The Texas Ranger's Bride (Lone Star Lawmen Book 1)

by Rebecca Winters

  “Thank you,” she whispered. “You look better than I feared you would after being sent to the hospital.”

  He thought he heard a compliment in there somewhere. “I had no choice but to go in the ambulance. Those were the captain’s orders. Otherwise I would have come back in the town house to talk to you.”

  She nodded. “Luckey told me as much.”

  “Well, Ms. Parrish—we have a half hour of privacy before we reach my parents’ home, where you’ll be bombarded with questions. Ask me anything you want.”

  “I want to know how you knew the stalker would come after you in the alley.”

  “When I realized the stalker had a clear look at your garage in order to take that picture, and to see his brother hauled out to the van in the very same place, I decided he could be hiding out in one of the town houses on either side of the alley. So Vic and I went door to door. We hit the jackpot when we entered the town house opposite yours through the fence. Those two criminals had been renting it since February.”

  He heard her gasp. “I don’t believe it. All this time?”

  “We found enough evidence inside to help the agents in winding up the other murder cases back east.” Cy didn’t tell her about the shrine. It would horrify her, and she didn’t need the added trauma now that they’d been incarcerated. “Dan kept a loaded rifle with a scope by the side of the bedroom window overlooking your garage.

  “After he sent you that last phone message about getting rid of your husband, I decided to draw him out. When the team saw Dan return to the town house dressed like a woman, I figured he would make his move against me soon. So I set it up and hoped he’d hear the garage door open. If he hadn’t done it when he did, then he would have tried again and again. It was my luck that he was so angry, he took the first chance he got.

  “I backed the car out. As soon as I turned the wheels, I knew he’d take a shot if he was going to, so I stopped the car and rolled out to the ground. Those three shots shattered the glass. That was it. The team closed in on Dan, who had no idea they were staking him out, and took him away.”

  She lowered her head. “You could have been killed so easily.”

  “No. The setup was on my terms. I knew what I was doing. Those evil twins are going to be sent to prison for life without parole.”

  “The governor praised you on TV.”

  “It was all in a day’s work.”

  “Don’t be absurd, Cy. What you did was as great as what the Original Forty did when they saved Texas.”

  “That comparison is way over-the-top. Just remember that saving you was greater, and I couldn’t have done it alone.”

  “But it was all your brainchild. Sometimes you seem bigger than life. I’m in awe of you.”

  Cy smiled to himself. He’d take that for a start. “It helped that the target of those killers happened to be a woman who’s the pride of Texas. You showed courage under fire and stayed in control while they terrorized you. Kind of like the way you handle Trixie when you race into the arena. Thousands of rodeo fans across the country are in awe of you.”

  “You’re never going to let me thank you properly, are you?”

  They were driving into Dripping Springs. Cy took the first turnoff and drove to a neighborhood park with a small lake. After pulling to a stop in an area away from other people, he stopped the engine. He undid his seat belt and turned to her, sliding his arm along the back of her seat. “What is your definition of proper?”

  He waited while she digested his question, then she undid her seat belt. His heart thudded as she launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck. She started kissing his face. Every feature. “This and this and this!”

  Suddenly her mouth reached his and he forgot everything except the thrill of holding her in his arms once more. She was no longer the woman he had to protect. For the first time, he was free to kiss her and show her what she meant to him without having to hold back his passion. He’d been aching for her since they’d kissed a few days ago.

  “I’ve missed you for the last two nights,” he whispered into her shimmering hair. Her fragrance enveloped him.

  “It’s been hard since you moved out,” she admitted. “I know we were only together for a week, but I got used to being with you. To be honest, I feel lost.”

  “I know the feeling.” Cy crushed her mouth again, never wanting this ecstasy to stop. They couldn’t get close enough. He would never be able to get enough of her.

  “We’re going to be late for the party,” she struggled to say after he lifted his mouth so she could breathe.

  He groaned. “What party?”

  “The one I got dressed up for.”

  “I guess we have to go so I can show you off.”

  “Does your family know you’re coming?”

  “I texted them I’d be there.”

  “Do they know you’re bringing someone?”

  He cupped her beautiful face in his hands and kissed her thoroughly. “No. It will be fun to surprise them. That is if we make it there.”

  They gave in to their desires once more before Kellie pulled away from him. “You have to go.” She moved to her side of the car and fastened her seat belt.

  Resigned for the moment that this would have to wait until later, he got the car going and they drove the rest of the way to his parents’ home in silence. Before they pulled in the driveway, he saw a dozen cars parked on both sides of the street. Hurricane lanterns with lighted candles lined the walkway to the front door of the spacious rambler.

  “Since the wedding and reception will be held at the church, my folks have gone all out for this party.” He turned off the car.

  “I’m not surprised. Your sister is their only daughter.”

  “Beth has been doted on. She came along when my parents didn’t think they could have another child.”

  “My parents had to wait a long time before they got me. How old is she?”

  “Twenty-three. She has her degree in English. After New Year’s, she’ll be teaching at a middle school.” He got out of the car and went around to help her out. “I’ll tell you a secret. She’s afraid of horses. Always has been.”

