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

The man’s mouth tightened.

“I’ll see y’all after school.” Ross waved.

“Have a good day.” Principal Caruthers shut the car door, then tore his gaze away from her long enough to watch until the twins were inside.

The cars in front of them had emptied of kids and moved forward.

“For the last two years, I parked and walked them into preschool.” Stacia followed the line of vehicles back onto the highway. “Once they’re in kindergarten, everything changes. They’re growing up so fast.”

And on top of that, she dealt with the principal pining for her every morning. “Is it just me, or does the principal have a thing for you?”

“Adrian and I dated a few years back. He wanted kids and I—” her voice broke “—things fell apart when I got the twins. He wanted his own kids, not someone else’s.”

Ross wanted to say more. To tell her the guy was a jerk. That she deserved better. But she was obviously struggling with keeping her emotions in check and he didn’t want to make it harder on her with sympathy.

So Adrian Caruthers broke up with her only to make eyes at her in the drop-off line. And Stacia obviously wasn’t over him either, even if he was a jerk. Within minutes, they were back at the ranch. With the cattle tended to earlier and Maverick in the store, Ross went straight to the workshop.

“About all those invitations the twins offered, thanks for not accepting without us discussing it.” She hesitated a moment. “It’s okay with me for you to go to the park this afternoon. If you want.”

“I definitely want. Thanks.”

“Once the store is closed, we’ll swap. I’ll head to the park and you can finish up in the workshop this evening.” She dug around in her desk, laid a form on top. “Here’s an application. Something you usually need to fill out before getting hired.”

“I’ll fill it out tonight.”

“Just so you know, we also run background checks on all of our employees. Something we usually do before we hire.”

“Go for it. I’ve got nothing to hide.” He could almost build a coffee bar with his eyes closed. Leaving his mind free to ponder. Maybe he could help Stacia out with her lost love. If he took the kids off her hands at least part of the time, she could take her life off Pause. If Adrian could handle part-time twins, Stacia would be free to resume her past relationship with him if she wanted.

Why did the thought put a pang in Ross’s heart? Because Stacia deserved better than the creepy, selfish principal? Yeah, that was it.

CHAPTER FOUR

The day in the workshop had been long and tense. Ross was always glad to get a break. With the twins, his stress drained away. The park was just what he needed.

“Spin us, Uncle Ross,” Madison called as they darted for the playground equipment. The twins clambered onto the merry-go-round. But their friend hung back a bit.

What was her name? Belonged to Stacia’s friends Larae and Rance. He’d met them all at church.

“Hop on, Jayda.” He remembered just in the nick of time.

She stepped onto the colorful tilting wheel lined with bars. A bit shy with him, she hadn’t said much since they’d picked her up.

“Hold on really tight.” Ross grabbed a bar and trotted around the whirligig.

“Faster,” Mason shouted.

“Really, really tight.” The three children clung to the rails as he sped up, then jumped on to join them. The surface wobbled with his weight. “Wow, I haven’t done this in years. Why don’t adults do this?”

“You’re silly, Uncle Ross.” Madison giggled.

His head spun. “I’m getting dizzy. Maybe this is why.”

More giggling with Mason joining in.

The merry-go-round began to slow and Ross caught a glimpse of Stacia getting out of her car. With each spin, she was nearer. And angrier.

She stopped five feet away, propped her hands on her hips.

“Spin it fast again, Uncle Ross,” Mason squealed.

“You got it.” He jumped off, spun them faster and faster, but this time he didn’t get back on. Instead he turned to face Stacia. She had the evil eye down to a science.

“Get on with us,” Madison said.

“I think I need to talk to your aunt.”

She turned and stalked toward where Maverick sat at a picnic table.

With no choice, Ross followed like a whipped pup and she hadn’t even said anything yet. What had he done to rile her so?

“What were you thinking, Daddy?”

Maverick looked as if he were at a loss too. “About what?”

“You’re way over here with Ross a mile away. He could have taken off with Mason and Madison and you couldn’t have stopped him.”

“I can assure you the thought never crossed my mind.” Ross blew out an exasperated sigh.

“You’re being ridiculous, hon.” Maverick shook his head. “Ross isn’t going to make off with the kids. And if he’d tried, I’m right here.”

“Right here, a mile away with a bum knee.”

“It’s more like a hundred yards.” Ross jabbed his thumb in his chest. “And I’m right here. Take this up with me. I offered to play with the kids and let your dad sit in the shade.”

“Of course you did. You’re intent on stealing them from me. Emotionally to begin with and then physically.”

“Where is this coming from? If I’d wanted to take them and run, I’d have done it by now.” His hands fisted at his sides. The chatter and chirp of birds, once peaceful, turned into a cacophony overhead as he worked at controlling his temper.

“Just go back to the workshop. You can come for supper tomorrow night and have properly supervised time with them.”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

“I can be as ridiculous as I want. I have custody.” She jabbed a thumb in her chest, obviously mocking him. “I’m responsible.”

“Fine.” He turned to check on the twins.

The merry-go-round had stopped. All three kids stood still, watching.

“Sorry guys.” He waved. “I have to go back to the workshop. But your aunt Stacia will spin you and I’ll see