The No. 1 Sheriff in Texas

by Patricia Thayer

  Brandon suddenly saw a flash of fear in her eyes and regretted his harsh words. They tore at his gut. “I’m only trying to say that it won’t hurt if this guy knows of my presence here. Think of Zach.”

  Her fists clenched. “My son is all I think about. That’s why I don’t want you to get involved in his life. He’s already developed a little hero-worship as it is.”

  Brandon had never been anyone’s hero before. “A boy needs another guy around.” No one knew that better than he did. He’d been about Zach’s age when his mother divorced her jerk of a first husband. “I only want to be his friend, Nora. Is that so bad?”

  “What happens when we move away?”

  He studied her. Her statement bothered him more than it should have. “Are you planning on leaving?”

  Her gaze darted away. “I’m not sure I want to settle here permanently.”

  “It’s only been a few months. Give Tom Green County a chance. I’ve lived here all my life, and it’s a great place to raise a child. Get to know more people. Accept my mother’s invitation and bring Zach out to the ranch on Sunday. He can meet the Randell cousins and go horseback riding.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “You live on a ranch?”

  They both looked up to see Zach standing at the top of the porch stairs. “Zach, I thought I told you to start your homework,” his mother said.

  “I need help with my math.” He looked at Brandon. “Do you really live on a ranch with horses?”

  “I don’t live there now, but my family does. You’re welcome to come out to visit.”

  The boy’s eyes rounded. “Really?”

  Brandon nodded. “Really.”

  “Mom, can we go, please. Please? I want to go riding.”

  Nora glared at Brandon as he fought a smile. “Okay, but we’ll talk about the riding later. Now, go inside. I’ll be up in a minute.”

  Once Zach went through the door, Nora turned to Brandon. “Thank your mother for the invitation. If you give me the time and directions, we can get there.”

  Brandon grinned. “There’s no need. I’ll pick you up about noon on Sunday.” Before she could argue, he tipped his hat and walked to the patrol car. For the first time in a long while he was looking forward to a visit to the ranch.

  Sunday turned out to be a warm, sunny day. From the minute Brandon picked them up, Zach hadn’t stopped talking. He asked question after question from the backseat, and Brandon managed to answer every one of them, not once getting upset with the excited seven-year-old.

  Nora spent her time looking out the window at the vast countryside. Coming from Southern California, she wasn’t used to all the open space. It was kind of nice not to worry about traffic or neighbors close by.

  “Look, Mom,” Zach cried. “Horses.”

  They’d turned off the highway and driven along the white split rail fence where several horses grazed in the pasture.

  “Those are some of Hank’s mustangs,” Brandon pointed out.

  “You mean those are wild mustangs?” the boy asked.

  “Not so wild since my brother, Jay, worked hard to saddle break them. In a few weeks, Hank’s going to have an auction to give them good homes.”

  They drove under an archway that read The Randell Guest Ranch Est. 1933.

  “Wow, this ranch is really old,” Zach said.

  “It sure is.” Brandon nodded, feeling pride in his heritage. “My great-grandfather Moreau owned it originally. There were a lot of good years, but sometimes it’s hard to make it with only running cattle. So now it’s also a guest ranch.”

  “So people can come and ride a horse like me?”

  Brandon drove over the gravel path past the barn. “Yeah, and they can hike around the nature trails and go bird-watching. Some even like to help round up the cattle.”

  “Wow!” Her son’s eyes widened. “I want to do that, too.”

  Nora was amazed at how at ease Zach was with Brandon. He’d never had a positive male role model before.

  “We have to wait and see,” she said as she looked ahead to see several out-buildings come into view, along with a large barn and a fenced corral. All were well kept and painted a glossy white.

  Brandon pulled the truck up beside another one with the ranch logo printed on the door panel. He got out, opened the back door and helped Zach down from the raised vehicle. Before Nora found her way out the passenger side, Brandon hurried around the truck and helped her.

  “Thank you,” Nora said, feeling a shock from his closeness. It had been a long time since she felt a man’s tender touch. Yet in the past week Brandon Randell’s hands had become very familiar. Their eyes locked and she instantly felt more heat.

