LITMIR.BIZ

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stared at her as if she’d lost her marbles.

      Maddie giggled. “It’ll be fun. Think of it as a bonding experience with your daughter.”

      “Put it that way, I’ll go. But we only need to stop at the Feed and Grain. They have all we’ll need.”

      “Works for me.” Her heart beat faster thinking about spending time with Ty tomorrow. And Darcy, of course. He’d surprised her by agreeing to go. Still, she knew he was making a serious effort to get to know his daughter and applauded him for it.

      “I’m going now. What time should I be here in the morning?” she asked.

      “I’d like an early start on chores—especially if I’m leaving for part of the day. Six?”

      She nodded, wishing she could sleep in a little later. But she was out to prove to this man that she could do the job. “Six’ll be fine. See you then.”

      She walked slowly back to the main house, thinking about Ty. He was definitely a competent ranch foreman, but she could see he was lost when dealing with Darcy. She hoped she could help them both.

      Violet sat in the living room, leafing through a magazine when Maddie entered.

      “So how was the first day on the job? I missed you at dinner,” Violet said, patting the sofa next to her in silent invitation.

      “Things went okay. I’ll probably be eating most of my meals there with Darcy. Which is fine with me. It gives me a chance to cook.” Maddie crossed to the sofa and sat beside her twin. “Where’s Landon?”

      “On some phone call he couldn’t miss.”

      Since Landon and Violet had become engaged, he split his time between the ranch and Fort Worth, where he worked. He was currently overseeing plans to remodel the guesthouse on the ranch and talked about moving his company here permanently after they were married. At one time, it was odd for Maddie to imagine Landon living away from the hustle and bustle of Fort Worth. But he’d changed since falling in love with her sister. She prayed everything would work out for the best for them both.

      “What can you tell me about Ty that would help me?” she asked.

      When Violet had introduced her to all the ranch hands her first few days visiting, she’d said he’d worked for them for eight years. She had to know more than Maddie did.

      “He’s a good worker. Has a quick mind and is practical. Gets on with the men.”

      “That doesn’t tell me a lot. I could have guessed that by his position. I mean, tell me more about him as Darcy’s dad so I know how to help with his daughter.”

      Violet thought a moment. “I don’t know a lot about him, outside of how he works around the ranch. He used to ride rodeos, but got hurt and stopped. He keeps to himself a lot. He became a Christian shortly after starting work here. I don’t ever remember hearing he was dating anyone.” She shrugged. “I think you should check with Jack—he knows him better. A guy thing, I guess.”

      Maddie wasn’t as comfortable around Jack as she was around Violet. Still, this was for Darcy’s benefit. Maybe she could catch him in a talkative mood one of these days. If he hung around the ranch for longer than a day at a time.

      Jack had been gone frequently since she’d arrived. He used the fact that he was doing construction work on one of the parcels of the ranch a distance away from here as an excuse for being MIA.

      But she knew there was more to it than that. Clearly, the change wasn’t any easier on him than on her.

      “Ty and I’ll be taking Darcy into town tomorrow to buy clothes more suitable for a ranch. I thought I’d pick up some for myself while I’m there,” Maddie said.

      “You know you’re welcome to borrow anything of mine you like,” Violet said.

      Maddie had already borrowed jeans and old boots the few times she’d ventured out on a horse. She liked her clothes better, but they were very impractical on the dusty ranch.

      “I know, thanks. But it’s time to get some of my own.”

      “Stop in at the Simmons Coffee Shop for lunch. Darcy’ll like that. Then try the feed store. It carries a lot of Western clothes and boots and hats. All sizes and the prices are reasonable. Otherwise, if you shop at Campbells, the other clothing store in town, you’ll find the prices higher than really warranted.”

      “Want to go in with us?” It would make things easier with Ty if she had a buffer.

      “I would, but I was there today. I’m visiting Mom tomorrow. Speaking of which, did you reach your dad yet?”

      “Nope, mailbox full, still not answering.” Maddie looked at her. “And isn’t he our dad?”

      * * *

      Shortly before noon the next day, Ty, Maddie and Darcy entered the Simmons Coffee Shop on Main Street. Maddie was still mildly surprised to find it was larger inside than it looked from the street. Tables, booths and the counter all offered seating for customers. Ty chose a booth next to the window so Darcy could also look outside. He had her sit by the window and he slid onto the bench seat next to her. Maddie sat opposite.

      Gwen Simmons came over and handed them each a menu. “How are y’all doing today, Ty, Maddie? Can I get you something to drink?” the owner asked as she smiled at them.

      “Doing fine, you?” Ty replied.

      “Can’t complain, wouldn’t do any good if I did.” She smiled at Darcy. “And who is this fine young lady?”

      “My daughter, Darcy,” Ty said, opening the menu and avoiding Gwen’s surprised look.

      “Well, welcome to Grasslands, Darcy. You on a visit?”

      Darcy shook her head. “My mommy died, and now I live with him,” she said.

      Gwen glanced at Maddie, a questioning look in her expression.

      “I’m acting as nanny for the time being.”

      “I know Violet’s glad you’re staying longer,” Gwen said. The older woman seemed to know everyone in the place, and sounded as if she knew what was going on around town as well.

      Ty ordered iced tea. Maddie had the same and Darcy ordered chocolate milk. Once their lunch order was taken, Ty sat back and looked out the window.

      Maddie wished he’d initiate some kind of conversation. The silence stretched out as she gazed around the room, out the window.

      Okay, if he wouldn’t, then she would. “Do you come here often?”

      He looked at her, his dark eyes a rich, deep brown. She could look at him all day.

      “No. Usually working. Unless there’s a special reason to come into town at night, it’s easier to eat at home.”

      “I like it,” Darcy said. She smiled at Maddie and then looked at her father with hesitation. “It’s not so fancy like the restaurants Mom took me to. I had to be real careful and mind my manners.”

      “You have to mind your manners anywhere,” Ty reminded her.

      “Mmm,” she said, turning to look out the window again.

      When the bell over the door jangled, announcing another customer, Maddie looked around and saw Sadie Johnson. She waved at the new church secretary whom she’d met at church two weeks ago. Sadie nodded, hesitated a moment and then walked over.

      Maddie watched her and wondered why she always wore baggy clothing. She wasn’t overweight. And the big glasses could be swapped for a more stylish pair—or even contacts. Would Sadie be open to some well-meant suggestions?

      “Hi,” Sadie said with a shy smile.

      Ty slid out of the booth and stood. “Sadie,” he said.

      “Here for lunch, I see.

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