The Cowboy's Twin Surprise

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“Really? You don’t look alike.”

“They’re fraternal twins,” Frankie explained.

Whatever that meant. Not wishing to appear stupid, Spence said nothing.

“I’m older.” Again, the smaller one spoke. “Six minutes.”

“Then how come you’re smaller?”

“Grandpa says I’m still growing.”

Did the taller one talk at all? Spence looked at her closely. Large, expressive eyes. Brown hair straight and thick as a horse’s tail. She reminded him of someone, though he couldn’t put his finger on who. The shorter one was the spitting image of Frankie. A Hartman through and through.

“Well,” she started, “I just wanted to introduce you before I put them to bed. Say good-night, girls.”

They did, and Frankie escorted them back to their bedroom.

Unable to just sit there after they left, Spence sprang up from the couch and crept along the entryway leading down the hall. There, he waited and listened to Frankie conversing with her daughters as she tucked them in bed.

She was sweet with them, making promises for the next day, reciting a good-night prayer and telling them to “Sleep tight.” He was admittedly touched.

Before she turned off the light, Spence crept away and resumed his seat on the living room couch. His entire body shook, the result of shock and wonder and surprise. He’d returned to Mustang Valley thinking, hoping, possibly to win Frankie back.

Her having daughters changed that. Spence wasn’t sure he was ready to step into the role of parent, even a stepparent.

His first instinct was to leave town. But then, wasn’t that always his first plan of action? And probably what Frankie expected of him. She could be testing him again, like she had this morning about being on time. He’d bragged to her he was a changed man. Leaving town would show he’d lied.

But daughters. Two of them. He was entitled to be taken aback. And reevaluating his return to Mustang Valley in order to woo Frankie was completely understandable.

Hearing her sigh, he glanced up.

She smiled weakly. “That took longer than I thought. Didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”

“No worries.” He stood and reached for his cowboy hat. The idea of stealing a good-night kiss had also vanished. “It’s getting late. And you’re busy. I should probably go.”

He saw the look in her eyes, silently accusing him of running. Damn. He just couldn’t stop himself and turned toward the door.

“Wait, Spence.” She hadn’t moved. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”

There was more? He tried to grin, certain it fell flat. “Sure. What?”

“Paige and Sienna. Aren’t you the least bit curious about their father?”

“I figured you’d tell me if you wanted me to know.”

She gazed directly at him, and her stare was so powerful and unwavering, Spence tensed. His gut screamed she was about to deliver life-altering news.

“I should have told you sooner.” She inhaled, then blew out slowly. “And I certainly understand if you’re angry at me.”

“Why would I be angry?”

Suddenly, everything clicked into place, and he knew her answer before she spoke.

“You’re their father, Spence. Paige and Sienna are your daughters.”

Chapter Four (#uead4fa66-b991-5a78-9c2e-25a73000103a)

Spence’s vision dimmed to a hazy gray. He was aware of his surroundings and the words Frankie had spoken—Paige and Sienna are your daughters—but nothing made sense.

Sweat broke out on his forehead. He swore he could feel each and every bead forming. Hearing a muffled thump, he looked down at his cowboy hat on the floor. Glaring at his hands as if they were at fault, he bent and retrieved the hat. The motion caused a dizzying sensation, as if he were on an elevator that had stopped too fast.