Beware the Ranger

By Debra Holt

Twelve years ago, Kaitlyn Russell had a dream: living happily ever after with Clay Morgan. Except her grandmother had bigger plans for her beloved granddaughter and they didn't include life in the small town of McKenna Springs as the wife of a young, poor deputy. Kaitlyn's heart was broken when Clay and her grandmother convinced her to pursue her second love, Broadway stardom.

Texas Ranger Clay Morgan is a widower with a young son to raise. A dozen years before, he had to make the most difficult decision of his life when he agreed to let go of the only woman he'd ever loved so that she could pursue her dreams.

Now, fate and an old woman’s guilty conscience conspire to bring Clay and Kaitlyn back together once more. Will they be able to lay the past to rest and rekindle their love from the ashes?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• Release date: Jun 27, 2017
• ISBN: 9781946772626

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Chapter One

"Kaitlyn’s in Texas."

Those words did far more to wake up Clay Morgan than the strong black coffee he’d just poured into his mug. He absorbed their impact while returning the pot to the burner, his moves automatic, his back to the woman seated at the table behind him. He could feel her gaze locked on him. He was bound and determined to appear as though she had just remarked on the weather... not the bombshell fact that the one woman he’d ever loved and was likely to ever love... was in the same state for the first time in over a decade. Clay picked up the mug and stepped to the empty chair, seating himself and then reached for a napkin from the stack on the table.

"You can keep your silence. But I can’t. I’m an old woman who can admit I’ve made my share of mistakes in my lifetime. And there is none I regret as much as sending Kaitlyn away and keeping the two of you apart. I should have listened to my granddaughter. I should have trusted in you. Instead, I was a meddlesome, old fool too full of myself and too blind to see beyond my own wants."

Not much surprised Clay, given his job. But the woman’s words had stopped him in his tracks. The whole subject came out of the blue and it was one he didn’t care to visit. However, it was obvious Georgia Russell was intent on saying what was on her mind. Leaning back, he folded his arms across his chest and waited.

Don’t give me that granite, Texas Ranger face of yours. She grumped at him, her hands clasped in front of her on the table. "It might work on those criminal types you deal with, but not me. And before you ask it, no... I have not lost my mind and I’m not having early signs of dementia. I’m having an attack of conscience... albeit a few years late."

Almost twelve years, to be exact.

So the cat didn’t get your tongue. That’s good. But I have something to say and I need you to listen and not interrupt.

Clay kept still, watching and waiting. He’d learned early on in their relationship that it would be best to let the woman get whatever it was off her chest with a minimum of interruptions.

I had my checkup today with that old sawbones that calls himself a doctor. She paused and cleared her throat. "Looks like I need some rotor-router work done on my old ticker. And yes—she shot him a look—I do have a heart in this chest."

Clay straightened and met her gaze with his own. I’ve seen glimpses of it now and then. So this is just routine, right?

He advised me to take care of any loose ends I might have... just as a precaution, he said. But I can read between the lines better than most. So I need you to help me with one of those ends.

You know I’ll do whatever I can. You’ve been here for me these last few years with Joshua and all. So, it’s my turn. What can I do?

I need you to find Kaitlyn. Bring her here. She won’t come if I ask her. I’ve done that plenty over the years. That’s why I’ve always gone to New York. But that’s not possible for me now. Since she’s in Texas, I figure it would be easy for you to find her and bring her home. For just a few days, of course.

Something tells me she might not agree to come. We all know I’m the reason she hasn’t come back here in all these years. Perhaps someone else...

"I asked you. It’s time the past was put to rest... or at least made sense of. You aren’t trying to welsh on paying me back, are you?"

She had him. They both knew it. She had always been one shrewd woman... tough in business and tougher on anything or anyone that came around her granddaughter. It was useless to argue when she had that eagle-eyed look trained on him and she spoke in that tone of voice.

Any idea where she might be in Texas?

Her assistant said she and her friend, Angelina Lord, are on their way from San Antonio to Santa Fe, New Mexico today. I figure she’ll be skirting pretty close to her old stomping grounds. I did try to reach her by cell phone but no service. Besides, I want to speak to her in person, not on some phone. That’s why I’m asking you to find her.