  “At your service, ma’am,” he said hoarsely.

  Brandon looked down at Nora. Darn if she didn’t look good dressed in her trim jeans and tailored blue blouse.

  Normally Brandon didn’t have much trouble with women, and being a Randell hadn’t hurt, either. That same name had also caused problems. His one serious relationship had been because of who he was. Diana wanted nothing more than to marry one of the heirs to the Randell ranching dynasty. Then she’d walked away when he’d chosen a career in law enforcement. He hadn’t felt much liking dating since the breakup.

  But Nora Donnelly made him want to change that. “I’m glad you came today.”

  She glanced away. “Zach needs this.”

  “What about you, Nora? What do you need?”

  She seemed surprised at the question. “To keep my son safe and well.”

  “And I want to keep you safe, too, Nora.”

  “Once you find Pete Carlson, I will be. And you won’t have to come around any longer.”

  Before he could respond, Brandon heard his name called. He turned as his parents walked toward them.

  “You made it.” His mother hugged him, then took Nora’s hand. “Nora, I’m happy you could come.”

  “Thank you for inviting us, Mrs. Randell.”

  “You’re welcome, and remember it’s Abby.” She glanced at her husband. “Nora, this is my husband, Cade. Cade, Nora Donnelly.”

  The two shook hands as Abby glanced down at Nora’s son. “And you must be Zach. I’m Abby, Brandon’s mother, and this is Cade, his dad. Welcome to the Randell Guest Ranch.”

  The boy nodded. “Thank you for inviting me. I’ve never been to a real ranch before.”

  “Well, then, I’m doubly glad you came today. Why don’t I take you to meet some of the other kids.” Abby looked at Nora. “There are plenty of older kids to watch out for the younger ones. For now they’re in the meeting hall, playing video games. A little later some will probably go riding.”

  “Oh, boy!” Zach cheered.

  Brandon felt Nora tense, but his attention turned to Hank as he also joined the group.

  “Granddad,” Brandon called.

  They hugged, then Hank turned to Nora and smiled. “Well, who’s this pretty gal?”

  After the introductions, Hank took hold of Nora’s hand. “I’m sorry to hear about your accident. How are you doing?”

  She blushed. “I’m much better, thank you.”

  Hank nodded, then lowered his gaze to the boy. “I hear your name is Zach, and you want to ride a horse today.”

  The seven-year-old nodded.

  “Well, you’ve come to the right place.” His granddad looked toward the corral. “There’s got to be a pony around here. Let’s see, I think Pepper would be the best fit for you.” He turned back to Zach. “Now, we need to find you a hat. A cowboy’s gotta keep the sun out of his eyes to do his job.” He pushed his own hat back off his forehead as he eyed the boy’s tennis shoes. “And a pair of boots. We wouldn’t want your feet slipping through the stirrups, now would we?”

  Zach shook his head again. “I don’t have a cowboy hat or boots.”

  “Not to worry. We have plenty of hats and boots…something’s bound to fit you.” He leaned down toward the boy. “Now, here’s the hard pa
rt. We need to get permission from your mother. In my experience, sweetness always works on women. So turn it on, son.” He nudged Zach toward his mother.

  “Oh, Mom, please, can I go riding? They have a horse for me and everything.”

  Brandon had to hide his smile. The dark-eyed boy knew how to work it.

  Nora sent a worried look at Hank. “You say it’s a pony?”

  Hank nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Pepper is the gentlest animal on the ranch. The guest kids ride him all the time.”

  “Okay,” she finally said and Zach jumped up and down with excitement.

  “We’ll stay in the corral,” Hank promised. “You’re welcome to join us.”

  “I think I will.” Nora started off along with Abby, but Brandon stayed back with his dad.

  “Nice-looking woman,” Cade said. “Is she what’s been keeping you so busy?”

  Brandon didn’t want to hash it through today. “No, but her case has.”