  Kellie looked up at him in surprise. “Was she hurt by one?”

  “No. But she fell off her mount during a ride when she was little. My dad tried to help her overcome her fear, but she wouldn’t do it. After that experience the only time she’d try it was if Dad or I took her on rides on our horses.”

  “Oh... What a shame. Does her fiancé ride?”

  “He tolerates it if he has to.”

  She smiled. “Can you imagine having to tolerate Rosco P.?”

  “No.” Kellie was so lovely he lowered his head to kiss her mouth once more. “She and Tom are a good match,” he whispered against her lips before he walked her to the front door and let them into the foyer.

  “Well, look who’s here—”

  Cy might have known his father’s older brother would spot them first. “Your mom said you were coming. We’ve all been waiting for the man whose name has been in the news for the second time this year. Well done, Cy.” He gave him a pat on the shoulder before his glance fell on Kellie.

  “Uncle Bruce? Allow me to introduce Kellie Parrish. She’s—”

  “All of Texas knows who she is.” His uncle shook her hand, eyeing her in admiration. “It’s an honor to meet our state’s leading rodeo champion.” He looked back at Cy. “And your wife, I understand. You always were a dark horse.”

  “No—” Kellie blurted, darting Cy an anxious glance.

  Hell. “How many people know about that?”

  “Everyone at the party.” His uncle smiled at Kellie. “My son’s wife, Terrie, reads your blog religiously, and the word spread. Come with me. We’re all waiting to meet the two celebr
ities of the evening.”

  “I’ll handle this,” Cy whispered to her and put a hand on her back as they walked into the living room. All the chatting ceased, then everyone started clapping. “Sorry about this, Kellie,” he said out of the side of his mouth.

  “It was inevitable,” she whispered back.

  The din died down. “Hi, everyone. I didn’t expect a greeting like this when it’s my sister’s engagement party. We don’t want to intrude on yours or Tom’s happiness, Beth, so let me just explain a few things so you can all enjoy the rest of the party. I understand you’re under the impression that Kellie and I are married. It’s not true.”

  At that remark, expressions sobered. “We had to pretend to be married to smoke out the killer.”

  “Well, I’ll be,” one of his aunts exclaimed.

  “It turned out there were two of them. Identical twin brothers who’d murdered three other women back east before they targeted Kellie.”

  Murmurs of horror came from the group. “Those two criminals have been arrested. Kellie is now free to continue traveling the rodeo circuit before she competes in the Finals in Las Vegas in December. Her next rodeo will be in South Dakota this coming weekend.”

  She tugged on his arm and whispered, “Do you mind if I say something?”

  “Go ahead.”

  “We’re together tonight because we’re working on a statement to put out on my blog and the newspaper about the lie I told people. It was necessary to my case that the stalkers believe I had a husband. His captain and my parents agreed.

  “Ranger Vance’s brilliant idea frustrated those killers, who lost focus long enough for him and the other Texas Rangers to close in on them faster than anyone expected. But let me assure you he wouldn’t have missed his sister’s party for the world. Under the very real circumstances of life and death, I learned for a fact he loves his sister and family more than anything.” A few ohs of sentiment followed her comment. “That’s why I agreed to come with him. We’ll finish up police business after the party. Since I’m the only girl in my family, too, I know how important this night is to Beth and her future husband. Please forget we’re here now and go on with your celebration.”

  Cy already knew he was in love with Kellie, but her ability to think on her feet under difficult circumstances added to her stature in his eyes. She was a living miracle.

  * * *

  AFTER CY SAID he wanted to leave the party, his mother walked Kellie to the door. He and his father were behind them. “You’ve been through an experience I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.” Her son looked a lot like his attractive mother. She had those dark blue eyes, too.

  “Cy was heroic in his treatment of me. If my choice of words sounds strange to you, let me assure you chivalry isn’t dead. Because of how he handled everything, it took away a lot of the horror.” Kellie felt her eyes smarting. “He made me believe in him, that he could do anything if I went along with his plan. He affected my parents the same way.”

  His mother’s eyes misted over. “He always did have the quality that instills confidence. Cy’s father wanted him to go into law, but he had another dream. A dangerous one. To think he saved your life makes me ashamed that I ever wished he’d find another career.”

  “Then you can imagine how grateful I am to him.”

  It was obvious Cy’s mother had found a way to live with it, but Kellie was afraid she would never be able to get over her fear for his safety. She knew herself too well. To live in constant agony because of a man’s occupation wasn’t for her. A wave of deep sorrow washed over her, knowing that after tonight she wouldn’t be seeing him again.

  “Our family will be rooting for you in December.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Vance.”

  “Call me Annette.”

  She smiled. “Your daughter is darling and Tom seems like a wonderful man. You must be so happy for her.”

  “I am. She’s never given me grief. Cy has been a different story, but that’s because he’s definitely his own person.”

  “I found that out.”

  The older woman reached out to hug her. Then Cy’s father gave her a hug.

