A Dad for Her Twins by Lois Richer Page B

house.
    * * *
    Six hours later Cade closed the door on the last guest and sighed his relief that they’d finally gone, leaving the ranch house to return to its solitude.
    â€œWasn’t that fun?” Abby’s green eyes sparkled with excitement. “I never imagined they’d all show up here to discuss the agency, but it wasn’t a bad idea, was it?” She searched his face, a question on her own. “You didn’t mind?”
    â€œOnly when I thought I’d have to go hunt down a cow to feed them all,” he teased, refusing to acknowledge the rush of fear that had filled him at the sight of so many people invading his home, people he usually avoided when he was in town. “Once they brought out all those goodies for a potluck it was okay.”
    â€œIt wasn’t the potluck that made you feel better,” she said indignantly. “It was the sight of Mayor Marsha’s raspberry pie.” Abby shared a grin with Mrs. Swanson.
    â€œI didn’t think Ed was going to get a taste, let alone Ivor.” The housekeeper chuckled.
    â€œIt was an excellent pie,” Cade said, ignoring the burn on his cheeks. He hadn’t been that greedy, had he? He turned to Abby. “Are you pleased with the decision to proceed with the adoption agency even though all the funding isn’t yet in place?”
    â€œI think it’s a great idea.” She nursed a mug of peppermint tea between her palms, letting the steam bathe her face. “It’s troubling to find out that Wanda doesn’t have sufficient funds for a contingency plan, but I believe God will bless Family Ties. We just need to be prepared for when He answers our prayers.”
    As usual, Abby’s faith in God was irrepressible.
    â€œFamily Ties?” Cade couldn’t help appreciating how lovely she looked in the soft light of the kitchen.
    â€œEveryone seemed to think it’s an appropriate name.” That was her modesty talking, not taking credit for a name that had been her suggestion.
    Mrs. Swanson swished her dishcloth over the counter one last time before wishing them good-night. But she paused in the doorway, speaking hesitantly.
    â€œI think having those people come out here for their meeting was a great idea,” she said, facing Cade. “Ed loved playing host and he enjoyed listening to the men’s discussion. The guys who drove their wives here had their heads together about something. Whatever it was, it seems to have put a light in his eyes. I think they should come again—only could you tell me first? I nearly died when they all drove into the yard and I had nothing prepared.” Then she turned and quickly left the room.
    Cade glanced at Abby. Her lips twitched.
    â€œMrs. Swanson thinks we arranged that gathering,” she said in a choked voice.
    â€œActually, for a few minutes, I thought
you
had,” Cade admitted. “You didn’t seem all that surprised to see them.”
    â€œWell I was. But I’m glad they came. The more people we get working on this, the sooner we can get Family Ties operational.” She sipped her tea, her gaze resting on him thoughtfully. “You know a lot of people around here, don’t you?”
    â€œI know what you’re thinking, Abby.” Cade held up his hand while shaking his head. “No. I haven’t got time to take on more.”
    â€œI was only thinking you might make a few phone calls to help with fund-raising. It wouldn’t take that much time,” she coaxed. “Since you’ll be driving me into town anyway, you could make them on your cell while you wait...”
    Cade kept shaking his head but deep inside he knew that eventually he’d make those calls. He was putty in her hands and the thing was, most of the time he didn’t mind helping because he liked being around Abby, enjoyed seeing her happy smile stretch across her lovely face. But he also enjoyed teasing her so he