She knows the area. The old cut-through from Lowell to San Angelo is the best road to make good time on toward the border. Cell towers are few and far between... service is iffy at best. Clay stood, moving to pour the tepid coffee out and set the mug inside the sink. If I do find her and if she allows me the time to say anything, I’ll do my best to reason with her. I make no promises how it will turn out.

Georgia stood and stepped toward him, her hands reaching for his. Then your best will bring her back where she belongs. I need to have this time with her... just in case.

Something pulled inside Clay’s chest at her words and the suddenly fragile look that shadowed her features. How old is she? Seventy? Seventy-three? It dawned on him that she had always appeared ageless over the last fifteen years. But she was an old lady, missing her only blood relative—her precious granddaughter that Georgia had moved heaven and earth to give every opportunity to so Kaitlyn could follow her dreams. Dreams that had not included him.

Don’t go there. That certain road was a dead end and Clay pushed the history back into the dark box in the recesses of his mind, where he wouldn’t go.

I need to make a couple of calls. I’ll get back as soon as I can. Joshua has an overnight with Ronnie, so he won’t be home until tomorrow. You just relax. Everything will be fine.

Sure it will. Clay settled his hat lower on his head as he headed toward his pickup. He punched the speed dial number on his cell for his office and spoke briefly to his assistant. Heading toward town moments later, his mind tried to put things in perspective. Kaitlyn Russell. It was because of him that she stayed away from her hometown. Her actions made it clear she wanted nothing to do with him. He should be glad of that. It made it easier to get through the years. Right. Twelve years ago, he had been forced to make hard decisions. Decisions he’d have to live with. From great joy there had been great tragedy. He had endured it because there was no other choice. Those dark days wouldn’t claim him again.

The thoughts of those months still felt like a stone resting in his chest, even after all these years. Surely, Kat—or at least the Kat he had known—would be able to understand the code of honor he had always tried to live by. Which was why he’d done the right thing when he let her leave. And why he’d done the only thing, the honorable thing again, when he had realized it would be hopeless to spend the rest of his days longing for something that was out of his grasp. The course had been set, and he’d gotten through it. He’d gotten over her.

Don’t be a fool. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt there would be no getting over this woman. Not then, not now, and not ever again. And with her possibly coming back home, back to his home, since Georgia was staying there for a while, well, things could become very interesting, very fast. She wouldn’t be pleased.

His jaw tensed. He had a promise to keep. There was nothing he could do about the past. It was the present he had to concentrate on. That was his focus, and he needed to remember that. No matter what their past had been, Kaitlyn Russell and he needed to face each other again. Only she didn’t know it... yet.

Find Kaitlyn. The words reverberated in his mind in syncopation with the staccato click clack of Clay’s boots on the marble floor as it echoed off the walls of the tall-ceilinged rotunda of the county courthouse. With his cream Stetson pulled low over his forehead and the dark lenses of aviator glasses shielding his eyes from view, he moved with steady determination in his stride. He was a man on a mission and the message was loud and clear to anyone who might venture into his path... stay out of my way. Those who might have otherwise stopped him for a quick word or two only watched in silence as he reached the double doors leading to the outside. Only when he reached the bottom of the wide steps did he finally come to a halt.

Hold on there, Clay! You’re a mighty hard man to catch up with. Didn’t you hear me calling your name back there?

He looked up. Jace Blackhawke, a longtime friend and United States Marshal, was taking the last two steps behind him. They’d known each other since the days both served as rookie deputies, something that seemed like another lifetime ago.

Guess my mind was on something else.

Personal or professional? Anything I can help with?

I wish you could, Clay replied. Then he gave his mind a shake and pulled his thoughts together. It’s something I promised Georgia I’d do for her. Her granddaughter’s back in Texas, and she wants me to find her and bring her to the ranch. I’m on my way to the heliport now. We may have a line on where she is.

I see. Seems I recall hearing something about her granddaughter... and you... a while back. You didn’t part on such good terms. That can’t make this easy.

