Kellie imagined he was in his early thirties now. “That’s young.”
“Yup. But my parents and her parents were all for it. As I told you before, they had my life planned out to be an attorney. To everyone’s displeasure, once I’d said goodbye to her, I left school and signed up with the Austin police department. I discovered I didn’t want to defend criminals, I wanted to catch them.”
“Thank heaven,” she whispered. “How long have you been a Ranger?”
“Almost three years and I’ve never regretted my decision. To answer your next question, Eileen is married to a successful businessman. According to my mother, she’s expecting her second child, and I couldn’t be happier about it.”
Neither could Kellie.
Once they’d eaten a quick lunch, they dropped off the rental car and caught their flight back to Austin. They walked to the short-term parking for Cy’s car and headed for her parents’ ranch.
“We made good time, Cy. It’s only four o’clock.”
“That’s why I wanted to get away early this morning.”
She gave him directions and soon he’d pulled up in front of their ranch house. “Would you like to come in? I know my parents would like to talk to you.”
“Another time and I will, but I’ve still got a lot of business to do. Don’t forget that one of the crew always keeps you in his sights.”
“I know. I’ll ask my parents to drive me to the town house tonight.”
“Give me a call. I’ll be waiting for you.”
He had no idea what that meant to her, but he was probably tired of hearing it and she could tell he was anxious to leave. She climbed out of the car and hurried to the front door. Opening it, she called out, “Mom?”
“In the kitchen, darling.”
Kellie wheeled around and waved to Cy. He waved back and drove off. She stared after him, wishing she didn’t feel strange when his car disappeared. As if she’d lost something.
Her mom gave her a hug. “You’re back earlier than I would have expected.”
She took a deep breath. “Cy accomplished what he needed. Where’s dad?”
“He’s out in the pasture, but he’ll be back by six.”
“Then I’ll have enough time to do some training drills with Trixie before dinner.”
Her mother followed her up the stairs to her old bedroom. “What happened today?”
Kellie walked over to the dresser where she kept her older clothes and pulled out a top and some jeans. “He found out how the stalker got my cell-phone number.” While she changed outfits, she told her mom everything. “He’s so amazing, I couldn’t believe it. Talk about methodical. His mind works differently than the average person’s.
“I found out his parents wanted him to go into law, but he broke his engagement to this girl and left college to join the Austin police department. He knew what he wanted and went after it. Now he’s a Texas Ranger.” She stared at her mom. “He can be formidable, but it’s cloaked in sophistication. He told me he was going to catch this stalker.”
Her mother eyed her pensively. “You believe in him.”
“Utterly. He’s incredible. I’ve never met anyone like him.”
“No. Neither have I. Your cousin wants to hear all about him.”
Kellie nodded. “I’ll call her tonight when I get back to the town house. Has anyone else phoned?”
“Yes. Besides many of your friends, news of your marriage has prompted the Statesman and the Chronicle to get in touch with you for a story and a photo op. Even Tammy White from Hill Country Cowboy Radio is asking for another interview. She said you were a dark horse for pretending that you didn’t know Cyril Vance when you were already married to the gorgeous Texas Ranger.”
Heat crept into her face. “What did you tell everyone?”
“That you’d get in touch with them when you had time.”
“Thanks, Mom. You’re an angel.” She pulled on a pair of cowboy boots she kept in her closet. “I’ve got to get out there so Trixie won’t think I’ve abandoned her. See you in a little while.”