A Dad for Her Twins (15 page)

But was it something Cade would ever know?

When the cake and ice cream were gone, after Abby had thanked them for her surprise birthday supper, Cade held out the package the saleswoman had wrapped for him.

“Happy Birthday, Abby.”

“Oh, Cade.” Her eyes welled with tears. “I can't take it. You already bought my machine. That's above and beyond.”

“I bought this for
you
,” he insisted, embarrassed that the others were watching but determined she should know he'd wanted something specifically for her to enjoy, not something she'd use to make others happy. “Please open it.”

“Thank you,” she said finally, accepting the package. As if the foil paper was a sheet of gold, she eased the wrapping apart and peered inside the box. “Oh, Cade,” she whispered as she drew the peacock-blue housecoat from the box. “It's lovely.”

“I thought you should have something special for when the babies come,” he explained, searching her face for a response. “Is it okay?”

“Okay? It's amazing.” She jumped up, threw her arms around him and hugged his neck so tightly Cade thought he might expire. At least he'd die happy, he mused, lifting his own arms to embrace her.

What would it be like to be free to hug Abby whenever he wanted? But how could that be? Once the ranch was sold he'd have nothing to give her, no place where he could help her raise the twins, even if she'd let him. Even if he somehow learned what it took to love and care for her.

“I'm sorry,” she said, pulling back, her face a bright pink. “I didn't mean to choke you. But I really do love it.”

“Good.” He leaned back in his chair and watched as Mrs. Swanson presented Abby with a white scarf-and-mitts set she'd made. His father handed Abby a check.

“B-babies,” he said. Abby thanked him with a kiss on the cheek.

“You always like my stories so I wrote you one of your own,” Ivor said, not to be outdone. He read it aloud then flushed at Abby's praise.

“It's been such a wonderful day,” Abby said tearfully. “Thank you all.”

Cade knew it had been the right decision to call ahead and tell his father about Abby's birthday. Each of them had helped make her day memorable. Now he handed Abby Boris's gift, accepted another cup of coffee, leaned back in his chair and savored the combination of family, joy, sharing.

A flicker of hope wavered inside him.

Maybe, somehow, God could give him that dream?

Dare he hope it would be with Abby?

Chapter Twelve

“T
hree more quilts finished.” Two weeks later Abby almost danced down the pathway filled with puddles from the melting snow. “And you raised two more donations.” She clutched Cade's arm, forcing him to stop. “We're actually going to reach our goal and get the adoption agency open. Aren't we?”

The last sentence came out uncertainly. Cade couldn't bear to hear the sound of desperation overtake the joy in her voice.

“We're doing it,” he agreed, forcing certainty into his words when, truthfully, he wasn't certain at all. But he needed to protect Abby, to keep her outlook positive now, when she was in the hardest stage of her pregnancy and counting the days until her babies arrived. “You're going to get that job so you can care for your kids and for the ones who come to Family Ties.”

“From your mouth to God's ear,” she murmured.

“Getting that billboard made and selling space on it was genius. We'll have to find a way to thank Ms. Vermeer for suggesting it.” He tugged on her hand and grinned. “Don't think you can sidestep me, Abby. We are going to finish this walk.”

“Taskmaster,” she chided but after a heavy sigh she began to walk again. “You think it's easy being this pregnant? I feel like a house.”

“You look beautiful. Are you too warm?” Cade no longer felt strange asking about her personal needs. It was his job to protect her and he intended to do that job to the best of his ability.

“Yes. I love this spring sunshine.” She paused to unbutton her coat and lifted her face to the sun. “Did I tell you Hilda has also designed a logo for the adoption agency and fashioned little labels to sew on our quilts?”

“Sounds like she's really taking an interest in Family Ties.” Cade nudged her forward. “I thought she was against it.”

“I believe God is working on her. She's getting less and less judgmental.” Abby rubbed her back. “Could we sit down for a minute?”

“Sure.” Cade checked her face for a sign that something was wrong as he led her to a wrought-iron bench. He waited a moment, then asked, “Okay?”

“Yes. I'm just tired.”

“Not much wonder,” he scoffed gently. “You go nonstop from dusk to dawn. You need to slow down.”

“I will. Eventually.” She closed her eyes and lifted her face into the sun's rays. Cade used the opportunity to admire her beauty until she opened her eyes and he got caught. “We've worked well together on the fund-raising, haven't we?”

“Amazingly well, given that you're so bossy,” he teased.

This woman, this amazing woman. She never failed to fill him with confusion and wonder and joy. Somehow she'd crept into the secret parts of his heart and taken up residence there. Now Cade wondered how he'd bear it when she left the ranch.

“I'm quite proud of what we've accomplished,” Abby said, her chin thrust upward.