  Cade released a long breath. “I understand you’re busy, son, but it’s time we get together with Jay and Kristin. Make some decisions about the future. How about when your sister comes home from school for the roundup?”

  He looked at his dad. Cade Randell had always been bigger than life. All the Randell brothers had been.

  Brandon was only seven years old when Cade had returned to San Angelo and learned he had a son. Since that day, Brandon had tried hard to always make his dad proud, but lately it seemed he had fallen short of the mark.

  “Since I just started my new job, I’ll have to see.”

  His dad nodded. “Now more than ever we need to settle this legal matter. It’s the only fair thing for everyone.”

  Brandon wanted things to go on as they always had. “Why? Jay is running the place just fine.”

  Cade’s back straightened. “Right now, he’s running your place.”

  He raised his hand to stop any more of his father’s protest. “All right. Can we deal with this later? I want to enjoy today.”

  Cade’s expression softened. “I guess you’d rather hang out with a certain blue-eyed brunette than your old man.”

  Brandon found himself smiling, too. “Yeah, I would.”

  “Then you best get over there, before Jay starts sweet talking her.”

  Brandon frowned. “That’s never going to happen.”

  Cade Randell laughed as they walked toward the corral.

  “Look, Mom. I’m riding a horse.”

  “I see, Zach,” Nora called from atop the corral fence. She’d been watching her son since he walked out of the barn in his borrowed boots and straw cowboy hat. She hadn’t seen him this happy in a long time.

  He sat in the saddle on Pepper. A good-size black and white spotted pony. There were two older Randell kids walking alongside of him, encouraging him. Some younger kids were seated on the corral railing, all cheering Zach on. It was Brandon who led the horse around at first, then handed the reins over to him. Nora held her breath as her son rode the animal around the arena by himself.

  Whistles and cheers broke out as he climbed off the pony. Kids ran up to give him high-fives. She blinked back the tears, suddenly realizing how much Zach had missed out on. What kind of life had she made for her son?

  She thought back to a few months ago and her life with Jimmy. Although they’d been divorced for nearly two years, he’d never let her go. Along with his threats and abuse, he’d used their son as a bartering tool to keep her imprisoned in the large San Diego home.

  It had worked, too. The one good thing had been he didn’t have time for Zach. But then things turned volatile toward her son, and she knew she had to do something. So when the opportunity arose, she planned their escape.

  There was a commotion at the barn entrance, and Nora watched as Brandon rode into the arena on a beautiful, glistening, black horse. The large animal danced around excitedly as its rider worked to get control. Her gaze was glued to the man who rode confidently and soon had the powerful animal cantering around the corral.

  Suddenly a younger version of Brandon climbed up to the top railing and sat down next to her. “Hi, I’m Jay, the show-off’s brother. Not only am I better looking and smarter, I can ride a whole bunch better, too.” He flashed her a grin that showed off dimples.

  “And you have dimples, too,” Nora said.

  Jay’s face reddened as he groaned. “What’s with women and dimples?”

  “Because they’re cute.”

  Nora turned her head as a teenage girl popped up and swung her jean-clad leg over the railing.

  “Hi, I’m Ellie,” she said and took a seat, too. “Brandon and Jay’s cousin. I’m Chance and Joy’s daughter. Chance is one of the original Randell brothers, along with Cade and Travis.” The pretty blonde smiled. “I can name all the other uncles and aunts, and the cousins, too, but then I’d have to explain all the sordid family details. And that would take forever. Did you know our grandfather was a cattle rustler?”

  Nora was shocked. “Hank?”

  The girl shook her head. “No, Jack Randell. Hank took Uncle Chance, Cade and Travis in when Jack went to prison.” She wrinkled her nose. “But they’ve all made up now since Jack came back and needed a bone marrow transplant.”

  Nora didn’t know what to say.

  “Hey, short stuff,” a familiar voice called. “You writing a book?”

  They watched as Brandon rode up on the stallion. Seated in front of him was her grinning son.

  “Hi, Mom.”

  She took a breath. “Hi.” She looked at Brandon.

  He gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ve ridden all my life.” He held her gaze. “And I won’t let anything happen to him.”

