Taking on Twins by Carolyn Zane Page A

hurt my daughter again.”
    Wyatt took in the pursed lips and squinty-eyed gaze and knew it would be best to remain silent and let MaryPat say her piece.
    MaryPat took a deep breath, causing the voluminous purse that rested on her stomach to rise up. “Getting over you was a long time coming, but she did it, praise God, and she got on with her life. Married a local boy, had two great kids. She’s been through a lot.”
    MaryPat shifted in her seat and, holding up her hand, she grabbed her index finger and began to tick off her list. “First, she lost you. Then, she lost her Daddy. Then, she lost Carl. Are you beginning to see a theme here?”
    Mind churning, Wyatt slowly nodded.
    â€œThis girl can’t stand any more loss. So, if I may impart a bit of wisdom, since—heaven only knows why—I have a soft spot in my heart for you, get the hell out of here and leave her alone.”
    If this was MaryPat’s soft spot, he’d hate to run into her when she was in a bad mood.
    Then she poked him in the chest and her fierce expression softened just a bit. “Unless, of course, you mean business.”
    Wyatt met her unwavering gaze with his own. Long moments passed as they stared each other down. Finally, the smile that Wyatt had been fighting stole into the corners of his mouth. “MaryPat, has anyone ever told you that you are a really classy dame?”
    â€œWell…yes.” Taken back, MaryPat giggled. “Annie’s daddy used to say that. So.” She slapped her purse. “Will I be seeing you around or is this it?”
    Wyatt leaned forward and kissed her peachy soft cheek. “MaryPat, I do mean business. I have a lot to apologize about to your daughter. Right now all I can hope for is that she’ll listen and forgive me. Hopefully I can make her see that I’ve done a lot of growing up. Someday,” he hesitated, fearing that if he spoke the words out loud he could somehow jinx his chances, “maybe we’ll have a future together. I just don’t know.”
    MaryPat harrumphed. “I wouldn’t count on it. She’s pretty much sworn off men.” She shoved open her door and flung her purse to the ground like an anchor off a dinghy. “But I’ll put in a good word for you. That girl of mine could use a little happiness.”
    Â 
    As he pulled out of MaryPat’s driveway, Wyatt retrieved his cell phone from the glove box and with his thumb, pushed Emily’s number into the illuminated panel. She picked up on the second ring.
    â€œEmily?”
    â€œWyatt?”
    â€œYep. Just called to see how you’re doing.”
    â€œI’m ducky now, big brother.” Emily laughed. “I just can’t believe you’re here in town. I just hate being away from my family. Having you here is just so…cool!”
    Wyatt grinned. Sometimes Em was still such a kid. “I hate being away from family, too. I think that’s only just now beginning to sink in with me.”
    â€œGood! Then I’ll count on seeing you much more often in the future. You can start by coming to the diner tomorrow. Show up around lunchtime. Burger baskets are on special all week.”
    â€œMmm. Sounds great. I’ll be there. Hey. You want me to come do a perimeter check at your place tonight? Make sure everything’s buttoned up?”
    â€œOh, thank you, but no. Toby’s gonna swing by on his rounds tonight.”
    â€œToby your boyfriend?” Wyatt had always loved to tease her and was rewarded with a satisfactory squeal.
    â€œNo!” she cried. “He’s just a friend, for heaven’s sake.”
    â€œOooo. Methinks she doth protest too much.”
    â€œHe’s the sheriff, so shut up.”
    â€œOkay. I’ll leave your safety to the man in blue. Lock your doors,” he commanded.
    â€œRoger.”
    â€œAnd windows.”
    â€œGotcha.”
    â€œLeave your porch lights