“Are you?” He could look at her forever and never tire of her loveliness, inside and out.

“I am proud.” Abby nodded emphatically. “Erecting that fund-raising thermometer in the town square keeps people engaged in our project. That was your best idea yet and it's reaping benefits for us.”

“Your idea of holding that spring yard sale was fantastic, too. We had enough donations from that to fix up the kitchen.” He smiled at her, savoring this togetherness they'd found, discovering true joy in partnering with her in Marsha's absence.

Cade had run across the word
helpmate
in his Bible reading. In his mind, Abby personified that. The more involved they got, the more their time together seemed precious, which was why he savored these special moments alone with her.

“Ed's doing really well, too.” Abby chuckled. “I think he'll be throwing away his writing pad soon. And you and Ivor seem to have finally connected.”

Because of you
, Cade wanted to say.

“While we've got a moment alone, I wanted to say thank you to you, Cade, for being there for me, protecting me, caring for me. I don't know what I'd have done if God hadn't brought you into our lives.” She touched her stomach to include the twins. Her green eyes shone, warming him. “I think you're beginning to realize God's place in your life, too,” she added.

“The Bible studies have helped clarify a lot of misconceptions I had,” Cade agreed.

“You are a beloved son of God,” she said in quiet certainty. “Plus you've rebuilt some friendships. In fact the whole of Buffalo Gap sings your praises to me almost every time I'm in town. You're the local hero,” Abby told him, a teasing grin lifting her lips.

“Yeah, some hero,” he muttered, stifling the urge to lean forward and brush his mouth against hers. Would she push him away?

“At least you're not avoiding people anymore,” she teased. “They're not as bad as you thought, are they?” She laughed out loud when he finally shook his head. Suddenly she sobered. “What about your dad, Cade? Any success there?”

The dream of embracing her evaporated, thrusting Cade back to reality.

“Not really. He's still carrying a grudge that I sold Liberty, even though she was mine to sell. Dad thinks I should ask permission every time I do something around here, but when I do, he berates me for not taking control.”

“Did you ever ask him about the fireplace in your cabin?” She pulled off her gloves and stuffed them into her pockets as the morning spring sun grew warmer.

“He told me some story about having to camp there a couple of times and deciding that a fireplace would make it habitable in the event someone got caught in a blizzard. I don't believe that for a moment,” he said.

“Then why did he do it?”

“Probably to make sure I didn't think it was mine, to show his power.” He couldn't hide his bitterness. “It's always about control with Ed Lebret.”

“He loves you, Cade,” Abby said in that gentle, comforting voice of hers. “I'm sure of it.”

“Are you?”
I wish I was.
His cell phone rang. Cade answered it, hope springing inside his heart as he heard the words he'd longed to hear. “I'd be happy to hear your offer,” he said as he struggled to control his excitement. “Late this afternoon will be fine.” He hung up, then stored his phone thoughtfully. Maybe God was finally answering one of his prayers.

“Offer?” Abby raised one arched eyebrow. “I couldn't help hearing,” she apologized.

“Doesn't matter. I would have told you anyway. Someone is going to make an offer for the ranch.” Cade watched the joy leech out of her lovely face as her fingers clutched the iron arm of the bench.

“You're going to sell the ranch?” she whispered.

“I have to. It's the only way to get the money Dad needs to stay in the nursing home. The timing is perfect because two men Dad knows well have just moved in there. He'll have someone to visit with.”

“But Cade, he loves this place. So do you.” Abby rose, her green gaze searching his. “This land, the cattle and horses—they're your heritage, your legacy. What will you do if you don't ranch?” Her eyes widened as horror filled them. “Don't tell me you plan to return to the military?”

Cade couldn't say anything. Abby had lost Max to the military and Cade hadn't yet been able to get her financial affairs with them settled. Going back? Well, that was something he couldn't countenance, not when his fear of dying in some far-off land was still so acute. And yet, his skill set didn't leave a lot of options.

“Selling is the only way I know to get Dad what he needs,” he said with an unspoken plea for understanding.

“Or is it the simplest way to solve the differences between you?” she asked in a very quiet voice.

“Why would you say that?” he demanded, hurt by the accusation.

“I'm sorry, Cade, but I've spent a lot of time with your father and I know he has absolutely no desire to be in any kind of care facility.” Abby fixed him with her most severe look. “Ed loves this ranch. It's where he's spent his life. If you were honest with yourself, I think you'd admit that the Double L is your home. It's where you belong, too.”

“You're right.” Frustration erupted into anger. “This place is in my blood. I never felt this was where I belonged as a kid, but now—” He couldn't, wouldn't continue.

“It's where you fit,” Abby said, her voice brimming with gentle compassion. “Because this is the work God gave you to do.”

