The Texas Ranger's Family (Lone Star Lawmen 3)

“See?”

“See what?” Natalie asked with impatience.

“If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll admit that you fell out of love early in your marriage. It’s about time you met someone else. And, Natalie, I have to tell you that Ranger Saunders is fantastic with a capital F.”

Colette never minced words. She attacked head-on. That was one of the reasons Natalie loved her friend so much. “I agree with you,” she said in a shaky voice. “But I don’t dare read anything into what’s going on. He’s never given me even a hint that he might be interested.”

“It’s there in his eyes and in his body language.”

“I think you’re imagining things because you want me to be happy.”

“I do want you to be happy, but only with the right man.”

“Thank you for being the greatest friend in the world.”

“Ditto. Keep me posted about what’s going on. Call me anytime if you need to.”

“I will. You’re the best, Colette. ’Bye for now.”

Amy slept on, so Natalie looked around for something else to do. She threw out two of the flower arrangements that had died, wishing they could have lasted longer. People had been so kind to her she decided to write thank-you notes. It would keep her from thinking about Kit, out interrogating a killer.

Her day wore on and by the time she and Amy were eating their dinner, the tow truck driver had come to the door to give her the receipt for the car. She watched through the screen as Rod’s car was hauled away. She was relieved to know the surveillance team was keeping watch. Tomorrow she’d take the bag of his clothes to Goodwill and that would be the end of any physical reminders. Except for photographs.

Those were in a scrapbook Natalie had put away on a shelf. One day Amy would want to see pictures of her father. Natalie hoped that by the time Amy started asking questions about her daddy, enough years would have gone by that she’d be able to deal with them.

After Amy’s bath, she put her to bed and was just coming out of the nursery when her phone rang. She hurried to the kitchen, hoping it might be Kit, but when she checked the screen, it listed an area code and number for Denver. With a frown, she answered.

“Hello?”

“Is this Mrs. Harris?”

“Yes.”

“This is Mrs. Issac, the director at the Cottonwood Nursing Home. You asked that we contact you about Gladys Park. I’m sorry to have to tell you that she died in her sleep this evening.” Natalie gasped. “She was comfortable to the end. There’ll be a little memorial service here for her on Monday at noon. Her close friend and her pastor are arranging it, but I knew you’d want to be notified.”

“Thank you so much for letting me know. It means the world to me. I don’t think I can make it to the service, but I’ll have flowers sent.”

“That would be lovely.”

Natalie disconnected and buried her face in her hands. Another death. Emotion overwhelmed her and she broke down sobbing.

* * *

BEFORE KIT PULLED into the driveway, he waved off the surveillance team. With his business concluded early, he’d taken the next flight out of San Francisco.

He drove into the garage and went into the house, where he found Natalie in the kitchen, crying her heart out.

“Natalie?”

She lifted her tear-streaked face. “You’re back—” she cried in surprise. “Oh, Kit, I’m so glad you’re here.”

Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms and held her while she wept. “What’s happened?” he asked. His lips brushed her silky blond hair.

“G-Gladys died this evening. I got the call a few minutes ago.”

He gathered her tighter.

“What if you hadn’t arranged for us to fly to Denver when you did? I would never have known her. Thank heaven you took pictures while we were there. Amy will cherish those when she gets older.” Natalie lifted her head so their mouths were only inches apart. “If it weren’t for you, I don’t know how I would have gotten through everything. I owe you so much.”