Jace didn’t miss much. He had a memory like a steel trap, too. Any other time, Clay would have welcomed insight from his friend, but not today. What happened between her and me was a long time ago. Truth be told, she probably doesn’t even remember me. That thought twisted something in the center of his chest. It would certainly be easier if that was the case. Or would it?

You know, if ever you need anything, all you have to do is give me a shout.

Thanks, Jace. I’ll keep that offer in mind. The men parted with a brief handshake.

Based on the last location they had on her, Clay had a fairly good idea of where Kaitlyn might be heading or, more precisely, the route she would be taking to get out of Texas. Finding her would be the easy part. The rest would be much more difficult. Jace’s description of their parting had been putting it mildly.

Clay had set out to make her hate him, and he’d done a good job of it.

Chapter Two

"I don’t know why we haven’t visited your home state long before today." Angelina Lord had an appreciative gleam in her eyes and a wide grin as they stood next to the Jaguar watching a good-looking young man load the last of their recently purchased packages into the trunk.

Kaitlyn was well aware it wasn’t really the attributes of the state that attracted her friend’s interest at the moment, but rather the way the tall man’s jeans molded to his lower body. He turned toward them and smiled with just a dip of the brim of his black cowboy hat. A low sigh escaped from her friend as Angie watched the cowboy walk—correction—saunter back inside the store.

Irritation stung her into action. "Could we possibly get back on the road today? Kaitlyn slid behind the wheel of the car, impatient to be on their way. At this rate, it’ll be Christmas before we get to Santa Fe."

Angie was slower to join her in the front seat. She had just buckled her seat belt when Kaitlyn put her foot on the gas pedal. What do you have against enjoying a little of the local scenery?

By scenery, I trust you’re not referring to the four-legged animal variety in the pasture but rather the two-legged human kind? Which, by the way, you would do well to ignore. Trust me. I know what I’m talking about, Kaitlyn said.

Angie shook her head while sliding a glance at her companion over the rim of her sunglasses. Ignore that perfect specimen of manhood? It must have been incredible growing up in such a rich environment of sexy hunks. But do tell... just what do you have against cowboys, anyway?

The corners of Kaitlyn’s mouth curved and she was thankful her eyes were hidden behind the dark lenses of her glasses. "There should be a sign at the border, right next to the one that welcomes people to this state, with neon letters six feet tall warning—Beware of Cowboys!" She didn’t add it should especially warn females about tall ones with tight jeans, chiseled features, and a steely-eyed glint that, with a look in her direction and a tip of his hat, could sear right into a woman’s heart. They must be taught that move from birth. Or maybe they all just studied Clint Eastwood and John Wayne movies as they grew up. No matter. Thankfully, she knew better and was immune to them all.

I’ve travelled the world and met some of the most eligible bachelors available. However, place a man in a cowboy hat and boots next to an ordinary girl and something happens to an otherwise normal female. For some insane reason, women go crazy over cowboys. Kaitlyn shook her head.

However, she didn’t add the fact that most would pale against a certain Texan with tawny eyes and a devilish smile. Stop! There were just too many memories to be found in this part of Texas, and they were the best forgotten type. The sooner they made it to New Mexico, the better.

She noted the look on Angie’s face. Kaitlyn didn’t need her friend to become too interested in why she had distaste for men in boots and cowboy hats. It was best to block that train of thought from Angie’s inquisitive mind.

Look, don’t mind me. I’m just trying to get us back on schedule. If you remember, we had planned to take six days to get from New York to your shop in Atlanta and then on to Santa Fe. At the rate we’ve been going, it could stretch to two weeks.

I didn’t know we were on such a tight schedule. Are you in a hurry to get back to Jeremy?

A brief sigh escaped Kaitlyn. "We aren’t on a tight schedule. It’s just that you have a habit of wanting to stop at every little town with interesting shops, and that’s time consuming. And, no, I am not in a hurry due to Jeremy. I’ve told you before, he and I aren’t joined at the hip."