“Then why doesn't He do something about Dad?”

“Why do you think He isn't?” Her green eyes darkened to emerald, blazing at him in the bright sun. “Your father is recovering, Cade. He
is
getting better.”

“Slowly, maybe. But his recovery isn't optimal. The doctor has repeatedly said he needs to receive better care so he'll regain his health more quickly. Dad should have been walking by now.”

“And you think if he can walk that it will make up for losing his home?” Abby asked. “Does that make it okay for you to give up your heritage, Cade?”

She didn't understand. How could she? He was doing this for his father, denying himself. It was the only way he knew to make all the things that were wrong between them okay.

“Come on, let's get back to the house,” he said dully. “I've got some fences to mend.”

“Yes, you do,” Abby said in her sternest voice, her hint obvious. She wouldn't take his arm and truthfully there wasn't really any need. Patches of green grass and dry dirt made walking easy. She marched toward the house without looking back.

Cade trailed into the kitchen behind Abby. She ignored him as she made herself a cup of tea, rubbing her midsection with one hand. He couldn't leave, couldn't let it go like this, with anger between them. He needed to make her understand. He needed her on his side, supporting him.

“Abby, please understand,” Cade begged. “I'm doing what I think will be the best for my father. I know you're probably worried that you won't have a home but I'll make sure you—”

“I hope you're not basing your decision to sell the ranch on me.” She glared at him. “This is about your unwillingness to trust God.” She stopped suddenly, frowned, then returned her hand to her stomach.

“Sell?” Ivor stood in the doorway, his hands resting on Ed's shoulders. He glanced from Abby to Cade. “You're selling the ranch? But I thought it would be my home. I thought I'd be staying here forever.”

“Ivor, I need to sell to get Dad into the nursing home so he'll get the therapy he needs.” Cade watched anger and disappointment fill the boy's face. He knew he'd lost all the gains he'd made with Ivor.

“No!” Ed's voice thundered across the room, matching the thud of his cane against the floor. “W-won't g-go,” he said, obviously mustering his strength to force out the words.

“But I'm doing this for you, Dad,” Cade thundered. “Why do you always fight me on everything? You'd think—”

“Cade!” Ivor suddenly yelled. “Something's wrong with Abby.”

Cade twisted, saw she was doubled over, her face closed up tight as she rhythmically hissed breath from between her lips.

“Abby?” Cade knelt at her side, grasping her fingers in his. “How can I help?”

She didn't answer immediately. He waited until she at last drew a long, cleansing breath. Then she lifted her head and smiled the most beautiful smile.

“The babies are coming,” she said in a calm tone. “Could you please take me to the hospital, Cade?”

He stared at her, totally discombobulated. He had a plan. He'd made a list. He knew exactly how to proceed. But in that moment everything left his brain. All he felt was pure terror. He couldn't mess this up.

“Ivor, could you get my bag, please? It's on the far side of my bed.” How could she be so calm? “Ed, you and I will have a good discussion about everything later, okay?” When he nodded and wheeled near to take her hand, Abby touched his cheek. “I'd sure appreciate it if you'd pray for the babies and me.”

Cade blinked. His dad—praying? When had that happened?

“Cade, could you bring the truck around. You'll have to help me into it. Cade?” She grasped his arm, squeezed it to draw him out of his funk.

“Truck. Right. Where's Mrs. Swanson?” he asked, suddenly unsure about transporting Abby to the hospital by himself.

“Gone for groceries,” Ivor huffed as he burst into the room with the suitcase.

“We don't need her. We'll be fine,” Abby said calmly.

Cade wasn't so sure but he yanked on his jacket and brought the truck as close to the door as he dared. When he entered the kitchen Abby was once more doubled over, huffing breaths and counting.

“Awfully close together, aren't they?” he murmured as he slid her coat over her shoulders.

“Maybe I'm not going to follow all those rules in your books,” she teased between grimaces of pain. She waited a few minutes till the contraction had subsided, then turned her focus on Ivor and Ed. “You two come and visit the babies as soon as they get here, okay?”

They promised.

“Call Doc Treple and the hospital and tell them we're coming,” Cade ordered as he escorted Abby out the door.

Before she could get inside she had another, stronger contraction. Cade didn't wait. He lifted her and set her inside the truck. Seconds later he was driving down the road, moving as fast as he could, trying to avoid potholes that would jar her.

“Don't even think about telling me to put on my seat belt,” Abby told him, pushing her hair off her perspiring forehead.

“The contractions are too close together.” He frowned, trying to recall what his library books had said. “Shouldn't your water have broken by now?”

“It did. This morning.” She shrugged at his wide-eyed look. “When nothing happened I decided to wait. I'd hoped to finish the red quilt today.”