The Bachelor Ranger

by Rebecca Winters

  While he was speaking, Alex felt Cal’s hand cover hers beneath the hat he’d put down. He squeezed it gently, but didn’t let go.

  “In despair, the girl began to cry and ran back toward the Paiute homeland of Mono Lake. Her husband grew angry and ran after her. To escape she threw the wono basket at him and it became Basket Dome. She continued running and threw the baby cradle at her husband. That is what we call Royal Arches.”

  Alex looked at the boys beside her. They were spellbound by the chief’s story.

  “Because they had brought anger into Yosemite, the Creator became upset at the couple and turned them into stone. He became North Dome and she became Half Dome. The Mono Lake Paiute girl regretted the quarrel. Half Dome began to cry and formed Mirror Lake.

  “Today you can still see the marks of the tears on her face looking toward Mono Lake. If you look carefully at Half Dome, you can see it is fashioned after the way of the Paiute. The first white explorers called her South Dome. Later she was called Half Dome. But in Paiute she is known as T’ssiyakka, girl who cries. Many white men changed the names. Do you not find it so?” He was addressing Lonan.

  “Yes. My people came to the middle place Halona and were called A’shiwi, meaning ‘the flesh.’ The Spaniards called us Zuni. It had no meaning for us.”

  The chief nodded. “Such is the way.” He looked around. “Do any of you have questions?”

  One by one the kids raised their hands and a marvelous dialogue took place. Cal kept Alex’s hand enveloped in his the entire time, occasionally smoothing his thumb over the pulse at her wrist. After a half hour he leaned close to her. “The chief would never admit he’s tired, but I know he is, so I’m going to end things. I’ll walk you back to the lodge.”

  He let her go and stood up, taking his hat and his warmth with him. “We want to thank the chief and his wife for making this trip unforgettable for us. The best way we can do that is to take care of the land and the animals while we’re here. Come and shake hands with Chief Sam Dick and his wife before they leave in their car.”

  All the way down the mountain Alex had to pinch herself that Cal was walking at her side, let alone that she’d been granted the privilege of being part of this moving experience. The exchange of cultures had succeeded in openings up Ralph’s volunteers to Alex’s group. They asked more questions of Alex’s boys and chatted with Lonan and Mankanita all the way to the lodge tucked away in the forest.

  Once they arrived, everyone split up to have fun in the recreation center or eat a meal on the deck. Cal followed her to an empty table and pulled out a chair for her. The way he was treating her, Ralph would have every reason to believe the two of them were a couple.

  Cal smiled as he sat down opposite her. “We could join Lonan, but I think he’d rather be alone with his fiancée.”

  She nodded. The setting was terribly romantic. “Why didn’t you bring Sergei?”

  “He got a big workout yesterday. Today I decided to let him rest his paw.”

  “That’s probably a good idea.”

  Once the waitress came to take their orders, Cal put the menu down and glanced at Alex. “I don’t know about you, but this was a red-letter day for me.”

  “You already know how I feel about it. I wonder how old the chief is. One day he won’t be here and a whole era will be gone we can’t ever get back.”

  His expression sobered. He started to say something, but his phone rang. “Excuse me, Alex, but I’m still on duty.”

  She watched him leave the table and walk over to the edge of the deck where he could talk privately. With the bear mutilations on his mind, he was probably waiting to hear about any leads in the case. So was she.

  By the time he returned, their dinner had arrived. “I hate to eat and run, but that was the special agent working on the bear case. I’ve got to get back to headquarters stat.” He wolfed down his burger and put a couple of bills on the table. His eyes darted to hers. “Enjoy the rest of your evening. I’ll see you sometime tomorrow after you’re back. Drive safely.”

  She wished the same for him, but he’d moved too fast for her to say so. Before she had time to examine all her chaotic feelings, Mika and Lusio joined her at the table.

  “We’ve got something to tell you.”

