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

On his way out the door he received a call from the circuit servant for the Kingdom Hall area. The two women who’d come to Natalie’s door were indeed Jehovah Witnesses and had been passing out their literature in her neighborhood. Both the lawn service man and the missionaries had been legitimate. Kit could cross them off his list of persons of interest.

* * *

NATALIE WAS NERVOUS about seeing Kit again so soon. It was only eleven. She’d told him she’d slept fine, but that was a lie. She’d been awake most of the night and wished she hadn’t suggested that he go back to his house. The need to be in his arms was causing her physical pain.

Amy had babbled about him all morning. If she saw him, she’d want to play. Natalie couldn’t allow that to happen and put her down for a short nap. After a protest, she finally fell asleep.

Natalie showered and dressed in a skirt and blouse. After brushing her hair she put on a little more makeup than usual to conceal the fatigue lines. She didn’t want him to think she expected a repeat of last night, in case he was regretting the lapse. But the truth was it downright frightened her, the possibility he might never kiss her again.

While she made fresh coffee, Natalie reasoned that she knew he wasn’t a man who played women. But what kind of a message had she been sending him, waiting up for him as she had last night? No doubt he could sense how crazy she was about him—subconsciously she’d wanted it to happen. Any normal man would have made a pass, even a highly principled Texas Ranger. But she’d been so embarrassingly eager in her response...

The sound of the garage door lifting was music to her ears. Her cheeks felt hot just knowing he was here. When Kit walked in, she stayed busy emptying the dishwasher. “Hello, stranger,” she teased without looking at him. “Long time no see.”

“It seems like eons,” he drawled in his deep voice, sending ripples of delight through her. “I’ve come with some amazing news.”

She wheeled around and got caught in his all-encompassing gaze. “You’ve captured Alonzo Morales?”

“I wish that were the case. This is something else that directly affects you. Where’s Amy?”

“Taking a nap.”

“Then why don’t we sit down.”

Her heart thudded. “All right. Would you like coffee? I’m going to have some.”

“That sounds good.”

In her nervousness she spilled some of the hot liquid as she poured it into the mugs. After wiping up, she added cream and sugar and took them to the table. He held the chair out for her then sat across from her.

No more priest’s collar. The formality was killing her.

“Thanks for the coffee. This is what I’ve needed all morning.” He sipped the hot brew. “All right. Today I had a talk with Mr. Farbes, the attorney who handled the affairs of Gladys and Joseph Park. He was very interested to learn that the Parks have a living relative in Amy, and he will be contacting you and setting up a time to meet.”

The mug almost slipped out of her hand. “Are you talking about an inheritance?”

“Yes. I have no idea of the amount, but he did say that Joseph Park was very successful in his profession. I’m sure he’ll answer all your questions, but I wanted to tell you now so his phone call doesn’t surprise you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll gather my things.”

In a stupor-like state Natalie finished her coffee. It didn’t take Kit long to appear with his arms loaded. He went out to his car and came back in empty-handed.

She looked up at him, feeling the wrench of loss. He’d only been here temporarily, but her soul was already grieving to know he wouldn’t be staying with her anymore. “Again I find myself thanking you for everything. I never would have thought to inquire about Gladys’s financial situation.

“I keep thinking back to the graveside service. I was in a state of shock, but not for long because one of the legendary Texas Rangers came to my rescue and restored my world in a brand-new way. Don’t say you were just doing your job. I don’t want to hear it.”

His expression remained solemn as he responded. “I’ll text you every day to keep you informed about your case. I have every reason to expect we’ll catch Morales before the week is out. Then you can get back to work and Amy can go back to playing with her little friend across the street.”

A text? He didn’t even want to hear her voice? She supposed it was the perfect way for him to keep feelings and emotions out of the conversation. Perhaps he didn’t regret last night, but he was backing away so she wouldn’t get any ideas about it happening again.

“What about the camera at the front door?”

“We’ll leave it for now. There’s a chance it could still provide us with a clue. For the time being I’ll keep the key and the remote.”

But you won’t use it, her heart cried.

“Thanks again for the coffee. Enjoy your day and don’t worry. The arrests of Marcos and Juanita have been made public. The news is everywhere, so we can be pretty sure Alonzo will hear about it and make a mistake. When he does, we’re ready for him.”

Kit disappeared too quickly for her to say anything else. She had the crazy urge to run after him, but what good would it do to chase him? It would be too painful and humiliating. Apparently he’d quit her cold turkey and it was all her fault.

She went to her bedroom and changed into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Amy would be up soon and she would take her out to play in the backyard.