Twins Under His Tree by Karen Rose Smith Page B

him to.”
    Lily found herself wanting to protest, to say that wasn’t the only reason. Yet she wasn’t sure she should. She didn’t know what was in Mitch’s mind. “I feel I owe him so much for everything.”
    â€œSo why not call him and ask him to dinner?”
    Angie made it sound so simple. On the one hand, Lily would love to do that. But on the other, she wished she and Mitch could have a little time alone, maybe straighten out everything between them.
    â€œI could go to his place to cook dinner,” she said aloud, testing the idea.
    From the doorway, several bags in her arms, Ellie asked, “You want to cook dinner for Mitch?” There was wariness in her tone and an element of disapproval.
    â€œHe did so much for me, including encouraging me to call you. I’d like to thank him.”
    Ellie came into the kitchen and dropped her bags on the table. Then she went to the twins and crouched down, greeting both of them.
    â€œI’m off for the weekend,” Angie offered. “I could watch Sophie and Grace if Ellie has plans.”
    â€œNo plans tomorrow. Just the concert with you in Amarillo on Saturday,” Ellie said to Angie, without looking up. “I can watch them.”
    â€œAre you sure?” Lily asked. “Because I could invite Mitch here instead.”
    â€œNo,” Ellie responded, standing. “It’s fine. Angie and I and Sophie and Grace will have a girls’ night together. It will be a blast, even if the babies can’t eat popcorn yet.”
    â€œBefore we make too many plans, I’d better find out if Mitch wants me to cook for him. I’ll leave a message on his cell phone.” She picked up the cordless phone in the kitchen before she lost her nerve.
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    An hour and a half later, when Mitch returned her call, Lily had just finished breast-feeding both babies.It was much easier now than when she’d first tried to juggle their needs.
    â€œI got your message,” Mitch said. “Is everything all right?”
    Lily looked down at her sleeping daughters. “Everything’s fine. I…” She cleared her throat. “If you’re going to be home tomorrow evening, I’d like to cook you dinner.”
    â€œHome? As in at my house?”
    She laughed. “Yes. Angie and Ellie offered to watch Sophie and Grace, and this would be my way to thank you for everything you’ve done.”
    He didn’t say, “You don’t have to thank me,” because they’d gone through that routine before and he probably knew it would fall on deaf ears. “A home-cooked meal would be a nice change,” he agreed noncommittally.
    â€œWhat’s your favorite meal?”
    â€œWhy don’t you surprise me.”
    â€œYou’re not going to give me a hint?”
    â€œNope. I like everything.”
    â€œOkay, I’ll stop at the market and then come over.”
    â€œI’m taking off tomorrow afternoon to meet with the couple who own the bed-and-breakfast around three. But I should be home by four. I can tape a spare key under the garage spout in case I’m tied up longer.”
    Lily was surprised Mitch was taking off, but she knew planning the reunion was important to him. “That’s perfect. I can get started and then when you arrive, we can really catch up.”
    â€œCatching up sounds good,” he responded, as if he meant it.
    Lily’s heart seemed to flutter but she told herself it was just her imagination.
    After she ended the call, she wondered if she was doing the right thing. But showing her appreciation was important to her. No matter what Mitch said, she believed it was important to him, too.
    She’d find out tomorrow night.
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    Lily found the key behind the spout on Friday and let herself into Mitch’s brick ranch-style house situated on the outskirts of Sagebrush. She liked the looks of the outside with its neat plantings and tall