“Well, I’ll be,” one of his aunts exclaimed.
“It turned out there were two of them. Identical twin brothers who’d murdered three other women back east before they targeted Kellie.”
Murmurs of horror came from the group. “Those two criminals have been arrested. Kellie is now free to continue traveling the rodeo circuit before she competes in the Finals in Las Vegas in December. Her next rodeo will be in South Dakota this coming weekend.”
She tugged on his arm and whispered, “Do you mind if I say something?”
“Go ahead.”
“We’re together tonight because we’re working on a statement to put out on my blog and the newspaper about the lie I told people. It was necessary to my case that the stalkers believe I had a husband. His captain and my parents agreed.
“Ranger Vance’s brilliant idea frustrated those killers, who lost focus long enough for him and the other Texas Rangers to close in on them faster than anyone expected. But let me assure you he wouldn’t have missed his sister’s party for the world. Under the very real circumstances of life and death, I learned for a fact he loves his sister and family more than anything.” A few ohs of sentiment followed her comment. “That’s why I agreed to come with him. We’ll finish up police business after the party. Since I’m the only girl in my family, too, I know how important this night is to Beth and her future husband. Please forget we’re here now and go on with your celebration.”
Cy already knew he was in love with Kellie, but her ability to think on her feet under difficult circumstances added to her stature in his eyes. She was a living miracle.
* * *
AFTER CY SAID he wanted to leave the party, his mother walked Kellie to the door. He and his father were behind them. “You’ve been through an experience I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.” Her son looked a lot like his attractive mother. She had those dark blue eyes, too.
“Cy was heroic in his treatment of me. If my choice of words sounds strange to you, let me assure you chivalry isn’t dead. Because of how he handled everything, it took away a lot of the horror.” Kellie felt her eyes smarting. “He made me believe in him, that he could do anything if I went along with his plan. He affected my parents the same way.”
His mother’s eyes misted over. “He always did have the quality that instills confidence. Cy’s father wanted him to go into law, but he had another dream. A dangerous one. To think he saved your life makes me ashamed that I ever wished he’d find another career.”
“Then you can imagine how grateful I am to him.”
It was obvious Cy’s mother had found a way to live with it, but Kellie was afraid she would never be able to get over her fear for his safety. She knew herself too well. To live in constant agony because of a man’s occupation wasn’t for her. A wave of deep sorrow washed over her, knowing that after tonight she wouldn’t be seeing him again.
“Our family will be rooting for you in December.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Vance.”
“Call me Annette.”
She smiled. “Your daughter is darling and Tom seems like a wonderful man. You must be so happy for her.”
“I am. She’s never given me grief. Cy has been a different story, but that’s because he’s definitely his own person.”
“I found that out.”
The older woman reached out to hug her. Then Cy’s father gave her a hug.
“I understand you were the model of bravery during your ordeal. My son grew up esteeming that quality once he found out we had real Texas Ranger blood running in our veins.”
“I’ve heard the story, and the more I learn about Cy and his colleagues, the more I know all the legends about the Rangers are true.”
Cy reached her side. “What are you two talking about?”
“You and the Lone Ranger riding your trusty steed Rosco P.,” she teased.
His dad laughed and winked at Kellie. “Drive home safe.”
“We will. It was a lovely party.”
She hurried ahead of Cy to reach his car. But he overtook her and helped her into the passenger side. After they backed out of the driveway and headed toward Austin, he reached for her hand and wouldn’t let go. “You were fabulous tonight.”
“Your family is wonderful.”
“Everyone thought you were wonderful.” He squeezed her hand tighter before letting it go to make a turn.