nothing as she rose. She silently led him to the garage to get the two car seats from her car and carried one out to his truck. Then she led the way inside the house to her spare room, where the twins lay curled under a lovely turquoise afghan.
“I’ll take Katie, you take Kyle,” she whispered and tenderly lifted the little girl.
Rick followed, cradling Kyle. When the twins were safely belted in his truck, he thanked her once more.
“You went above and beyond for us. Katie’s short hair looks really cute. Thank you.” He handed her some bills. “I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
“So when will you bring them tomorrow?” she asked before he could swing into his truck’s driver’s seat.
“When—?” Surprised, Rick frowned at her. After his pathetic confession he’d been certain her help was a onetime thing.
“Yes. When?” She arched one perfect eyebrow. “I like to be prepared.”
“You’re involved in getting Wranglers Ranch Day Care up and running. That’s a lot of work. I appreciate your help today,” he continued, “but I’m sure you don’t want to spend your free time watching my kids, though it’s very kind of you to offer.”
Penny studied him as if she couldn’t quite decide whether or not to tell him what she was thinking. After a moment she nodded.
“I told you, I love kids, Rick. All kids. Every chance I get to enjoy them is a blessing. That’s why I became a teacher.” He couldn’t get over how that gorgeous smile of hers lit up her entire face. “It’s true. I am helping Sophie organize the daycare. But I’m able to do that and care for the twins, if you’ll allow me. The decision is yours.”
Her generosity floored him. He wanted to accept so badly. It would be so nice to have help with the twins, just for a while.
“However, I have one condition,” Penny added very softly, her gaze fixed on him with an intensity that was hard to ignore.
“What’s that?” Why was he suddenly filled with uncertainty? Rick wondered.
“My condition is that you don’t talk about guilt over Gillian’s death when the twins can overhear.” Her expression grew serious. “I know her loss is something you have to work out for yourself and that you’re struggling with her death. I’d love to listen to your memories of Gillian. But guilt carries negativity and I don’t want that to touch the twins and maybe somehow spoil their memories of their mother.”
“Makes sense.” Rick thought about it for several minutes. “Okay but are you sure you can handle them and the daycare and whatever else is on your plate?”
“Yes.” Penny nodded, her confidence unshakable. “You can trust me.”
Funny but somehow he already knew that. His heart felt light as he asked, “Is seven thirty too early?”
“No.” Penny chuckled and shook her head, the strands of her moonlight-kissed hair moving in the evening breeze. “I’m usually up at five thirty so I’ll have breakfast ready for all of you.”
Breakfast, too? Meeting Penny was a godsend. Anticipation fluttered to life as he hoped she wasn’t talking about cereal. “Thank you very much but you don’t have to make us breakfast. We usually have toast and peanut butter.”
“Tomorrow morning we’ll have something different. And it’s me who should thank you for adding some fun to my summer.” The sincerity in her response could not be faked. “I truly enjoyed today with the twins. Good night, Rick.”
“Good night, Penny.”
As he drove away, he couldn’t expunge the memory of that joyful glow in her eyes. Unlike his former fiancée, Penny wanted the twins, total strangers, in her life. She was excited by the prospect. He barely knew her and yet Rick could see that Penny had what his mom called “a spirit of giving.” She’d certainly made his life easier.
A flicker of interest flamed inside. Underneath that fantastic smile, who was Penny Stern and why didn’t she have her own kids?
If she kept on caring for the twins maybe he’d be able to figure that out.
“Thanks, God.” Rick’s heart overflowed with joy and relief and thanksgiving as he drove home.
Just for tonight he was going to forget about tomorrow and the day after, forget the ranch chores that needed doing and the responsibilities to his parents, to the twins and to the company that felt heavier each time he woke up.
Just for tonight he was going to relax and enjoy the gift of a blessing named Penny.
* * *
“Thanks a lot for letting the twins visit with your kids for a while.” Penny savored the aroma of cinnamon as she stepped inside Sophie’s kitchen. “I managed to get through all the interviews you asked me to complete.”
“So you found a director for the daycare?” Sophie asked eagerly.
“Well, no. But Tanner approved my other staff selections though we’ll wait for the police checks before offering employment.” She accepted the large glass of iced tea and a plate bearing two fluffy golden pastries. “What do you call these?”
“Cinnamon twists. The youth group from church is coming out tonight. I thought those would go well with their campfire.” Sophie exchanged pans in the oven then sat down. “Finding a director for our daycare seems to be problematic.”
“There weren’t a lot of applications for that position in the first place.” Penny bit into the pastry and rolled her eyes. “Every time I come to Wranglers you feed me. If this keeps up I’m going to gain a lot of weight.”
“Not with your schedule. The twins said you made them a full breakfast—really early to quote Katie. And sent a lunch with Rick.” A funny smile played across Sophie’s lips.
“I roasted a chicken last night. There was so much meat left that sharing it seemed smart.” Penny sipped her coffee to avoid Sophie’s knowing look. “I think Rick missed both lunch and supper yesterday. I thought that if he had a sandwich today, he could eat at the site without stopping to get a bite. Did the twins tell you we also packed a picnic?”
“Uh-huh. And watered the flowers, put out the garbage, went to the park and played catch,” she said, chuckling as she ticked off each item on her fingertips. “By the time they get home tonight they’ll fall into bed.”
“That’s the plan.” Penny felt like she had to say something to erase that meaningful look on Sophie’s face. “I haven’t spent much time with kids outside my classroom so I’m really enjoying my interactions with the twins.”
“And with Rick?” Sophie arched an eyebrow.
“I think he might become a good friend.” Penny could see this friend wasn’t going to accept that. “I’m not looking for anything more, Sophie. Our Bible study is teaching me that I have to live my life strong, depending on God. I have to be content with who I am as God’s child and not count on other things or people to make me happy.”
“Meaning no men in your life?” Sophie asked with a frown. “And no children?”
“I’m beginning to believe that not having a family is His will,” Penny admitted. Please don’t ask that of me, God.
“But you’re so good with kids. You could adopt,” Sophie suggested.
“I could. But is being raised by a single mom the best choice for a child? Could I handle it? Is that God’s plan for me?” Penny sighed.
“Why a single mom? Don’t you want to get married?” Sophie said with a frown.
“If that’s God’s plan. But I refuse to get fixated on some unattainable fairy tale of happily-ever-after.”
“I’m a living testament that happily-ever-after