Page 14 of An Alaskan Twin Surprise (Home to Owl Creek 2)

Shelby smiled in the direction of Lizzy and Faith. “They’re such cute girls, Rachel. Congratulations. Is your husband here with you?” Shelby made a point to dramatically look down at Rachel’s naked ring finger.

“No, he’s not,” Rachel replied smoothly. She didn’t owe Shelby any explanations about her marital status or lack thereof. She had a good idea her former classmate knew she was an unwed mother since gossip tended to fly on the wind in Owl Creek. In the past Rachel had always taken the high road with Shelby, but she wasn’t about to allow her to walk all over her. She’d become a stronger person over the past few years thanks to everything she’d been through.

“Speaking of husbands, how’s Earl?” Piper asked, her expression deadpan.

Shelby bristled. “I think you know we’re not together anymore, Piper!” With a toss of her long mane of hair, Shelby turned on her heel and flounced back to her table.

Piper covered a smirk with her hand. “That was bad of me, wasn’t it?”

“Frankly, I’m just grateful she’s not standing here grilling me anymore,” Rachel said with a sigh. “When I think of all the ways she tried to put me down in high school it gives me the shivers. I wish I’d had the strength to stand up to her.”

Piper reached out and squeezed her hand. “You’ve grown a lot since that time. I can tell just by looking at you and the way you carry yourself that you’re different than the woman who fled rather than marry the most perfect bachelor in town.” She wagged her eyebrows at Rachel. “Some wild theories have been tossed around about why you ran off, Rachel. I’d still like to hear the truth from your lips if you want to share it with me.”

“I appreciate the fact that you’ve noticed those changes. They haven’t come easily.” Rachel reached down and ran her fingers through Faith’s curls. “I can’t take all the credit though. Being a mother has given my life a newfound purpose. And I would love to explain it all to you when we have some private time together.”

“Why don’t you grab a quick bite to eat while you’re here? I’m a pro at creating menu items for one-year-olds thanks to my niece Addie. I make the best homemade chicken nuggets.” She winked at Rachel. “They’re a real crowd-pleaser for the toddler set.”

Apparently, Hank had a little girl around the same age as her own. Due to her friendship with Beulah, she’d known about Hank’s upcoming wedding to Sage, the long-lost North family member. She’d also told Rachel all about Hank being a single dad to Addie. Beulah had been a great source of information during the time Rachel had been away from Owl Creek.

“Food sounds tempting right about now, but I really should hang up this help wanted notice. I’d planned to wal

k down Main Street and put up my other ads. I really need a part-time sitter who can help me with the twins. There are going to be times when Mama needs my undivided attention,” she explained. “I don’t want to let her down.”

“I’ll make sure I spread the word.” The grumbling of Rachel’s stomach drew a grin from Piper. “Seems like your stomach agrees with me. I can whip something up really fast for you. It’s lunchtime and you guys need to eat something, especially if you’re going to go venturing all over town.”

Rachel couldn’t resist the lure of food. She’d foolishly skipped breakfast and her stomach was protesting that decision. With a nod, she gave in. “I suppose we can stay for a little bit.”

With Piper’s help, Rachel settled the girls into high chairs and ordered a small meal for the three of them. After her friend dashed off to put their orders in, Rachel reached into her diaper bag and took out a plastic bag filled with Goldfish. She poured a handful onto the table in front of them in order to tide them over until their lunches arrived. Over the past six months she’d gotten used to bringing a little snack wherever they went. It kept the girls occupied and staved off hunger.

A short while later Piper returned with the food and placed their orders down in front of them. “Here you go, ladies. Enjoy!”

“Thank you for being so thoughtful,” Rachel said, quickly noticing how Piper had cut up the chicken into small pieces perfect for toddlers.

Piper winked at her. “It’s my pleasure. I’m just so thrilled to have you back in town along with your girls.”

“Thanks. Even though we came back for Mama, I’m excited about being here for the holidays. Jack would be so proud of you, Piper, for carrying on his legacy. The place looks amazing.”

Piper’s warm brown skin seemed to lose a few shades. Her lips began to tremble uncontrollably. She let out an anguished sound, raising her hand to cover her mouth. Tears pooled in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Rachel asked, standing up to place a comforting arm around her. “Did I say something to upset you?”

Piper shook her off. “I—I’m sorry. I can’t talk about this right now,” she said before turning around and beating a fast path toward the kitchen. Before Rachel could respond, she’d disappeared, leaving her to question her next move. She couldn’t very well follow after Piper and leave her girls all by themselves at the table. Just as she sank back down into her seat, Gabriel appeared at the table, his handsome face creased with worry.

“Is everything all right?” he asked. “I couldn’t help but notice what just happened with Piper.”

She shook her head, feeling confused by Piper’s distress. “I’m not sure, to be honest. She ran off without telling me what’s going on.” Rachel felt powerless. She’d just repaired her friendship with Piper and yet she had no clue as to what had led her to become so distraught. Once they had known each other so well Piper would have confided in her on the spot.

Gabriel frowned. “She’s been really emotional lately. Maybe you should go check on her.”

“I was thinking the same thing, but I just don’t want to make matters worse.”

Gabriel ran his hand over his jaw. “You’re probably one of the only people she’ll confide in. I could call Hank over from the sheriff’s office, but he’d probably come in like a cyclone.”

Gabriel was right. Hank was a wonderful person, but he’d always been overprotective of his sister. Rachel looked over at her babies. “I would go after her, but I can’t leave them alone.”

Gabriel darted a glance in the twins’ direction. At the moment they were cooing at each other and happily munching on their finger food. They couldn’t look more content, although Rachel knew from experience that their moods could change on a moment’s notice.

“I—I suppose I could watch them for a few minutes,” he said, in an uncertain tone.

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