“Hus.” She gave him a big smile and kissed his cheek several times. The gesture went straight to his heart, as did Natalie’s smile. The bareback riding event had gotten under way, but Kit couldn’t concentrate on anything while he held Natalie’s daughter on his lap.
“You have a new little rodeo fan, Father Segal. And here you were, hoping you could still pull it off. If you want my opinion, they should give you hazers a gold buckle. Your mother agrees with me.”
“How much does she know about us?” he whispered.
“Your brother told her I’m a friend,” she whispered back. “I’ve enjoyed sitting next to her. She taught me a lot about steer wrestling while we watched.”
Kit should have remembered his mother would be here to cheer them on. It hadn’t occurred to him that the two would meet.
Luckey and Vic had to be around here somewhere. The rodeo would go on for another half hour, but for his friends’ sake Kit didn’t want to force them to be here any longer. Besides, Amy was restless. “Get ready to leave when the bareback riding ends. I’ll carry the stroller while you bring Amy.”
“Okay.”
He moved Amy into her arms. The diaper bag sat behind the seat of the stroller. He picked up the water bottle and stowed it inside. As soon as the announcer called for the tie-roping to start, Kit stood and carried the stroller past several fans to the aisle on the other side of him. Natalie followed with Amy who hadn’t liked being moved. He’d talk to his mother later.
When they reached the parking area he headed straight for his car and put the stroller in the trunk. Once he’d unlocked the car, Natalie fastened Amy in the car seat. He held the front door open for her and then went around to slide in behind the steering wheel.
Relief swept through him that his brother had the winning time. But more than that, he was thankful there’d been no incident to mar the night for them. He watched to see if they were being followed. En route to the motel his cell rang. He attached his Bluetooth earpiece and answered.
“Great job out there!”
“Thanks, Luckey. I take it you didn’t spot Morales or his sister.”
“Not tonight.”
“I’m relieved to hear it. You’re free to go and enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“I’ll tell Vic.”
“Good. Just remember I’m here for you guys when you need my help.”
“We know that. It was a real pleasure meeting Mrs. Harris. I told Vic I wish I’d met her first. She’s a stunner, and even better, she’s nice.”
“Agreed.” Nice went a long way in Kit’s book, too. “Talk to you later.” He ended the call.
Kit flashed Natalie a sideways glance, loving the sight of her profile. She was feminine to the core. “If there was no threat, we could have stayed through the whole program. Sorry to have to pull you away if you were enjoying it.”
“It was the perfect time to leave. Amy kept squirming. I was pretty sure I’d have to take her out when she’d finished her water.” She turned toward him. “Your mother is a lovely person. I can see where you get your coloring.”
“Most people think I look like my dad.”
“Then he must have been one tall and attractive Texas Ranger, too.”
“Luckey’s the one the females flock to,” Kit said to hide his emotions. “He’s still single—that’s why we nicknamed him Luckey.”
She chuckled. “What about Ranger Malone? Is Vic his real name?”
“He’s part Lipan Apache. His Ranger ancestor was named Victorio and Vic was named for him. But he likes the short version.”
“That’s fascinating. And how did you get the name Kit?”
“When I first joined the Rangers, my boss said, ‘Your reputation at the police academy precedes you. Like Kit Carson, “You’re clean as a hound’s tooth.”’ The nickname stuck.”
“I can’t imagine a greater compliment. It fits you to a tee. I can vouch for that myself. If your father were alive, he would have been proud of you and your brother tonight.”
“I’m sure you’re right.”
“Your mom was ecstatic.”