Are you sure he agrees with that? Anyway, it’s my creative genius at work. You never know where the next inspiration might come from—even from a tall, sexy cowboy type. Angie directed a wicked grin at her friend.

You should take a nap, Kaitlyn advised. You need your beauty rest.

I’ll do just that and maybe when I wake up, you’ll be in a better mood.

Kaitlyn’s foot pressed down once more on the accelerator and the car flew down the road, sending lazy lizards scurrying for cover and dust swirls flying in the car’s wake.

Are we there yet? Angie, groggy from sleep, slowly raised first one arm then the other above her head, stretching like a feline waking from an afternoon slumber. Pushing herself up farther in the seat, she looked around. "Silly me. Of course we aren’t there, because there is still nowhere to be seen!"

Now, who’s in a mood, Kaitlyn teased.

Angie snorted.

The scenery was the same that had been outside the window for the last two hours—brown land, scrub brush, and far-off flat-topped mesas. The landscape was beautiful in a stark and rough way.

"You sure we didn’t take a wrong turn—about a hundred miles back? I know that’s the same cactus we passed hours ago." Her sarcastic wit had not dulled even if the scenery had.

Have a nice nap did you? Kaitlyn smiled.

"Well, there is someone else on this road besides us. I can’t believe it—fellow humans." Angie sat taller in her passenger seat.

The car was fast approaching a slower moving bus. Automatically checking for oncoming traffic, Kaitlyn moved into the passing lane. For just a few brief moments, she caught a glimpse of a young girl’s face pressed to one of the windows. Unbidden and without any warning, her mind flashed to another girl’s face at a bus window, many years before. That sudden image pushed Kaitlyn to speed up and quickly overtake the bus. The Jaguar easily put some distance between the two vehicles before pulling back into the right lane.

Kaitlyn was unnerved by what happened. The buried memory had been lurking just below the surface, ready to pounce and catch her unawares, like a rattler coming out of hibernation, ready to strike out.

What did I just miss? Did you see a ghost or something?

Angie’s innocent observation caught Kaitlyn off guard and she threw a quick glance her friend’s way.

What makes you say that?

You’ve gone very pale. Is the heat getting to you? Or is it something else?

It’s just your eyes playing tricks on you. I’m fine, or I will be once we reach Santa Fe. Kaitlyn shrugged, attempting to play off her sudden reaction.

No way was she ready to explain to her friend that she had once sat beside the window at the rear of a bus much like that one, her eyes glued to the receding distance—watching, waiting, hoping, and praying. She had prayed for a miracle. She had hoped dreams did come true in real life, not just in fairy tales. Memories pushed into her mind. Memories that had no business in the here and now of her life. But still they came... of how her eyes had searched for a car to come speeding up behind them. In her mind, the bus would pull over and stop. She could see herself flying down the steps into two strong arms. Arms that would deliver her to her most cherished dream. However, that car had never materialized and her dream had died—a slow and painful death.

The bus had kept moving. Kaitlyn had watched Texas recede into the distance through tears. It was only after one of her grandmother’s visits, a couple of years later, that she stopped hoping and believing in the impossible. She had said goodbye to that foolish little girl on an old dusty bus for good—or so she’d thought until just a few moments ago.

Did we outrun a tumble weed or something? Angie’s question brought reality back in a heartbeat.

Kaitlyn’s brows knitted in confusion at the unexpected question. Glancing once more in Angie’s direction, she noted her attention was on the side mirror outside her window.

What are you talking about now?

Well, there are flashing red lights behind us. They’re heading this way really fast. Did you run over one of those prairie dog creatures or something like that?

Kaitlyn checked out the rearview mirror. Angie was right. Just as she topped a rise, she caught a glimpse of a flashing light bar on a car that was quickly eating up the miles between their two cars. Then she lost it as they slipped out of sight in a dip in the road.

There’s probably an emergency at a ranch around here. I’ll slow down and let him pass.

In a short time, the car was almost upon them. She saw the distinctive black and white markings of the Texas Highway Patrol.

"Hmmm... I don’t think he wants to pass. I think he wants us." Angie pointed out, still intent on the image in her mirror.