  AT TWO O’CLOCK THE NEXT DAY she met with Chief Rossiter and repeated what the boys had said. She’d let her kids off in the Yosemite Lodge parking lot so they could eat and enjoy the rest of their day off. Lonan had gone with Mankanita, who had to drive to Merced for the flight back to Albuquerque.

  Alex planned to grab a meal at Curry Village, but first she hurried over to headquarters where Vance was waiting for her.

  “During our hike to and from the Hetch Hetchy yesterday,” she said as soon as she was seated, “our groups separated for a while so I had no way of knowing about Steve’s or Ralph’s activities the whole time. After we reached the Evergreen Lodge, Mika and Lusio headed for the restroom, but they hid themselves when they saw Ralph come out with Brock Giolas.”

  Alex hesitated. She hadn’t been sure at first whether she should report this to the chief or not, then decided it could be significant.

  “I think the meeting of those two men was too much of a coincidence. You see, during orientation Brock asked me to eat lunch with him. A week later he wanted me to go hiking. Both times I turned him down. When I think about it, both times happened to be when Cal was around. Brock asked me if Cal and I were an item. I told him no.”

  Vance’s eyes flickered as she spoke.

  “From the beginning Brock knew I was a chaperone along with Ralph and the others. If he’s being friendly with Ralph to find out if I lied to him about Cal—and asked Ralph to spy on me—that’s one thing.”

  “But if he and Ralph have known each other before—” the Chief anticipated her thoughts “—then their connection might have to do with the bear mutilations.” He smiled slightly. “You know, it could be a case of both of them simply being attracted to you, which would be no surprise to anyone.”

  Her cheeks went warm. “Brock maybe, not Ralph.”

  He shook his head. “I disagree, but be extra careful, Alex. You may be on to something. As for the boys—”

  “Don’t worry. I had a talk with them. They know better than to do anything that will draw attention.”

  “Good. As I’ve told you before, phone me day or night if there’s anything you’re concerned about.”

  “I promise.”

  When she left headquarters, a truck slowed down in front of her. Sergei was in the bed, looking over the side at her. He barked a greeting. Cal sat behind the wheel looking altogether too attractive.

  He opened the passenger door, and Alex saw that handsome, hard-boned face badly needed a shave. Beneath the rim of his hat, his heavily lashed eyes, dark as cobalt, traveled over her. She wondered how long it had been since he’d slept.

  “I take it you’ve been inside to see the Chief.”

  “Yes. Now I’m going back to camp.”

  “Come home with me instead. After I shower, I’ll make us some sandwiches.”

  At this point Alex had so little willpower where he was concerned, it terrified her. She wanted to take him up on his offer, but she’d had a whole night to think about what it meant. If all he wanted was a fling until she flew home to New Mexico, she didn’t dare get any closer to him. “Thanks, but I need to get back to camp. My minibus is right over there.”

  “Your boys can phone you if they need anything. I’ll take you back to your bus later. I’m off duty until tomorrow.”

  Hardening herself she said, “With those eyelids drooping from no sleep, I’m surprised you haven’t already passed out in your truck. You don’t need company.”

  “But you need protecting,” he replied in a no-nonsense tone.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Vance told me about your liaison job with him. After what’s been happening around here, he had to confide in me.”

  Her spirit
s took a downward spiral. For the second time since she’d arrived at the park, Cal had said something unexpected, crushing the tendril of hope that had sprung forth since their last talk. She struggled to maintain her composure. “I see.”

  “You and the boys have been caught in the middle of something big. Now that I’ve been apprised of all the facts, I can’t let you go back to the ski lodge until tonight, when Lonan will be there after seeing Mankanita off. Jeff’s talking to him now so he understands what’s at stake here.”

  Under the circumstances, Alex had little choice but to climb in the cab and shut the door. This was Ranger Hollis, not Cal, giving her an order, and he had the full backing of federal legal authority his office granted him.

  They didn’t speak the rest of the way to his house. By the time he’d pulled into the garage, the tension had become unbearable. She got out as fast as she could, thankful the dog was there to provide needed relief.

