Her Cowboy's Triplets (The Boones of Texas 7)

Amberleigh came running, her bare feet splashing in the puddle he’d made before reaching for him.

“I’m wet,” he warned.

“’Kay,” she said, undeterred.

He set the bags on the ground and scooped her up, his phone falling from his pocket in the process. It hit the floor, bounced into the puddle and landed faceup.

“Uh-oh,” Marilyn said. “Broke it?” She picked it up and offered it to him.

The screen lit up, no sign of damage. “I think it’s fine.” He took it, touching the screen. And revealing a new message. From India.

Thanks for the update. And that other thing. I’m sure. It will be worth the risk.

“Okay?” Amberleigh asked, tugging on his hand.

It will be worth the risk.

His heart tripped faster, those six words confirming this was his lucky day. There was no denying it would be risky, but not the way she thought. She didn’t know he was risking his heart for her. She didn’t know how much he loved her. But, this was his chance to win her over. She’d come to see him as the man she needed, a man who would love and respect her, and who wanted to make her happy—in every way he could.

He hugged Amberleigh tight and pressed a kiss to her temple, all the while smiling from ear to ear. “Everything is just fine, darling.”

Chapter Eight

India wiped the scraps of construction paper and dried drops of glue off the laminate tabletop and into the trash can. Cal, always eager to help, had already swept the floor and was reading through the classroom books.

“India, you don’t have to do that.” Norma Klein was the lead first-grade teacher at Fort Kyle Elementary. She was patient and kind and hugely pregnant.

“I don’t mind,” she assured her. John, one of two custodians for all three grade schools, was always running. If wiping down the tables and chairs helped even a little, India was glad to do it. “How are you holding up?” she asked, remembering how tired she’d been at the end of her pregnancy with Cal.

“Almost ready,” she said, leaning against the doorway. “And that’s sort of why I came to find you.”

India finished putting the chairs on the table. “What can I do to help?”

“Sub for me?” she asked. “With the holidays factored in, I’ll be out until the first of February—assuming she doesn’t come early.”

“Long term?” Long term meant more money—a good thing. But she wasn’t ready to let go of the idea that she and Cal would be long gone by February. With her counseling test coming up next month, she’d hopefully have a job by the holidays. But then, staying would give her more time with Brody. His arms. His smile. His touch. His kiss. A shudder ran up her spine. And more money—that would be the primary reason she stayed. If she stayed.

“Please,” Norma said. “You know my kids and our schedule. You know how hard it is to find qualified substitutes.” Considering how isolated Fort Kyle was, the pickings were slim. “You don’t have to decide right away,” Norma said, sensing her hesitation. “I know you need to focus on your test and all.”

“I’ll let you know soon, Norma. Thank you for asking me.” Having a guaranteed income would be a nice change. And, even if she did pass her certification test, there was no guarantee she’d find a position right away. Still, the idea of staying put was a hard pill to swallow. The tension between her and her father was growing unbearable.

“Otherwise, I’ll call my aunt, Betty Berry.” She wrinkled her nose.

India tried not to react. “I didn’t know Mrs. Berry was your aunt.” Betty Berry was

a retired teacher with years of experience, who still subbed occasionally. She was also old, impatient and hard of hearing. Her teaching methods hadn’t changed since the 1970s. And most of the kids were scared of her.

“Yep. She’s my mother’s sister.” She chuckled. “No more fun during family holidays than in the classroom.” Norma waved. “Have a good weekend.”

“You, too.”

“Mom,” Cal spoke up as soon as Norma left. “Why won’t you help Mrs. Klein? Scary Berry is mean, Mom, really mean.”

“Scary Berry?” she asked, trying not to laugh.

“She’s awful.” He put his book on the shelf and helped her put the last of the chairs up. “She makes you eat all your veggies at lunch.”

“I’ll have to ask her what her secret is,” she teased.