A Dad for Her Twins

“Ranch life does that to you.” Cade accepted two cups of coffee from Mrs. Swanson and set them on the kitchen table. “It’s the fresh, unspoiled air.”

“It’s also the wee ones wanting a snack,” Mrs. Swanson said with a knowing glance at Abby’s midriff. “Some cinnamon rolls might quiet them.”

“They certainly would.” Abby sat next to Cade, then accepted a steaming cinnamon roll. She nipped a bite between her pink lips, closed her eyes and smiled. “Delicious,” she said, much to Mrs. Swanson’s satisfaction.

A few moments later Ed and Ivor joined them. Ivor pushed Ed’s chair to the table as if he’d done it a thousand times before. As they all sat around the table sharing the delicious treat, Abby teased Ed about winning and then Ivor about almost sinking the snowmobile.

For the first time in memory, Cade realized that he and his father were seated together at the table without the usual tension. Everyone seemed to find harmony, fun and pleasure in one another’s company. Cade had no doubt that was Abby’s influence on them. She seemed to bring out the best in everyone she met.

Cade’s gaze slid to Ivor. According to Marsha’s call this morning, the kid was going to be here a while. None of the relatives she’d spoken to seemed ready to add the orphaned boy to their menageries, which meant Cade needed to find a way to connect with Ivor. His horses had reached Abby. Maybe they would Ivor, too.

Cade spared a moment to wonder why it was so important for him to connect with Ivor, then decided he was just being a good host.

“Maybe tomorrow you’d like to go for a horse ride,” he offered. “I could teach you if you don’t know how to ride.”

“No, thank you.” Ivor didn’t even look at him. He did turn to Ed and ask him for a rematch. The pair left the kitchen with Ivor teasing the older man and Ed thumping his cane as he rolled along in his wheelchair, just for effect.