Beware the Ranger (Texas Lawmen Book 1)

by Debra Holt

  Kaitlyn looked at the woman. “Second?”

  “Joshua and I spent more than a few hours in that swing when he was a baby and over the years. I consider him my own grandchild now. Even though he always was that in my heart of hearts from the very beginning. I’m so glad you came home, Granddaughter.”

  Kaitlyn smiled through the mist of tears welling up in her eyes. She laid her forehead against her gran’s. “I am too, Gran. Home is where I will stay forever.”

  *

  The wedding day dawned with clear blue skies and a light breeze. With Angie, Edie, and Gran handling the prayers for a perfect day for an outdoor wedding, how could it be anything but? The ceremony was laid out beautifully per the bride’s wishes. The brown wooden chairs placed on the green carpet of grass blended with the huge tree that served as the altar site. Silver pails and glass mason jars held full bouquets of natural spring flowers at the end of each row, marking the aisle. Gran’s piano stood in the corner of the porch and the pianist from Gran’s church played soft tunes from country classics to Broadway show tunes to mark Kaitlyn’s and Clay’s journey. Guests were presented iced lemonade as they mingled and took their seats.

  “You have the rings, right?” Angie asked the tall man in the black western-cut suit as they stood on the back porch of the house.

  “You’ve asked me that about two dozen times in two days.”

  “I will ask two dozen and one then… do you have them right now?”

  “Yes. I have them.” He withdrew them from his pocket and held them in his palm for her to see. Then she watched him place them back inside the pocket.

  “Good.” She breathed a sigh of relief. “Nothing can go wrong today… nothing.”

  “Relax. I don’t know why women get so bent out of shape over weddings. It’s just a big party.”

  The look Angie gave Jace spoke volumes as to what she thought of his statement. “I realize this may just be a big party to someone like you. But to my dearest friend and the man of her dreams, this is the day that marks the beginning of the rest of their lives together. All the days to come will be a result of this day. This day their lives begin in earnest. Their family begins.” She stopped herself from saying more when the expression on his face registered in her brain.

  He had to think she was crazy. Maybe she was. Maybe all the wedding rush had finally gotten to her.

  “I’m sorry I misspoke. When you put it like that, it is indeed a special day and you worked very hard to give your friend the wedding she deserves. What else can I do to help?”

  Did he have to suddenly become human? She looked at the man with the stoic face and the amazing silver-hued eyes that had always seemed so cool and aloof when he looked in her direction before. Now, they seemed to have warmed and become alive in a strange, unexpected way. And he offered his help without her commandeering it. She was taken back for a moment or two.

  His mouth curved a bit. “So you can actually be rendered speechless. I wondered.”

  That snapped her back to the present. “When I’m speechless, that’s when you really need to worry… if you’re a wise man. Find the groom and get him to his place.” She turned to go back inside the house.

  His voice stopped her. “Please?”

  She paused in the doorway, tossing him a look over her shoulder that would have withered a lesser man. It only made his smile broader.

  “Please. And thank you.”

  Angie ignored the sound of his light laugh as the door closed. Infuriating man.

  *

  “Your groom has arrived, along with his stoic best man.” Angie informed the bride as she entered the bedroom on the second floor of Gran’s house a few minutes later. Kaitlyn’s old room had been put into service as the “Bride’s Suite.”

  Kaitlyn stood in front of the floor-length mirror, trying to control the butterflies rioting in her stomach. She turned with a bright smile as Angie delivered the news. “How does Clay look?”

  “Like a man in search of a bride. He said if he doesn’t see you at the end of that aisle in fifteen minutes, he’s coming to get you himself.”

  Kaitlyn’s heart skipped a few beats at the thought. It had been twenty-four hours since she had last seen Clay, who had been relegated to a local hotel in order to adhere to Gran’s directive that the bride and groom not see each other. No one intended to disobey her rules… not even a Texas Ranger.

  “Do you think it would be unseemly of the bride to jog down the aisle?”

