The Twin Bargain Read online

  His face set, her father continued to lacerate the fraying belt.

  “I forgive you for what you said. Please forgive me for shutting you out of my life.”

  A lone tear tracked across his cheek. “I forgive you. I love you, Amber.” He gave the fabric a final, vicious tug. It snapped, and she was free.

  With an almost superhuman strength born of adrenaline and a parent’s worst nightmare, he wrested her from the sinking vehicle. Once she was out of the car and in the water with him, he wrapped his arms around her.

  “Pull!” he shouted to the men on shore.

  There was a tug on the rope wrapped around her father’s waist. Hand over hand, the men reeled them in toward the bank. Her feet scraped bottom. Thank You, God. Thank You.

  She found herself enfolded in the fiercely protective arms of Ethan. And she wondered if that wasn’t exactly where she’d belonged from the beginning. For once, her what-if fears silenced.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The storm blew out as quickly as it had blown in, but Ethan felt the near-drowning had probably taken at least five years off his life.

  Dwight insisted on everyone getting checked out by emergency medical personnel. Thankfully, bruises and scrapes were the worst of it for all of them. Afterward, Amber invited her dad to the trailer, and she properly introduced their grandfather to Lucy and Stella.

  Pulling Ethan and her mother to the side, Lucy whispered, “Is he one of the good daddies?”

  Amber glanced at her father playing Chutes and Ladders on the coffee table with Stella. “Yes, Lucy.” Amber’s eyes pricked with tears. “He is.”

  She spent the next week getting reacquainted with her father. There were a lot of tears, but also hugs and laughter, too.

  Cleanup commenced in putting Truelove back to rights. The DOT reopened the road to traffic. With her car a total loss, Dwight insisted she allow him to find her another, more reliable vehicle.

  “Only a loan,” Amber—being Amber—reluctantly agreed. “I’ll pay you back. Every cent, Dad.”

  The town paper made much over the four men, much to their mutual embarrassment. The day of the storm, despite Amber’s protests, Dwight had left the town hall determined to check on his daughter. Jake and Jonas had been helping the pastor secure the church and were returning to their respective homes when they ran across the accident.

  A coincidence? Ethan thought not. Definitely a God thing.

  As for his impending departure? There was so much he needed to do: starting with putting Grandma’s house on the market. Contact a moving company. Put a deposit on one of the cottages. Not the least of which, he needed to call to his buddy in Wilmington at the boat shop. But the days ticked by without him getting around to any of it.

  Because he’d had to finish the two end tables a customer had ordered. Then he spent some extra time with his girls—just to reassure his heart they were truly safe. And, of course, Grandma required a great deal of supervision. Especially when she and the matchmakers got together.

  Ethan also got to know Jake and Jonas better. Surrounded by Truelove women, he’d missed the camaraderie of men. They were great guys.

  Something had shifted in his relationship with Amber. The following weekend, Jonas’s mother, Deirdre, held a celebratory dinner at the Fielding-Stone ranch for all the families involved in the rescue.

  After eating, Jonas’s son, Hunter, Maisie and the twins were excused to play. The adults helped Deirdre clear the table.

  “I knew my Jake was a hero.” Rising on tiptoe, Callie planted a kiss on Jake’s beard-stubbled jaw. “And now everyone else knows, too.” He reddened.

  Ethan chuckled. Jake was a pretty good guy, even if he was ex-army.

  Amber nudged Jonas with her hip as she passed by, her hands full of plates. “I owe you free nursing care for life.”

  “The dude ranch could always use a part-time nurse on call.” Jonas smiled. “I reserve the right to take you up on that.”

  And Amber smiled back.

  Scowling into his empty tea glass, Ethan drifted out the French doors and onto the veranda. She could smile at anyone she chose. What was it to him?

  He leaned against the wooden railing, staring at the blue-green mountain vista. Was he jealous? Of Amber and Jonas? His heart did a stutter step against his rib cage.

  And before he had time to digest that unsettling revelation, she followed him outside. “Hey.” She touched his back.

