Country Romance - Carolyne Aarsen Page 0,22

asked as Adele parked in front of the Airbnb she was staying at in Millar's Crossing.

"I just have to grab a few things, and then we’re going back to the ranch," she said. The kids had been patient when she stopped at the post office to mail off the DNA test kit. Dean was curious when she swabbed his cheek this morning, but she’d told him it was to make sure he wasn't sick like Wyatt was.

The man working behind the counter was incurious about who she was. He quickly weighed the package and told her what it would cost for next-day delivery to its destination. She hoped it would come back as quickly. Wyatt had paid extra for rush results.

Now she had to make one more stop and then back to the ranch.

She sure hoped Mrs. Flikkema wasn't home. She didn't feel like explaining what was happening.

The kids followed her up the sidewalk to the side door.

"Okay, kiddos, I need to have a shower," she said, setting them down in front of the television and turning it on. The last time it was on, Dean had been watching Paw Patrol on Netflix, so it showed up immediately. "Can you sit here and watch television for a few minutes?"

Maya tapped her chin, as if thinking, then gave Adele a quick nod. "We’ll be good."

Adele held her gaze a moment, as if making sure, then glanced over at Maria, who was already settling in on the couch.

"I'll make sure," Dean put in with a serious look.

"Thanks, buddy."

She grabbed some clean clothes and washed up. She knew Dean would be okay, but the girls worried her.

Her hair was still wet when she stepped out of the bathroom, but a quick glance around the room showed her everything was well.

"Maya tried to play on your laptop but I told her she couldn't," Dean announced, not even looking up from the television.

"Thanks, Dean. That was good babysitting," she said, toweling off her hair. It was cold in the suite but she hadn't been able to turn the temperature up. She guessed Mrs. Flikkema had it set so that occupants wouldn't turn the thermostat up too high.

"I'n not a baby," Maya announced, shooting Adele a frown.

"No, you're not," Adele agreed, finger-combing her damp hair. She wasn't sure she should take the time to blow-dry it even though it was cold outside. Though the kids were still watching television, she could tell they were getting fidgety. Maya was bouncing in place and Maria was yawning and rubbing her eyes.

She pulled her hair into a damp ponytail, grabbed her laptop and sketchbooks, and shoved them in her backpack. She wasn't sure how much time she'd have to work on her bakery plans, but she hated being without the option.

"All right, you guys, time to go," she said. To her surprise, Maria came running up to her and grabbed her hand. The little girl grinned up at her, swinging her hand. Again, so accepting.

"Are we going to the ranch?"

"I need to get groceries," Adele said, giving her an apologetic smile. They'd been great, and she knew she was pushing them to the limits of their endurance.

"Okay," she said with a dismissive shrug.

Adele got their coats, mitts, and toques on, thankful they were still cooperating. As she zipped up Dean's coat, he frowned at her. "Are we staying at the ranch tonight again?"

"No, honey. I just needed to get a few things. We'll be coming back here."

Dean frowned. "I like it better at the ranch. It's funner than here."

Adele felt a glimmer of sympathy for him but was happy to know he enjoyed being there. "I know, honey. But we'll stay at the ranch during the day. You can spend time with Maya and Maria when we're there."

That seemed to satisfy him. He gave her a smile, then released her hand.

She got the kids out the door and out to the truck.

Shoot. She’d forgotten her backpack. "Hey kids, sorry, I have to get one more thing yet. I'll be right back. Don't get into anything," she said as she helped them into the truck.

She hurried back to the house, let herself in again, ran to the couch, and picked up her backpack. She turned the television off, checked to make sure nothing else was on, then scooted back out of the house. Just before she got to the truck, Mrs. Flikkema appeared in front of her. Adele gasped, startled, her hand on her chest.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to