Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 Patrice Lewis (i read book txt) 📖

work, they’d been more at ease with each other. Relaxed and friendly.

Almost flirty.

Her cheeks heated at the memory. Maybe she’d just been too hungry to keep her guard up but Ross seemed to be proving himself and putting her fears at ease. And she couldn’t deny the awareness between them.

But it couldn’t go anywhere. He was here only for the twins and he obviously loved kids. Even if he turned out to be trustworthy, she still couldn’t have kids. Which meant they had no future. She had to keep reminding herself of that. Every time he looked her way.

Mason bolted into the kitchen. “Is it ready yet? I’m starving.”

“Almost. Wash your hands, then go ahead and set the table.”

He stretched over the sink and soaped his hands good, then grabbed the stool they kept in the pantry and climbed up to get the dishes as Madison entered.

“You still feeling okay, sweetie?”

“Yes.”

“Your wrist didn’t sting today?”

“No. I had fun riding with Uncle Ross. Except he doesn’t stay on the path.”

“It was so cool.” Mason set the plates in place. “We had to duck away from tree branches and we saw parts of our woods we didn’t know were there. You’d have hated it, Aunt Stacia.”

“You’re right there.” She turned the burner off, drained the liquid then transferred the pot of noodles onto a hot pad in the middle of the table. “Did you see any snakes?”

“No. But a spider came after Madison.”

“I’m with you Aunt Stacia.” Madison shuddered. “I like the path.”

“Maybe next time, you and I can stay on the path on our horses, while the boys go exploring.” Stacia loved the outdoors, riding the side-by-side and horses, but she liked sure footing, head room and no critters. “Tell Grandpa the food’s ready, Mason.”

“Grandpa! The food’s ready!” Mason shouted.

“That’s not exactly what I meant. I could have done that.” Stacia set the sauce and breadsticks on the table, then grabbed the salad she’d already put together along with dressing out of the fridge.

“She meant, go tell Grandpa, goofball.” Madison filled the glasses with ice.

“No name-calling, Mad.”

“You didn’t say go.” Mason plopped in his seat at the table.

“You’re right, I didn’t. But from now on, you’ll know what I mean.”

Daddy limped into the room with his weight supported on a cane.

“How’s the knee?” Stacia pulled his chair out for him.

“Much better. I really don’t need this cane.”

“Ready to give up and have surgery?”

“I was trying to wait until the order was done.”

“I’m calling tomorrow to get you an appointment. You’ll probably have to wait at least a month anyway.”

“Will Grandpa be like a superhero once he gets a metal knee?” Mason asked.

“Grandpa’s already a superhero.” Madison hugged Maverick, then took her place at the table.

“I like this one.” Daddy patted her on the head.

“What about Uncle Ross?” Mason scanned the empty seat at the table. “We can’t eat without him.”

“He should be along any minute.” Stacia checked her watch.

The doorbell buzzed.

“I’ll get it.” Mason darted for the living room.

Minutes later, he returned with Ross, who’d obviously gone home and cleaned up. Spicy cologne and still damp hair, looking way too handsome in his pearl-buttoned shirt and Wranglers.

“Am I late?” He took his seat between the twins, across from Stacia.

“You’re right on time.”

“Let’s pray.” Daddy bowed his head and the others followed. “Father, we thank You for this food, for our little family. Keep everyone safe and healthy from the upcoming storm. And help us to always follow Your will and glorify You in everything we do. Amen.”

Amens echoed around the table as Daddy helped himself to salad and spaghetti, then passed each bowl around the table.

Forks scraped plates as everyone dug in.

“This is really good.” Ross caught her gaze.

“Aunt Stacia makes her own sauce.” Madison twirled her long noodles around her fork.

“Sorry about the spider.” Ross grimaced.

“It’s okay. Aunt Stacia said next time she’ll go too and me and her will ride horses on the path.”

“You should have seen it.” Mason set his fork down. “We ran through a web and the spider was coming right for her.” He stuck one finger up. “This is Madison and this is the spider.” He made his fist with the other hand and moved it toward his finger at a fast clip.

“But Uncle Ross saved me.” Madison shuddered.

“Madison screamed and Uncle Ross jumped out. He broke the web and smashed the spider.” Mason stomped his foot on the floor for emphasis.

Ross winced. “But I’m the one who decided we should explore and leave the path.”

“But you fixed it.” Mason picked his fork up. “And it was the best ride I ever had. I like off the path.”

They finished the meal with constant chatter from the twins, then everyone cleaned the kitchen while Daddy went to prop his leg up in the family room.

At least she wasn’t alone with Ross in the kitchen.

“Can Uncle Ross read us a story?” Madison asked.

An automatic no danced on the tip of Stacia’s tongue.

“Please, Aunt Stacia.” Mason joined in the plea.

“Do you have time?” She caught his gaze.

“Always.”

“Okay. But go get your baths first.”

The twins hurried upstairs.

“You can go and I’ll call you when they’re ready. Baths around here can take the better part of an hour.”

“I’m in no hurry. It’s a nice night to sit out on the porch. Unless you’ve got something pressing to do.”

“That sounds nice.” Alarm bells went off in her head. Don’t get too close.

He ushered her ahead of him.

Outside, she claimed the porch swing, expecting him to sit in one of the chairs. But he settled beside her. She scooted over as much as she could, but it was no use. His leg rested against hers. And sent all kinds of tingles up her arms.

“This is a nice swing.”

“Thanks. Daddy made it from an old headboard.”

“I figured as much.” He took a deep breath. “I’m glad we’re getting along better.”

“Me too. For the kids’ sakes.”

“You’re starting to trust me more with them. I think we need to talk about what’s happening between us.”

“Us?”