  He straightened. “Hey yourself.”

  She pointed at his forehead. “How’s your head?”

  His brow furrowed. “My head?”

  “The day of the storm. You fell into the wall.” She smiled. “Therefore, you get first dibs on my nursing skills.”

  Something tight eased in his chest.

  “That’s right.” He threw her a lazy smile. “And come to think of it, I could use a little nursing TLC right now.” He cut his eyes at her. “You might be the only one in the whole world who can make me feel better.”

  “Oh, really? In the whole world?” She raised her eyebrow. “Where does it hurt?”

  He tapped his forehead. “Here.”

  She placed her palm against his skin. “You don’t have a fever.”

  “Oh, but I do.” He cocked his head. “I truly do. Scout’s honor.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You were never a Boy Scout.”

  “What if you were to kiss it?” He bit his lip to keep from laughing. “I’m pretty sure it would feel better.”

  She gave him a quick kiss on his forehead. “How’s that?”

  “Better.” He moved his finger to his cheek. “But then there’s this spot here.”

  “That hurts, too? My, my,” she tsk-tsked. “You’re in kind of bad shape for such a young guy.”

  Setting the tea glass on the railing, he placed his hand over his heart. “What can I say? Thanks to the Fleming women, Truelove has proven only slightly less dangerous than my entire military career.”

  “Put that way, it becomes my patriotic duty to assist you.” She pressed her lips against his cheekbone. “There.” She stepped away. “All better.”

  Taking hold of her forearms, he walked her backward until her spine pressed against the wooden post. Then he captured her lips with his mouth. He ran his fingers through her hair. She wasn’t like the other women he’d known. More important, he wasn’t the same man he’d once been.

  Ethan pulled back. Amber’s eyes had darkened to an inky blue. Her reaction left him with a profound sense of protectiveness. Of responsibility.

  He kept his arms around her, not letting her drift far. “We better cool it before Grandma catches us.” He laughed. “Or Lucy.”

  Amber’s beautiful lips curved. “And Stella.”

  “Next week this time, you’ll be walking across a stage.”

  Gaze lowered, she clutched the front of his shirt. “I really like you, Ethan Todd Green.”

  He touched his finger to her chin, tilting her chin upward. He didn’t like not being able to see her stunning eyes—a window to her soul. “And I really, really like you, Amber Dawn Fleming.”

  Amber’s lips twitched. “Sounds like what we have here, folks, is a mutual admiration society.”

  He swallowed. He was unsure of what would follow her nursing school graduation. Uncertain where he and Grandma would be. Unable to voice his concerns.

  Because, suddenly, he was very much afraid his feelings for Amber had gone far, far beyond anything remotely resembling mere admiration.

  * * *

  Standing on the stage with the other nursing candidates for the pinning ceremony at the community college, Amber thought this might be the happiest day of her life.

  The day the twins were born had been a bittersweet mix of happiness and fear for the future. Four years ago, she’d been alone in the Labor and Deliver
y room in Asheville. But she’d been determined to take care of the precious gifts God had placed in her arms. To be worthy of her children.

  On that day, her journey truly began. No longer thinking of herself, she put their welfare first. It had been a humbling, at times painful, path that brought her home to Truelove.

  Arriving divorced and alone with twin baby girls to raise. Taking any job she could get. Sacrificing sleep and time with them to pursue this degree program.

  Striving to better herself and their situation. Five semesters later, after 756 hours of classwork and clinicals, she was ready to graduate.

  Fifteen graduates in this year’s accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program sat in two rows across the stage. The audience was filled with friends, family and well-wishers. Ensconced between Ethan and ErmaJean, Lucy waved energetically from her seat. With a shy smile, Stella wriggled her fingers at her mother.

  Sitting beside Callie, Amber’s father gave her a thumbs-up. Miss GeorgeAnne and Miss IdaLee were also in attendance. Everyone wore their Sunday best dresses, suits and ties.