  “Would you like me to take Sergei for a short walk while you freshen up?”

  Cal fastened the leash before handing it to her. His fingers brushed hers, sending rivulets of fire through her body. “Be back in five minutes. I’ll leave the garage door open for you.”

  “Did you hear that, Sergei? Let’s go!”

  HE WATCHED THE TWO of them walk away. She was upset. The set of her jaw, the spots of color in her cheeks gave her away. When she returned, he wouldn’t rest until they talked.

  In a few swift strides he reached the bathroom. One look in the mirror filled him with disgust. A shower and shave did a little to clean him up, but he couldn’t wash away the fatigue. He’d been up on a grueling all-nighter with the Feds heading the investigation and needed a block of undisturbed sleep.

  After brushing his teeth, he threw on his toweling robe and walked down the hall to his bedroom to get dressed. Once he’d slipped on jeans and a polo shirt, he passed the spare bedroom and saw Alex down on the carpet on her stomach, looking at the painting that rested against the wall.

  In her right hand she still held one of Sergei’s toys, evidence she’d been playing tug-of-war with him. He lay on his front paws watching her.

  Once before he’d seen her on the floor. She’d been in the kitchen and he’d wanted to join her. This time he didn’t hesitate and lay down next to her. She let out a little cry of surprise. He captured the hand that held the toy, preventing her from getting up.

  “I’ve always wanted to know if you picked out this painting, Alex.” At the sound of his voice, Sergei inched his way closer to them.

  “No. This is Dad through and through,” she said in a husky tone. “He loves history. If I’d had my way, I would have given you a painting of Sunset Butte, my favorite spot on the ranch. It’s all orange and purple in the dying sun.”

  Beneath his fingers he could feel her trembling, and he could no longer hold back. Leaning over, he kissed the nape of her neck. She was so sweet. So delectable. Yet the minute he felt her warmth and tasted her fragrant skin, it wasn’t enough. He found himself rolling her on her back to kiss the lips that had been haunting him for what seemed like forever.

  “You’re so beautiful. You always were. I never told you before, but I’m telling you now. Do you have any idea how wonderful you are? How much I want to make love to you?” He leaned down to cover her mouth with his own.

  But she didn’t open up to him like she’d done at the lookout tower. Instead she turned her head to the side. “Once upon a time I threw myself at you, dying to hear those words, Cal. But that time has passed.” She rolled away from him and stood up, ready to bolt from his house. Sergei imitated her, wanting to play some more.

  Cal got to his feet. He was nearest the door. “What’s wrong?”

  Her features were drawn tight. “I’d like to trust you, but I can’t.”

  “Why?”

  “For as long as we’ve known each other, I’ve been a project to you one way or the other. Now that you know Vance has hired me to be his liaison, you feel an extra responsibility. You’re so used to looking after me, I don’t think you know what you’re feeling. I’m not blaming you for it, but it’s very unsettling for me. Would you please drive me back to my bus?”

  Cal couldn’t tell her no, but he was hurting. “If that’s what you want.”

  She rubbed Sergei’s head before looking over at Cal. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Friends?”

  “You’re more than a friend to me, Alex.”

  “I heard a country-and-western song the other day called ‘I Think I’ll Pass.’ You could have supplied the inspiration for the lyrics. The end went something like, ‘I’m more than a friend, less than a wife—good for the moment, just not his whole life—I think I’ll pass.’ Have you ever noticed that country-and-western composers write true to life?”

  While he stood there feeling gutted, she stepped past him. “I’ll wait for you in the truck.”

  Sergei followed her out. Cal knew when she’d gone into the garage because his dog came back with his head down, making whining noises. He went into to his bedroom to grab the keys off his dresser. “You don’t know the half of it, buddy. Not the half.”

  “THANKS FOR THE RIDE, CAL.” They’d driven in silence to the parking lot near the Yosemite Lodge. Alex patted Sergei’s head, glad the place was crowded with tourists. Cal had to drive on once she got down from the cab because other cars were waiting. She could hear the truck engine as she climbed inside her minibus. For a minute she rested her forehead against the steering wheel, waiting for that feeling of weakness to pass.

