Mirror Image Bride

“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. Who’s this?” she asked, looking at Darcy.

“My daughter, Darcy,” Ty responded. “Darcy, this is Sadie Johnson—she’s the church secretary.”

“You’re new to town, too,” Maddie said with a friendly smile. “So am I and so is Darcy.”

“We’re going shopping after lunch,” Darcy said.

“That’ll be nice. Enjoy your lunch,” Sadie said with a timid smile. She turned and headed for the counter.

Ty slid back onto the seat. “Guess Darcy and I need to start going to church come Sunday.”

“Don’t you normally?” Maddie asked.

He shrugged. “I try to make it most of the time. Sometimes there’re things at the ranch that need attention that can’t wait. Jeb’s a good preacher. First I’ve known.”

This was more information than he’d revealed in all the short time she’d known him.

“Why’s that?”

“Didn’t know the Lord until a few years ago,” he said gruffly.

Maddie wondered why that was. She couldn’t remember when she didn’t have a close relationship with Jesus. Rachel had not only been there to take care of them when their father was studying and working, she’d brought all of them to the Lord. What a blessing she’d been to Maddie’s life.

“Can I get jeans and boots and a cowboy hat?” Darcy asked. “Then I’ll be ready to ride a horse.”

Ty looked at her and nodded, his expression softening slightly. Maddie loved watching Ty interact with his daughter. Sometimes he looked baffled, other times charmed. She liked it most when he smiled—at Darcy or her. Especially when he smiled at her.

Maddie wished she knew what to do to bring the two of them closer. Time would help. But it was hard to sit by and do nothing.

Darcy looked at her. “If you buy boots and a hat, you can ride, too. He can teach you.”

Ty looked at Maddie, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

“That’s all it takes,” he said.

Maddie laughed. “If only. I’ll see what’s there. No guarantee that because I dress the part, I’ll be a cowgirl,” she said to Darcy.

Ty shook his head, the amusement vanishing. “No. Highly unlikely, I’d say.”

Annoyed she’d said anything, Maddie didn’t know how to convince him he could trust her not to run back to Fort Worth anytime soon.

Time would help with that as well.

“Can we buy a storybook?” Darcy asked. “Maddie’s telling me the bestest story, but I want her to read me some books Mommy used to like,” Darcy said.

“That can be arranged,” Ty said.

Their food arrived and the next few minutes were devoted to eating.