  Perched on the edge of her seat, Amber smoothed the floral print dress over her knees. A graduation present from the matchmakers.

  The Dean of Nursing called the nursing candidates forward, one by one, to present their diploma. A friend or family members joined them onstage to present a rose and do the pinning.

  Awaiting her turn, she basked in the long-anticipated moment. For once, everything in her life was coming together. Everyone she loved was within sight. Her dreams were finally coming true.

  Did those dreams include Ethan? Her heart skipped a beat. Yes, they did.

  He’d made a new life for himself in Truelove. Successfully restarted his grandfather’s business. Made new friends. Carved out a place for himself not only in the town, but in their hearts. Lucy’s. Stella’s.

  And hers?

  There was so much to look forward to. So much ahead for them. She could hardly wait for this new season in her life to unfold.

  God had blessed her so much by bringing Ethan into their lives. She wasn’t sure yet what he felt for her. Friendship for sure. He’d proven he loved her children. Maybe one day he’d fall in love with her, too.

  Might she fall in love with him one day? Perhaps today? On this day of new beginnings, dare she put a name to the feelings he inspired within her?

  “Amber Dawn Fleming...”

  Rising, she went forward to the podium. Holding Lucy’s and Stella’s hands, Ethan led the girls onto the stage.

  Stella took the pin from the dean, and carefully, as if it were made of spun glass, handed off the pin to Ethan. Leaning to pin it to Amber’s collar, his pine-scented cologne wafted across her nostrils. Butterflies danced in her belly.

  “I’m so proud of you,” he whispered.

  For an instant, she became lost in his gaze until Lucy thrust a single stemmed red rose into her hand.

  Applause broke out, and the moment passed as the next candidate’s name was called. Ethan helped the girls off the stage, and they resumed their seats in the auditorium. He threw Amber that ridiculously knee-buckling smile of his. She sat down again, grateful for the sturdiness of the chair.

  Later, the dean gave an inspiring speech about service to others. Amber was glad it was brief as the twins would have found it difficult to sit still for much longer. Once the ceremony concluded, the guests were invited to enjoy a reception in the atrium.

  She lingered in the auditorium for a few minutes, thanking her professors for their part in helping her succeed. She took a few selfies with fellow classmates. They wished each other well. Promised to stay in touch.

  Floating into the reception, the girls rushed forward and hugged her. Ethan raised a glass of lemonade to her in a silent toast. She was engulfed by the congratulations of friends and family.

  Callie and Amber’s father helped the girls go around the buffet table and load their plates. Dwight was sweet with them, getting into grandpa mode. She was so thankful he was in their lives.

  She gazed around the crowded reception hall. She’d done it. It hadn’t been easy. She could have never done this alone—without God, ErmaJean, her children’s patience and Ethan. Perhaps that had been the lesson she needed to learn.

  “I’ll be right back.” She patted Ethan’s shoulder. “I left something in the car.”

  “Let me get it for you. Stay here and enjoy your moment.”

  “That’s okay. I’ll get it. I have a thank-you gift for your grandmother.”

  She scanned the room, but didn’t spot ErmaJean. Perhaps she was in the ladies’ room. If she hurried... “Maybe while I dash out, you could make sure Little Miss Mischief and Little Miss Mayhem don’t do anything ill-advised.”

  His lips quirked. “Like what?”

  “I don’t know... Like overturn the food table. Start a riot.” She threw out her hands. “Burn down the building.”

  He cocked his head. “Mischief and mayhem? You must have those wonderful girls confused with someone else’s twins.”

  She rolled her eyes.

  “Have I told you how beautiful you look today, Amber?”

  She blushed. Surrounded by the people she loved, she felt more than beautiful today. She felt radiant.

  Brushing against her arm, he leaned closer. “Hurry back so I can rectify my error, okay?”

  Her pulse raced. “Okay,” she rasped.

  Across the reception area, her father laughed at something Lucy said. Her heart full, Amber drifted out the glass doors. Taking a shortcut to the parking lot, she rounded the corner of the building only to hear GeorgeAnne’s voice at the other end of the terrace.