Kaitlyn’s gaze moved to the rearview mirror again where a frown visibly creased her forehead. What is this guy’s problem?

Just how fast were you going? Angie asked.

Kaitlyn glanced at the speedometer. She was going fast but, aside from when she passed the bus, she wasn’t going more than a few miles over the speed limit. And, with the distance the police vehicle came from behind her, she couldn’t imagine him tracking her speed with radar. It wasn’t like she’d blown past a speed trap or anything. With the wide open expanses of flat land and low brush, there was nowhere for the trooper to hide from view.

I don’t think he’s after us, Ang. To be safe, she lifted her foot off the accelerator and coasted until the car slowed to a few miles below the limit.

Don’t stop.

Her eyes flew in Angie’s direction.

"I mean it. I’ve seen this in a movie before. Two lone females in the middle of nowhere... do not stop."

You’re really losing it. You spent too much time in the sun yesterday. It baked your brain.

Angie made a face at her. When he gets out of his car with a chainsaw, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Kaitlyn rolled her eyes. You and your vivid imagination. You watch too many of those types of movies. Slowing the car, she moved to the shoulder of the road.

At a full stop, she placed the car into park and waited. The trooper pulled up behind her, lights still flashing.

I suggest you be quiet and let me handle this. Kaitlyn instructed her passenger.

I won’t say a word.

Kaitlyn’s raised eyebrows were a silent comment on Angie’s response.

Keeping her hands on the steering wheel, she glanced at her side view mirror. She could make out the outline of a man wearing a hat in the driver’s seat.

Angie sat still, hands folded in her lap, as if waiting for that axe—or chainsaw—to appear at any moment. Perhaps taking a jet from Atlanta to Santa Fe might have been a better idea, after all, she muttered in the silence. What’s taking him so long to get out of the car? Angie spoke in a loud whisper, as if the man could hear their conversation.

He’s probably running the plates on a computer and calling it in. I thought you watched those crime shows on television. Kaitlyn tossed back.

Not as much as you apparently do. How much experience have you had with the law?

Once upon a time... Another unbidden recollection came and a shiver danced across the tender skin at the base of her neck. Kaitlyn’s eyes darted again to the image in the mirror. There was an odd quickening in her pulse.

Don’t be an idiot. You’re a long way from where he would be a cop—even if he is still in law enforcement. Why didn’t that make her feel better?

Slowly, the door of the patrol car opened and a tall, lanky frame stood and adjusted his hat and tie before moving with a slow gait toward her side door, all the while speaking into the radio microphone attached to his shoulder. Kaitlyn waited for him to approach before she pushed the button on the panel next to her. She fixed a pleasant smile on her face.

Hello, officer. Is there something wrong?

Good afternoon, ma’am. He had a soft drawl, one arm coming to rest above the open window. The trooper couldn’t be older than his early twenties, fresh-faced and performing his duty with efficiency. I need to see your driver’s license and car registration, please.

Kaitlyn was aware of Angie emitting a soft chuckle beside her. Ignoring her, she slid her hand into her purse and brought out her wallet. Withdrawing the license from its sleeve holder and the paperwork from the console, she handed it all over to the uniformed officer. He seemed to study it longer than was necessary.

Thank you, Miss Russell. If you’ll just be patient while I check on this? He sauntered back to his car and opened the door.

Kaitlyn sighed, pressing the button to raise the glass again and protect the AC from escaping into the heat outside. At this rate, it’ll be dark before we reach the state line.

I think this is going well, Angie remarked as she sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap, staring ahead. Deputy Do-Right is certainly a talker.

He’s a state trooper, not a deputy. Kaitlyn stared at the scenery ahead, her fingers playing staccato in agitation on the steering wheel.

A light tap on the window startled

Reviews for Beware the Ranger

[nancyluebke · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this second chance romance. I voluntarily chose to review this story and I've given it a 4.5* rating. This off, then on again, then off again romance of two lonely characters trying to do the right thing. There were a lot of twists and turns on this journey and a lot of deep down caring going on too. It kept me turning the pages to find out how it was going to end. A real nice ending too.