  “I understand you were the model of bravery during your ordeal. My son grew up esteeming that quality once he found out we had real Texas Ranger blood running in our veins.”

  “I’ve heard the story, and the more I learn about Cy and his colleagues, the more I know all the legends about the Rangers are true.”

  Cy reached her side. “What are you two talking about?”

  “You and the Lone Ranger riding your trusty steed Rosco P.,” she teased.

  His dad laughed and winked at Kellie. “Drive home safe.”

  “We will. It was a lovely party.”

  She hurried ahead of Cy to reach his car. But he overtook her and helped her into the passenger side. After they backed out of the driveway and headed toward Austin, he reached for her hand and wouldn’t let go. “You were fabulous tonight.”

  “Your family is wonderful.”

  “Everyone thought you were wonderful.” He squeezed her hand tighter before letting it go to make a turn.

  “Beth looked the way every bride-to-be should look. Radiant with no cloud in her sky.”

  She felt his glance. “You said that with a degree of sadness.” Cy was already picking up on her dark thoughts.

  “I didn’t realize it was that obvious.” She changed the subject and they talked about the different relatives and friends she’d met at the party. They kept the tone light, but once they’d reached her town house and had gone inside, he shut the door and put his hands on her shoulders from behind.

  “Tell me what was eating at you during the ride home,” he murmured against the side of her neck.

  This was going to be the hard part. She moved away, forcing him to drop his hands. “Before we talk, I want you to read the draft I’ve written for the blog. And after that I’d like your opinion on what we should give to the newspaper. The Statesman and the Chronicle have been asking for an article. My laptop is upstairs. I’ll bring it down and we can work at the table.”

  She tossed her clutch on the couch and rushed away, praying he wouldn’t try to stop her. When she’d told herself she could quit Cy cold turkey, that was before she realized she was madly in love with him. This was the kind of love that would never go away, not in a millennium.

  * * *

  CY REMOVED HIS suit jacket and tie. He hung them over the back of one of the kitchen chairs before sitting down in another one. This place had been like home to him for a week. Now he was a guest.

  While he waited for her, he pulled out his phone. There were messages from the guys, but those could wait. He listened to the one from the captain. “Call me on my private line ASAP. I have some news on the Ravelo case.”

  Since Kellie hadn’t come down yet, he phoned his boss. “TJ?”

  “I’m glad you called, Cy. There was a homicide over in East Austin tonight around ten. It turns out someone shot one of the hostages taken by Ravelo during the robbery two years ago. His name is listed in the file as Jorge Montoya. Go over to the morgue and see what the autopsy revealed before you come into work in the morning.”

  Kellie walked in the kitchen while they were talking and put her laptop on the table. He stood up and turned his back to her while he finished the conversation.

  “I’ve been studying the case. Maybe Montoya was in on the robbery with Ravelo. But when he didn’t get his cut of the take, he gunned for Ravelo and got liquidated by a hit man or Ravelo himself. I’ll find out when I’m down in Brownsville.”

  “Trust you to come up with a better possibility than anything the police have been able to figure out.”

  “It’s a guess.”

  “Nine times out of ten your guesses beat the hell out of everyon
e else’s.”

  “Don’t I wish. Good night, TJ.”

  When he hung up and turned around, Kellie had taken a seat at the table. “I’m sorry if I intruded on a private conversation.”

  He bristled. “You could never intrude. The captain and I were going over a new case.”

  “So I gathered.” She averted her eyes and opened her laptop. “Take a look at what I wrote the other night. Tell me what needs to be added or deleted.” She was all business.

  Cy moved it around so he could read it. The sooner they got this out of the way, the sooner he could find out what was causing her to pull away from him. At the park before the party, she hadn’t hidden anything from him. The old saying that he thought he’d died and gone to heaven had summed it up best. After that, how could she change so fast from the warm, loving woman he was crazy about to someone he didn’t recognize?

  To all my fans—If you haven’t watched the news, then you may not know that I’ve been the target of two stalker brothers who have made my life a living hell for the past month. The Texas Rangers were called in to help me.

  In order to draw these criminals out, I had to pretend to be married in order to trap them. Now that they’ve been arrested in a cunning sting, I can announce that my marriage was a brilliant piece of fiction that kept me alive until they were caught. Besides my wonderful parents, I owe the Texas Rangers my life.

  But I’ll have you know that the husband I made up truly is the man of my dreams. Maybe one day... In the meantime, I’ll be working hard riding the circuit until December, when I’ll be participating in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. See you there! Long live the rodeo!

  He sucked in his breath. “I can find no fault with it.”

  “Good. I thought I could send the first two paragraphs to the newspapers. But I’ll put the entire article on my blog.”

  “Again I think what you’ve written is just right. One question, though.” He shot her a glance. “Why did you use the word cunning?”

  “Because you had to fight fire with fire. It’s what you do. No one else comes close to your genius. Cunning means deceitful, crafty and full of guile. Those words describe the two stalkers who would have murdered me if it hadn’t been for you. That’s why you’re such a brilliant Ranger.”