  Amber rocketed to a stop beside a large holly bush. Much as she loved the old lady, if GeorgeAnne got hold of her she’d never make it to the car. Perhaps she should retrace her steps and head out the front instead. Then the details of the unseen conversation penetrated her consciousness.

  “Ethan’s fulfilled his part of the bargain, ErmaJean. What is to stop him from insisting you honor your end of the deal?”

  What deal was GeorgeAnne talking about? Amber poked her head around the bush.

  “After I broke my leg and Ethan demanded I return with him to the coast, I had to do something.” Apparently, Ethan’s grandmother wasn’t in the ladies’ room. “And if it meant getting Amber to graduation, it was a risk I was willing to take.”

  “GeorgeAnne and I would miss you terribly if you move to Wilmington.” IdaLee frowned. “And I think you would be unhappy there, too. This is your home, ErmaJean.”

  “But all’s well that ends well.” ErmaJean smirked. “Exactly as I’d hoped. As a matter of fact...”

  Heading down the stone steps, the three women moved out of earshot.

  Amber’s heart pounded. What bargain had Ethan made with his grandmother? And what did any of it have to do with her graduation?

  It almost sounded like... No. She shook her head. It couldn’t be what she suspected. Ethan wouldn’t use her and the twins to leverage his grandmother into moving away from Truelove. Would he?

  Doing an about-face, she returned to the reception hall and found Ethan chatting with Callie.

  His face lit. “That was quick.”

  She clenched her hands. “We need to talk.”

  His brow creased. “What’s wrong?”

  “Now, Ethan,” she growled.

  He and Callie exchanged glances.

  Callie backed away. “Why don’t I go check on the girls?”

  He touched Amber’s sleeve.

  She drew up. “I think it would be better if we went outside so we can have this conversation in private.”

  His gaze clouded. “If that’s what you want.” He followed her onto the terrace.

  What she wanted? She ground her teeth. What she’d wanted was him. And a new life w
ith the girls. Maybe she was reading more into the matchmakers’ remarks than she should.

  God, please let me be wrong.

  She made it no farther than the last time. At the holly bush, she rounded on him. “Is it true you made a deal with your grandmother that in exchange for twin-sitting until I graduated, ErmaJean would move to Wilmington with you?”

  He was silent. Her stomach knotted. She could see in his eyes, her worst fears were true. He hadn’t denied her accusations. And her heart shattered into a million pieces.

  “When ErmaJean was released from the hospital and neither of you said anything more about her relocating, I believed you’d dropped the issue. Obviously, I was mistaken.” Her chest heaved. “About a lot of things.”

  “Amber—”

  “Did you or did you not practically blackmail your grandmother into this arrangement?”

  Ethan swallowed. “It wasn’t like—”

  “Have you been pretending all along to care about my children?”

  Ethan’s eyes widened. “What? No! I do care about them. I love Lucy and Stella.”

  And they loved him. This day was turning into her worst nightmare.

  “Was anything you said to me for real? Or was I just a convenient way to pass the time in boring, old Truelove?”

  She’d fallen for his charm hook, line and sinker. Had she learned nothing from the disaster of her marriage to Tony? All her doubts and feelings of inadequacy came roaring back.

  “If you’ll let me explain...” He took hold of her arm.

  She snatched herself free. “Congratulations. I’ve graduated and now you can force your grandmother to move to Wilmington.”

  “Don’t do this, Amber.” He opened his hands. “You have your degree. Neither of us is tied here any longer. There are so many possibilities. We can make this work. It doesn’t have to be this way.”

  Her laugh was without mirth. “Who are you kidding? We were always going to end up right where we are.” She made a sweeping gesture. “Me with the twins. And having done your good deed for the decade, you can be off on your merry way again.”

  Despite her best efforts, her eyes welled. “You’ve been quite the Good Samaritan. Loving the poor little fatherless girls. This just proves we could never be happy together.”