  For the first time in a long time, she found herself trusting a man. “I know.”

  He winked at her. “Zach, how about a ride around the corral?”

  Her son held onto his hat as he glanced up at Brandon. “Can we go fast?”

  Brandon gave a mischievous grin. “Maybe.”

  Before Nora could voice her protest, he made a clicking sound, tugged on the reins and turned the horse. They started around the large pen, soon picking up speed, and then suddenly the horse took off in a gallop. Just as suddenly the horse skidded to a stop in the center of the arena, began backing up and then started turning in a perfect circle. He stopped again and turned in the other direction. When the routine ended everyone cheered and the two rode over to her.

  “That was fun, Mom.”

  “Not so much for me,” she murmured, trying to slow her heart rate as she offered her son a smile.

  Jay jumped down from the railing and helped Zach off the horse. “You still have the knack, Brand.”

  Brandon patted the horse’s neck. “Shadow is still the best.” He looked at Nora as the horse shifted sideways. “It’s your turn now.”

  She shook her head. “No, I’ll pass.”

  “Come on, Mom, it’s fun,” her son coaxed. “Brandon won’t let you fall.”

  Before she could make a decision, Brandon brought the horse closer. He leaned forward, wrapped his arm around her waist and lifted her off the railing as if she weighed nothing.

  “Brandon,” she gasped and grabbed him around the neck holding on tightly.

  “Don’t worry, I got you,” he whispered against her ear. “You’re okay. Now, swing your leg over the horse.”

  She managed to do just that and ended up on his lap.

  “As much as I like you where you are, darlin’,” he said through a tight grin. “I think it will be easier to ride if you sat in the saddle alone.” As easily as if it were planned, he lifted her slightly, and slid onto the horse’s rump. His arms came around hers, he grabbed the reins and walked the horse to the center of the corral.

  “Please, don’t go too fast,” she said as her hands gripped the saddle horn.

  “Our first time we’ll take it slow and easy,” he breathed against her hair.

  Nora was so aware of this man’s strength, his heat, it threw
her off balance. It wasn’t in a fearful way, but definitely an all male way. That truly scared her. “Are you making fun of me?” she asked.

  “Never.” His voice was husky. “Trust me, Nora. I won’t let anything hurt you.”

  “You can’t make that promise.”

  “How about if I promise to do everything in my power to keep you safe?”

  She tried to sit straight so she wouldn’t make contact with his chest, but it was impossible. She finally gave up and leaned back against him, enjoying the gentle sway of the horse.

  Brandon had trouble not reacting to Nora. The smell of her hair. The feel of her trim body tucked against him. How was a man to keep a clear head? Impossible.

  It had been that way from the first time he’d met her. It wasn’t wise, either, at least not with her assault case still open. Her attacker was still out there.

  What he needed was a clear head, and she clouded his judgment with just a look. Her eyes mesmerized him, her full, pouty mouth made him ache for a taste and her body haunted his dreams. Yeah, he wanted her. Problem was, she didn’t want any part of him.

  “I take it you’ve never ridden before.”

  “Not much of a chance in the city.”

  “I could teach you and Zach to ride. There’s a real pretty spot not far from here, Mustang Valley. There are a lot of mustangs out there.”

  “That’s not a good idea. Zach is diabetic…I have to watch him closely.”

  Brandon had no idea how hard it would be to deal with a sick child. “I could help you. I know you’re a nurse, but I’m trained in first aid.”

  He felt her hesitation. “Look, Brandon. This was nice of you to invite us out here today, but I’m not looking for a relationship. And it wouldn’t be fair to you to lead you on.”

  She wasn’t even giving them a chance. “Why don’t you let me worry about me? Besides, I just want to spend time with you and Zach.”

  “All my time goes on my job at the hospital and the rest is for my son.”

  “You’re here with me now,” he told her and glanced over toward the group of kids around her son. He smiled. “Zach looks pretty happy. What would make you happy, Nora?”

  When she glanced up at him, he could see the sadness in her eyes. “I don’t need anything.”