  Angie eyed her shrewdly. “I think it would be impossible given the dress you’re wearing. I didn’t design it for that purpose. I designed it to knock your groom off his feet when he sees you ‘float’ down the aisle toward him. Think swan and not marathon runner,” Angie replied, bending to adjust the side hem of the gown.

  Kaitlyn responded with a huge smile. “Have I told you that this is the most perfect dress I have ever seen? I can’t believe that you did this for me.”

  “Yes, you might have mentioned it a time or two in the last couple of days—but you can always repeat yourself,” Angie said with a smug smile. “The dress is you.” It was all delicate white lace over yards of soft chiffon… from the fitted top with the delicate off the shoulder neckline, to the flowing skirt that tapered into a gentle chapel train behind her. The long, white tulle veil went to the floor and was edged in matching lace. Tiny pearls had been hand-sewn over the lace. The beading work really was a work of art.

  “You aren’t going to cry again are you?” Kaitlyn asked.

  Angie had already gone through a box of Kleenex in the last few days since the arrival of the dress from New York.

  “I might. I had no idea when I designed this dress almost two years ago, that this day would actually come so quickly.”

  “Well, I’m glad your first wedding gown design was inspired by me. And it is so perfect. I can’t get over it.”

  “I have to say that your idea of a simple wedding far from New York City has grown on me. Everything you and Clay have chosen for your day couldn’t be more perfect… more special in every way. I don’t think any bride could look happier.”

  “I am beyond happy. There isn’t a word to describe it. One of these days, you’ll know what I mean.”

  “Don’t even go there.” Angie spoke up, with a shake of her head, making a quick adjustment on the jacket of the soft yellow suit she wore as Kaitlyn’s designated maid of honor. “You are in the midst of the bridal euphoria and naturally think everyone must be similarly attached. Do not even think of tossing those flowers in this girl’s direction.”

  “You know, I’ve seen Clay’s best man glancing in your direction more than once over the last week. He’s quite a hunk in a tall, quiet way.” Kaitlyn wasn’t giving up on the subject she had fostered whenever she had the chance. “You two will be spending some time together on the way to Santa Fe. You can get better acquainted.”

  “Don’t tell me that’s why you came up with the idea I should share a ride to Santa Fe with the man? You’re matchmaking? In case you haven’t noticed, the man hasn’t spoken more than a dozen words to me in that week’s time. ‘Quiet’ is an understatement.”

  “Opposites attract. He’s quiet and you aren’t.”

  Angie gave her friend a long look. “Was that supposed to be a compliment of some kind? Because you might want to rethink it a bit if it was.”

  There was a timid knock at the bedroom door. Angie looked at Kaitlyn and she shrugged her shoulders. Angie opened the door a crack and then a little wider.

  Joshua, dressed in the suit that Clay had bought him two days before, the one that matched his dad’s suit, stood with a hesitant look on his face. His hands held a small wrapped gift.

  “Is it okay if I can give something to the bride… to Kaitlyn, I mean?” He was trying to get used to calling her that name minus the ‘Miss’ in front of it.

  “Let him come in, Angie.” Kaitlyn stepped forward as the boy entered. His eyes grew wide when he saw her.

&nbs
p; “Wow.”

  Kaitlyn grinned. “Well, Angie, I think that is the highest compliment your designs will ever have… what say you?”

  “I think I’ll take it. I’ll just wait in the hall until you’re ready.” She shut the door behind her.

  “Is that gift for me?” Kaitlyn prompted.

  Joshua took a couple steps forward, careful to not get too close to the white gown. It was obvious he was nervous.

  “Yes, it’s for you. I wanted to give you something special. But I don’t know if you’ll like it or not and if you don’t, it’s okay.” The words tumbled out as he handed over the gift in its silver wrapping paper that had more than a little tape holding it together. Kaitlyn smiled as she imagined the boy wrapping the present himself.

  She finally managed the tape and the paper fell to the floor as her gaze fell on the small wooden box in her hands. It was in the shape of a heart. She couldn’t speak for the sudden knot sitting in her throat. When she could, she asked a question.

  “Did you make this?”

