if in time. The tables were pushed back to leave a cleared space where couples could dance together. Abby looked around but found no excuse not to slip into Cade's open arms. When she did it felt like she belonged there. That she was home.

His embrace fit her perfectly, and her hand felt comfortably right pressed against his shoulder. He led her into a waltz and she found that Cade was the perfect partner.

“Where did you learn to dance?” she asked, arching her back so she could see his face.

“You won't believe it but Dad insisted I take lessons.” Cade's chuckle rumbled in his chest. “He said he didn't want me to be a total misfit. Turns out it was one thing I managed to do quite well. I won the gold award.”

“You deserve it,” Abby told him. “And a better partner than me. I'm so clumsy.”

“I'm happy with the partner I have.” In the moment that he held her gaze an arrow of electricity seemed to shoot between them until he said, “I hope we've made some money tonight.”

At the moment Abby couldn't have cared less about the adoption agency or making money or anything else.

Because nestled there in his arms, in the sweet intimacy of the dim senior citizens' center, she realized that she'd fallen in love with Cade Lebret.

Chapter Eleven

“I
vor, I need your help.” Cade drew the boy inside the horse barn.

“It's Saturday. I've got plans, man.” Ivor, as usual, looked disgruntled by Cade's request.

“I know, but you might have to put off meeting your friends for a few hours.” When Ivor opened his mouth to protest, Cade said, “It's for Abby. And it's a secret.”

“So?” Ivor looked reluctant but Cade could see he was intrigued.

“I have to go to Calgary. I need to deliver a horse,” he explained.

“Aw, man. How's that for Abby?”

“I have to pick up something for her, a surprise. But I don't want her to know in case something goes wrong. I also don't want to leave her alone,” he added. “Yesterday the doctor said the babies could come anytime after March first.”

“That's today.” Ivor's eyes grew huge. “You mean she could have the twins today?”

“It's a possibility, but I don't think it's going to happen. Still, I need someone responsible to keep an eye on her.” He had Ivor's attention now. The boy would do almost anything for Abby. “Today's Dad's physiotherapy day. The therapist will arrive about two and work with him for a couple of hours. Mrs. Swanson asked for today off. So I'm depending on you.”

“To do what?” Ivor asked with a frown.

“To stay with Abby, keep an eye on her, make sure she takes a break, has something to eat. In short, I want you to be there for whatever she might need.” He paused, then asked, “Can you do it?”

“What if something happens?” Ivor asked.

“You call 911. Can you do it?” When Ivor didn't immediately agree, Cade clasped the boy's shoulder. “I wouldn't ask if I didn't have to, but I'm concerned about her. She's doing too much to try and make the adoption agency a reality. What I'm going to get could make quilting a whole lot easier for her.”

“That would be good.” Ivor met his gaze seriously. “We can't let anything happen to the babies. Abby would blame herself.”

“Exactly.” Cade paused a moment, then added, “You're in charge, Ivor. Can you handle it?”

The boy's shoulders went back. A new maturity filled his face. He nodded once.

“You're sure?” Cade pressed.

“I'll be here for her. And for Ed. No matter what, I'll take care of them.” Ivor zipped his jacket. “Go do your business. I've got this under control.” He sauntered out of the building, his step sure, his confidence obviously restored.

As Cade watched him leave, he realized he'd been all wrong in his approach to working with Ivor. Apparently the way to connect was to give the boy some responsibility. At least Cade hoped that would be the start of building a relationship with him.

It took only a few minutes to load Liberty. Then Cade drove to Jake and Karina Denver's home. Jake was ready and climbed in the truck.

“Thanks for coming with me,” Cade told him, and meant it.

“My pleasure but I have to ask, are you sure you want to sell Liberty? Seems to me you've had that horse since we were in grade school.” Jake frowned. “Not easy to sell something you love so much.”

“No.” It took Cade a minute to regain control. “She's a great horse, but the time has come for her to move on.” He wasn't going to mention that once he sold the ranch he'd have no place to keep his best friend.

“Long as you're sure.” Jake leaned back in his seat. “I sure was glad you joined our Bible study group, by the way. Romans makes a great study.”

“I just hope I don't embarrass myself with my questions,” Cade muttered.

“Not possible,” Jake assured him. “None of us know all we need to about faith. A Bible study is the place to ask your questions and it's the only way to grow and develop a relationship with God.”

