Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Patrice Lewis (best large ereader .txt) 📕

take them away from her. No matter how handsome he was.

* * *

Morning sunlight dappled the walls of Stacia’s bedroom as she slipped earrings in, checked her reflection, then headed for the stairs. Just as Daddy came out of his room.

“You okay?” He touched her elbow.

“Where are the twins?”

“Downstairs.”

“I feel like we’re losing them,” she whispered as moisture clouded her vision.

“We won’t. I won’t allow that to happen.”

“And it’s like you’re taking Ross’s side. When did y’all become best buds?”

“We can’t afford to make this guy mad. He’s got the upper hand, Stace.” He put his arm around her shoulders, kissed the top of her head. “He could take us to court and with Ron’s money to back him, that terrifies me. Even though your aunt lost when she tried it years ago, I’ve seen it on the news, too many kids ripped away from adoptive families because the birth family had a change of heart. I figure we play nice and try to compromise, rather than take the chance of losing everything.”

“You’re right.” She blew out a big breath. “I’ll try. But he just jerks all my nerve endings at the same time.”

“God’s got this. Let Him handle things when you can’t.”

As they descended the steps, the front door slammed.

“I told y’all to stay inside until time to leave for church,” Daddy shouted.

No response.

“They’ve escaped in their church clothes.” She hurried down the stairs and out the door after them. A squeal echoed as she stepped out on the porch.

“Make him stop, Aunt Stacia!” Madison screamed as she ran by.

Mason giggled, in hot pursuit of his twin sister, with both hands cupped around something.

“Mason, stop chasing your sister this instant or I’ll ground you from the side-by-side.”

That stopped him in his tracks.

“You’re both supposed to be inside. What have you got?” Stacia dashed down the porch steps.

“A big ugly frog.” Madison darted behind her. “He was gonna put it on me.”

“Let me see it, big guy.”

Mason headed toward her with a sly grin as Madison shot out from behind her and ran to the door. Before he even reached her, Stacia knew exactly what he planned to do. He opened his hands enough for her to see a large toad’s head, then promptly set it on her arm.

She kept still, then gingerly caught the toad and held him in one hand.

“You didn’t scream. Or run.” Mason frowned.

“Because I’m not afraid of him. Come see, Madison.”

“Nope.”

“Frogs can’t hurt you. And this is actually a toad. They like to be petted.” She ran her finger down the toad’s back.

“What’s the difference?” Madison crept closer.

“Most frogs are slimy with smoother skin and their legs are longer with sticky feet. Toads have shorter legs and rougher, drier skin.”

“Do they give you warts?” Mason ran his grubby finger down the toad’s back.

“No. That’s a myth.”

“But they tinkle on you.” Madison gagged.

“If you scare them. But not if you pick them up really gently like this.” She gripped the toad between her finger and thumb. “Right behind his front legs, where his belly sticks out on each side. Really gently, just enough to hold him. That way if he tinkles, it’s not on you. You let him get it out of his system and then set him in your hand.”

A dark pickup turned into the drive, but she couldn’t tell who was inside. The door opened and Ross climbed out. Obviously dressed for church, wearing a white shirt, black slacks and a tie.

“Uncle Ross.” The twins bolted for him.

“Stop this instant!” Stacia shouted.

Both children stopped in their tracks.

“You’ll get him dirty. Go wash your hands.”

“A little dirt never hurt anybody.” Ross beckoned them with both hands.

Mason took off, but Madison looked back at Stacia.

“Go ahead.” She sighed.

Each twin hugged one of his legs until he knelt to their level and transferred their hugs to his neck.

“Come look at the toad I found.” Mason let go and darted back in her direction.

Ross stood and Madison clasped his hand as he strolled toward her.

“Madison’s afraid of him.” Mason snickered.

“I am not. Not anymore. Aunt Stacia showed us how to pick them up, so they don’t tinkle on you.”

“A fine skill to have.” Ross stepped close, inspected the toad. “And that’s a mighty fine toad you’ve got there.”

“I think I’ll keep him.” Mason stayed still while she passed the toad back to him.

“He might have a family and I bet they miss him,” Ross said.

Something in his eyes made her realize he wasn’t talking about the toad.

“I’ll put him back where I found him.”

“Do that, then come in to wash your hands and face.” She gently tapped his nose with her finger. “No more scaring or chasing your sister and hurry, it’s time to leave.”

“Okay.” Mason’s tone sounded as if she’d just deflated all the fun out of his young life.

She shooed Madison inside. Once the door closed, she crossed her arms under her chest. “Nice line about the toad.”

“That’s what my mom always told me and Ron when we were kids and caught some critter or another.”

“She sounds like a good mom.”

“The best.”

“So you’re headed to church?”

“I thought I’d follow y’all, if that’s okay?”

She couldn’t begrudge him church. “Sure.”

Mason returned from taking the toad to its home. “I hope his family finds him.”

“I’m sure they will.” Ross shot him a wink and Mason scurried through the door.

The door opened behind her and she turned to see Daddy.

“Ross. I can’t remember the last time someone actually showed up when I invited them to church.”

“I’ve gone my entire life, so I figure I should find a church home while I’m here.”

Madison came back out. “We’re waiting on Mason, as usual.”

“We’ve still got time.” Stacia checked her watch.

“We always have to wait on Mason.” Madison rolled her eyes.

“No eye rolling. Especially about your brother.” Though Stacia’s tone was kind, she gave the little girl a chastening look.

Daddy made small talk about the church as minutes ticked by until Mason returned.

“You’re coming to church with us?” Mason grinned.

“Sure am.” Ross did