  “I didn’t have time to make the box; I bought it at a shop in town. I just put the stuff on top of it…” His voice trailed off.

  Kaitlyn would have moments in her life she would always treasure and this was one of those she would never forget. Her hand went gently over the words carved into the top of the box… Mom’s Treasures. The dress was forgotten as she sank down to knee level, emotion threatening to choke the words she wanted to speak.

  “You don’t like it. I’m sorry. I just…”

  “No…” She hastened to correct him. “It’s the most perfect gift I have ever received. I love it more than words can say, Joshua. I will always cherish it as long as I live… just as much as I cherish you and your dad.”

  Those sweet brown eyes had their own glisten of moisture at that moment. “I just wanted you to know how I feel. I’m so glad you’re going to live here and be… well, you know…”

  “Your mom?”

  “I didn’t know if it was okay to call you that. So I put it on the box.”

  Kaitlyn let the tears flow. “I can’t think of anything that would mean more to me than you calling me your mom.”

  “Really? I can? That’s great!”

  She wrapped the boy in her arms and he hugged her back just as tightly. Neither of them noticed Angie or how long she had been in the doorway until she gave a loud sniffle.

  “Okay. I have to break this up because that’s the music for the groom and you’ll be next.”

  Kaitlyn stood up, laughter replacing the tears.

  “What’s so funny?” Angie asked, handing her the bridal bouquet.

  “Nothing… I’m just so happy I don’t know whether to cry or laugh.”

  “Please opt for laughter… your makeup won’t last more tears.”

  Kaitlyn looked down at the boy beside her, his hand in hers. He was grinning from ear to ear. Earlier in the week, he had been given the honor of walking the bride down the aisle. “Well, it’s time to take a walk down that aisle. We can’t keep your dad waiting. Ready?”

  “You betcha… Mom.”

  Epilogue

  The ceremony was beautiful. Angie knew she was in the presence of an incredible love story… one to rival those fairy tale books. She felt humbled, a little sad, and a whole lot happy for her best friend as Angie stood beside Kaitlyn at the altar made up of spring flowers and candles. It went to her heart the way Clay looked upon the face of his bride during the exchange of their vows. His voice was strong and sincere in his words. For the first time, Angie was truly envious of her best friend. To have someone look at her with so much love and care… what must that feel like? She was sure she would never know. The kiss went on a bit long, but that was okay, too. There were a lot of grins shared by the three-dozen or so invited guests.

  Kaitlyn and Clay shared their first photo seated in that special swing. Their second photo included their son, Joshua, seated in the same swing.

  Both Jace Blackhawke and Angie made toasts to the bride and groom. His brought quite a few laughs while hers brought more than a few tears. The red velvet cake, a triumph prepared by Edie, and decorated by Darcy, was cut, and Kaitlyn had beamed with happiness, alongside her groom who never left her side.

  The small country band tuned up and the groom led his bride to the dance floor set up under the trees in the yard with the reception tables set around its perimeter. Clay held his bride in his arms as he led her around the floor in a soft country waltz. Kaitlyn couldn’t keep the smiles and the tears from mixing. Angie stayed busy after that making certain the food and drinks flowed and everyone had a good time.

  The time seemed to come too soon for goodbyes. Kaitlyn and Clay did things a bit differently, seeing their guests off ahead of them. Kaitlyn had wanted some time with Gran and with Angie, before they left for their honeymoon.

  “Okay.” Angie gave a far braver smile than what she was feeling. “Let’s not get all weepy here. You’ll stain your gorgeous dress and I won’t have my best creation ruined.”

  She and Kaitlyn stood on the steps of the front porch after the last guest had departed. Gran and Joshua went into the kitchen for another slice of the wedding cake. The two girls had a quiet moment alone. They had planned their final goodbye, putting it off until the very last moment.

  “I’ll miss you,” Kaitlyn said, hugging her friend again…for the third time. They had been all each other had for a long time. Now, Kaitlyn had Clay and Joshua and their future together. Angie would be completing their journey to Santa Fe, without Kaitlyn.