They chatted as they drove. Cade was surprised by how quickly they reached Liberty's new home. He made the sale quickly, pausing only long enough to give the horse a good, strong pat before he swung back into the truck, leaving the trailer to pick up later.

“Abby must mean a lot to you for you to give up something you love so much,” Jake mused as they drove toward Calgary.

“She's getting desperate to finish those quilts before the twins come.” Cade tried to sidestep the issue. But Jake wouldn't let it go.

“Abby's been a real boon to the community in helping to make the agency become a reality. So have you.” Jake smiled. “When folks know you sold your horse to buy her quilting machine back, you're going to be a hero. Again.”

“I'd prefer if you kept that to yourself.” Cade ignored the other man's surprised look. “Abby doesn't need to be worrying about what I spent.”

“You're protective of her.”

“She's my best friend's wife and I owed him my life. I figure I'll still come out owing.” Cade punched the gas pedal to hurry them toward Calgary. Jake seemed inclined to talk.

“Karina's getting desperate to have kids,” he confessed. “But the truth is it scares me spitless.”

“Really?” Cade frowned. Jake did not look like a man who feared children. “Why?”

“Are you kidding?” Jake shook his head. “First of all, the responsibility for that tiny bit of life is overwhelming. It depends on you for everything. What if I fail? What if I mess up? What if I don't give that kid what it needs?”

“I doubt that'll happen. You have lots of family to depend on and you have a great relationship with your father. You have him to show you how to be a perfect father,” Cade said, slightly envious of his friend.

“You think my dad was perfect?” Jake shook his head again. “Let me tell you, he wasn't. I was the oldest kid so I guess I was the one he experimented on. He did lots of things wrong. It took me some time and lots of prayer to forgive him.”

His comments startled Cade, who'd always believed the Denvers' home to be the happiest in Buffalo Gap.

“That's partly why I signed up for the Bible study. Before we adopt anyone,” Jake said in a firm tone, “I need to study God's word and find out more about the kind of father He is and wants me to be.”

Intrigued, Cade asked questions and Jake answered, providing Cade with a deeper insight into what it meant to live out that faith you said you believed in. He decided it was time to do some digging on his own and see if he could learn more about God.

“Want to stop for lunch before we pick up the quilting machine?” he asked as they neared Calgary.

“Sure, but would you mind if we did it at a mall? It's Karina's birthday next week and I want to pick out a gift for her,” Jake said. “I've never been able to surprise her and I'm determined to do it this year.”

In a flash the date bloomed in Cade's mind. March first. Abby's birthday. He'd filled out the date repeatedly on government forms but hadn't given it a thought. Now he knew he could not let her day pass without celebrating.

“Jake, can you help me with something?” When his buddy nodded he explained his problem. “Max used to talk about how he always tried to make Abby's birthday exceptional. I'm thinking she'll really miss that this year so I'd like to do something special that will help her get past missing him.”

“I think buying that quilting machine is pretty special but I guess a more personal gift wouldn't hurt, though I have no clue what that would be.” Jake made a face. “I have enough trouble choosing something for Karina. You'd better pick up a birthday cake, too, because if Ivor doesn't know it's her birthday, I'm pretty sure Mrs. Swanson doesn't, either, right?”

Jake waited for his nod, then insisted on waiting while Cade deposited the check for Liberty at the bank. Then he pointed to a store. “Let's go in here. Maybe they can help us.”

Cade entered the store with fear and trepidation, but when they emerged an hour later he felt much more confident.

“If only I could get Abby's affairs straightened out this easily,” he said to himself.

They picked up a fancy cake and stored it in the backseat along with their packages, then treated themselves to a steak dinner. Then it was time to visit Boris. The older man looked delighted to see them.

“God has answered my prayer,” he said as he pulled a box from under the counter. “I wondered how I'd get this to her. This is for Mama Abby. Some baby things my wife made a long time ago.”

“I'm sure Abby will love them,” Cade told him, cradling the box. “I'm also here to buy back her quilting machine. You do still have it, don't you?”

“Of course.” Boris looked grieved. “I have your deposit, don't I? I would never sell it with that. But I am glad you came so soon because I've decided to close the shop.” He told how he'd been robbed, hit on the head, and still didn't feel recovered. “I want to spend more time with my grandchildren.”

They chatted about his plans for a while longer but Cade was anxious to get home so he wrote the check to Boris, adding a bit extra.