  “Hi, Alex! Can we get a ride to Roberta’s house with you?”

  She turned her head to discover Nicky and Roberta standing outside the door. “Hey, you two! Sure you can. Climb on in.”

  “Thanks. It’s too hot out.” They took seats in front beside her and buckled up.

  Alex was in so much turmoil she’d hardly noticed the heat, but they were right. This afternoon was a scorcher. She closed the doors and they took off. “What have you guys been up to?”

  “Dad took us swimming,” Roberta informed her.

  “But it’s too hot to do anything else outside,” Nicky said, “so we’re going to play at her house.”

  “That sounds fun. You’ll have to tell me where to drive. I haven’t been to your house before.”

  They directed her down a couple of streets.

  “There’s Mom!”

  Alex pulled to a stop in front of the house. Annie Jarvis walked over to the curb. After what had just happened with Cal, Alex was in no state to talk to anyone, but she didn’t want to be rude. Roberta’s mother was an archaeologist. If she had time right now, Alex would be a fool not to take advantage of it.

  Annie, a beautiful brunette, was dressed in shorts. She’d been watering some flowers in her garden. Alex turned off the motor and the three of them got out of the bus.

  “That was nice of you to bring the kids home,” Annie said. “I hope it wasn’t too far out of your way.”

  “Heavens, no. I was just driving back to Sugar Pines to see how the boys are doing.”

  “Chase tells me they’re really starting to fit in.”

  She nodded. “I know they love it here. Every day I see them opening up a little more to other people and possibilities. That’s why I want them to meet you. Now that Chief Sam Dick has talked to them, they’re much more curious about the petroglyphs around here.”

  “Roberta told me. I was going to call you next week.”

  “Is there a night you could come to the amphitheater and speak to the kids?”

  “Sure. I’m free this coming Thursday.”

  “Then we’ll do it.”

  “Do you want some mint lemonade?” Roberta called out. “Nicky and I are going to make some.”

  “I’d love it.”

  After the children ran into the house, Annie eyed her with interest. “I saw you in Cal Hollis’s truck when the two of you drove by a little while ago. You can tell me to mind my own business if y
ou want, but I know there’s something’s going on between the two of you. Since Chase and I had a long history, I recognize the signs.”

  A sigh escaped Alex’s lips. “Except that Cal didn’t have amnesia like your husband.”

  “Would it shock you to know that for a long time, I refused to accept what he told me? Ten years had gone by.”

  “I admit that would be hard to deal with.”

  “So hard I almost lost him because I had too much pride to give us a chance.”

  “Chase’s story was different, Annie. When he recovered, he remembered that he loved you. The situation with me and Cal can’t be compared. For one thing, he never loved me and he married Leeann.”

  Annie cocked her head. “Chase told me you started coming to the park with your father at least six years ago. Do you mean to tell me that in all that time, the interest was only on your part? Cal never once gave you the slightest hint that he had feelings for you?”

  Alex sucked in her breath. She’d bottled so much inside. It was a relief to talk to someone, and Alex knew she could trust Annie. “He always looked at me like he was interested, but he never acted on it. Not until I did something that I’m still ashamed about.” In a torrent of words, she told her what happened at the lookout tower.

  “And it was after that he got married. Is that what you’re saying?”

  She nodded.

  “Then why has he been hovering around you since you started your volunteer work?”

  “Because Leeann is gone, and he assumes I’m still available for a brief fling.”

  “Did he tell you that’s all he wants?”

  “He admits to wanting me. He said I was more than a friend to him, but I didn’t want to hear anything else and asked him to drive me to my bus.”

  Annie’s brows lifted. “I didn’t want to hear any more from Chase, either. But my parents cautioned me not to let my pride get in the way. I decided to take their advice and you know what happened. I’ve never been happier in my life. Not many people know yet, but we’re expecting another baby. I had it confirmed when I went to San Francisco.”