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

This was what happened when you went out in public. “Anita Wall? Meet my husband, Cy Vance.”

Her married friend and mother looked up at Cy and did a triple take. Kellie couldn’t blame her. The man was too striking.

“How do you do?” She shook his hand. “We’ve all wondered who the man was to snag our star.” Her gaze swerved to Kellie before she whispered in her ear, “Now I understand. Wow, wow, wow.”

While Kellie tried not to react, Cy asked, “Are you here alone?”

“No. I’m with some friends.”

“You’re welcome to join us.”

She shook her head. “I wouldn’t dream of intruding on you honeymooners, but thank you for the invitation.” She gave Kellie one more hug. “Call me when you have time to talk.”

“I will. It’s wonderful to see you, Anita.”

To her relief the hostess called their number and Cy escorted her to their table. Once their order was taken, Cy sat back, smiling at her. “Every friend of yours I’ve met lights up when they see you.”

“Every friend of mine can’t stop staring when they meet you,” she countered before she realized what she’d said. Heat rose to her face. “They’d all be shocked and horrified if they knew what the real reason was for our being together. For your sake I hope the stalker makes another move soon.”

“But not for yours?”

She lowered her head. “That came out wrong. Even if this is the career you’ve chosen, it has to be harrowing for you while you’re forced to bide your time waiting for the next opportunity to present itself.”

Their food came. Once they were alone again he said, “You have that turned around. You’re the one being tortured mentally and emotionally.” He cut into his steak. “Some victims would fall apart at a time like this, but not you. Your courage makes my job a lot easier to handle.” So saying, he started eating.

“That’s because you have a facility for calming me down. It’s a gift, Ranger Vance.”

Before she broke into grateful tears, she dug into her meal. They ate without talking. When she turned down dessert, he left some bills with the receipt and ushered her out of the restaurant to his car.

As they drove out of the parking lot, she turned to him. “I want to pay you for my share of the dinner. I don’t expect the taxpayers of our state to take care of my bill.”

“Didn’t you notice that I paid cash for our dinner? It’s from my paycheck. Any allowance I get as part of the job, I’m issued a credit card for that account. Tonight was my personal treat, if you like.”

Kellie liked it too much. “Thank you. That dinner was delicious.”

“I agree. Before this case is closed, I might just treat you again.”

He got a chuckle out of her.

“That’s better. I know you feel like this is the never-ending story, but it will be over before long. Our stalker Dan is beside himself without his brother. His need to kill again is stronger than ever because they didn’t get the job done. In his desperation to finish what they started, he’ll reveal himself in some way and that will be his downfall.”

“If you say it, then I know it’s true.”

“I’m touched by your faith in me. How would you like to go to a family party with me on Sunday night?”

The question caught her off guard. “But they’ll all think we’re married—”

“They know I’m on a case.”

“Do your parents realize you’re protecting me?”

“Because I’m undercover, they’ll figure it out. The point is, my sister is getting married and the parents are inviting a few people over to celebrate the coming event. Because of my job I’ve been absent from too many family gatherings as it is and would prefer not to miss this one. But I can’t leave you alone. Starting tomorrow we won’t have backup from the department unless I ask for it. If you don’t want to go, we won’t.”

She bit her lip. “I can see you need a babysitter for me, one armed with a weapon.”

“It’s all right. Don’t give it another thought.”

After what he’d just told her? Ha. Kellie eyed his arresting profile. “How many sisters do you have?”