“That's for your grandson's surgery,” he said. “I hope it goes well. Will you phone and let us know? I'm sure Abby would appreciate that.”

“Thank you so much.” Boris tucked the check in his pocket. “She's still staying with you, then?”

“Yes. Her money hasn't come through yet.” Cade endured Boris's speculative look.

“I see.” Boris patted his shoulder. “You are a good man to look after your friend's wife so well. Perhaps you have feelings for Abby yourself?”

Did it show so much? Cade wasn't prepared to share his personal feelings about Abby so he pretended he hadn't heard Boris's remark and called Jake over to help him load the machine. When all the pieces were secure in the back of his truck, he said goodbye to the old man and wished him well. He was almost out the door when he stopped, fixated on an old cradle that sat by the wall.

“It needs some work,” Jake said in the understatement of the year.

“Uh-huh.” Cade bent and examined it thoroughly. “How much, Boris?” he asked.

“I'm having a clearing-out sale. It is yours for free, my friend. It will be the perfect first bed for the twins, no?”

Cade thanked him and carried the cradle to the truck. When they were once again on the road, Jake spoke.

“When are you going to have time to fix that thing?” he asked.

“I don't know.” Cade twisted his head to grin at him. “I guess I'll have to ask God.”

“Never a bad idea, my friend,” Jake said with a chuckle. “I wonder how many problems we'd avoid if we stopped and asked God before we pushed away on our own path. You might want to ask Him how you should handle your feelings for Abby, too.”

Another person who saw through his pretence. Cade said nothing. But while Jake snored all the way home, Cade tried to figure out exactly what it was he felt for Abby. In the end all he would admit was that when she left, it would be very hard to say goodbye.

* * *

Cade opened the door and led Abby inside the quilting workroom.

“Happy Birthday, Abby,” he said quietly.

“But—but—” She looked from him to the quilting machine and back again. “How—when—why...?” Tears spilled from her lovely eyes as she reached out and gripped his arm, her fingers curling around it as she leaned against him, her gaze on him. “Oh, you dear, sweet man.”

Cade had never been called that before but now that he had, he kind of liked it. A rush of warmth spread through him.

“Check it out. Make sure I got the right one,” he said as he fought to suppress a rush of emotion. Abby was the dear one.

“You got the right one,” she said with a big smile and threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Cade. Thank you so much.”

“You're welcome.” He held her, thrilled to once more have her in his arms. Too soon he had to let go so she could hurry toward the quilting machine.

“Is it okay?” Cade asked anxiously.

“It's perfect. I can't believe you did this.” Abby kept running her fingers over the quilting machine where Cade had set it up in the workroom according to Boris's explicit instructions. “It's too much, far too expensive.” Her tear-filled eyes met his. “You shouldn't have done it, Cade.”

“Too late. Boris said no refunds.” He watched her smile burst to life and thought he'd never been so graciously thanked.

“He's a darling man, isn't he? I don't know how you found him but I'm so glad you did.” Abby's fingers flew over the machine, tightening here, straightening there. “It won't be long until the quilts are ready now,” she said. Then her forehead creased. “But we still have to get those windows fixed.”

“Today's your birthday. It's not the time to be fussing about the adoption agency's windows. Let's go have dinner.” Cade wrapped her arm in his and led her back to the house. He loved the trust she placed in him to guide her safely over the slushy path. “How was your day?”

“Fine. Except for Ivor hovering over me as if I was going into labor at any moment.” She gave him an arch look as she stepped past him into the house. “You put him up to that, I suppose?”

“Sort of.” Cade hung up her coat. “I'm relieved to know he took his responsibility to look after you so seriously.”

“Cade,” she said, exasperation obvious. “I do not need—”

“How are you feeling, Abby?” Ivor asked as he carried a bowl of potatoes to the table at Mrs. Swanson's behest. “Nothing wrong, is there? You can tell me if you need something.”

“I'm fine, thank you, Ivor.” She touched his cheek with her knuckles, then turned so her back was to him as she sent Cade a glower.

They sat down to eat Abby's birthday supper, teasing her about her age. Laughter filled the room and Cade soaked it in, wishing this could be his future—a home filled with joy. Ivor carried the cake to the table. Cade winced at the crooked letters the boy had dribbled across the top, but as they all sang “Happy Birthday” he realized that this was another part of making Abby's day special, another way to show love. It was the kind of thing family members did for one another, maybe not perfect but lovingly done. This was something Jake would learn when he adopted his own child.