  “You won’t miss me for long, I’m sure. Your groom has plans to keep you too busy with other things.” She laughed at the blush on Kaitlyn’s cheeks.

  “Angie, you are so incorrigible at times.”

  “Yes, but you love me anyway. We’ll see each other soon… you promised to come for the Fall showing in New York.” Her light banter slowly vanished. “Seriously, you… be happy forever.”

  Kaitlyn gave her a radiant smile. “I am already, and I want the same for you.”

  “Is that why you practically shoved this bouquet at me?” Angie brandished the nosegay of yellow roses and daisies in the air. It had been a setup job and Kaitlyn had made certain Angie was the one to catch the bridal bouquet.

  Kaitlyn gave a happy laugh. “The look on your face was priceless as you caught it.”

  “You know that means you’re next to walk down the aisle.”

  Angie looked at the flowers in her hand. She stayed quiet. Moisture threatened her eyes again.

  “Hey, you two,” the bridegroom called up to them from where he stood at the end of the sidewalk, “your chauffeur awaits you, Angie.”

  Angie and Kaitlyn glanced past Clay to the familiar black SUV as it sat waiting, her luggage already stowed in the back, and the driver leaning against the door, arms and legs folded nonchalantly, his own expression unreadable behind dark lenses.

  “I can’t believe I let you and Clay talk me into riding to Santa Fe alongside a virtual stranger.”

  “That virtual stranger is Jason Blackhawke, a U.S. Marshal, and one of Clay’s best friends. You’ve known him for a week so he isn’t a total stranger. You couldn’t be in safer, more trusted hands.” Kaitlyn said as they walked down the steps. “It all worked out perfectly, since Jace lives and works in Santa Fe. It’s fate. You know, spending several hours in the company of a tall, good-looking man such as him might not be such a bad idea… if you play your cards just right.” Kaitlyn tossed Angie a knowing smile with her sideways glance.

  “Right. We’ve covered this ground before. You fail at matchmaking. The man is too quiet for me.”

  “If I know you, and I do, you could remedy his quietness if you put your mind to it,” Kaitlyn responded, grinning at Angie.

  “Face it, not all of us are candidates for matrimonial bliss. Nice try, though.” Angie squashed the subject. “Okay, take care and let me hear from you when you get back from the honeymoon. I want details!” Wit
h another quick hug and shared laughter, Angie turned away before they got weepy again.

  Jace opened the door as Angie stepped off the last step. Clay moved forward and took her in his arms and gave her a genuine hug of thanks. “That’s for everything, Angie. Don’t worry, I promise to take good care of her every day for the rest of my life.”

  She smiled up at the man. “You better, mister, or you’ll deal with me, and you know that rangers don’t scare me.”

  “I have no doubt of that,” he replied, grinning back at her. Looking over at his friend, Clay threw Jace a wink. “Watch out for this one, Jace. She’s one tough lady.”

  Angie missed the wry lift to the driver’s mouth at the description. She stepped up on the running board and slid onto the leather seat. The door shut. With a firm handshake, Jace and Clay parted.

  Angie ventured a look in the side mirror as the vehicle pulled away from the house. A smile mixed with the mist in her eyes as she saw Clay take his bride’s hand into his and then sweep her up in his arms, carrying her off to their own vehicle. What a happy pair. It was nice to know that sometimes fairy tale endings really did happen to the best people. There really was such a thing as happily-ever-after.

  The End

  The Texas Lawmen Series

  The three sexiest lawmen ever to wear a badge. Two of them wear the silver star of the elite Texas Rangers. One is a United States Federal Marshal. Besides having the law in common, they are good friends with their friendships having been forged over the years. They keep their bonds of friendship and have each other’s backs whenever needed. Dedicated to duty and their badges, their private lives are solitary ones until the day each of them meets their match in the opposite sex.

  Book 1: Beware the Ranger

  View the series here!

  Book 2: The Lawman’s Apache Moon

  Buy now!

  Book 3: Along Came a Ranger

  Coming Soon!

  Book 4: Coming Soon!