When they least expected it, the bay closest to them let out a loud, high-pitched neigh that startled a lot of people and frightened Amy. “Kit!” She cried his name and squirmed around, holding up her arms. He undid the strap that held her and pulled her into his arms. She clung to him, crying her heart out.
A lot of bystanders smiled to see her hugging the priest. Natalie eyed the two of them. “If you had any question of how much she likes you, it’s just been answered. You’ve received my daughter’s seal of approval. She didn’t even think to turn to me.”
To hold her warm little body against him with her arms around his neck brought a huge lump to his throat. “I’m a grown man who was raised around horses and it startled me, too. I’m glad she feels safe with me. But maybe coming to the farm wasn’t a good idea.”
“Don’t be silly. She loved it. She’ll get over the scare.”
When he would have put Amy back in the stroller, she fought to stay in his arms.
Natalie shot him a glance. “I think it’s time to go back to the motel.” He agreed.
She started pushing the stroller toward the main gate. He followed, carrying the precious princess who continued to let out shuddering little half sobs. By the time they’d reached Kit’s car she’d calmed down.
He put Amy in her car seat, but she didn’t like it. “I’ll sit next to her,” Natalie told him. “A nap is exactly what she needs.”
After Kit put the stroller in the trunk of the Altima, he started the car and drove them to the Bucking Horse Motel near the arena. They had rooms side by side. He opened the rear door to help Natalie out.
“I think I’d better take her into my room without you, Kit. Otherwise she might never settle down.”
“You’re probably right, but let me make sure it’s safe.” After he’d checked the room, he came back out. “I’ll call you when I’m ready to leave.”
Once she’d lifted Amy into her arms, he handed her the diaper bag and watched as they disappeared inside. He got Amy’s stroller out of the trunk and put it outside Natalie’s room for Luckey to put in his car. He could hear Amy’s whimpers as he let himself into his room.
His friend would already be inside. They’d arranged for him to arrive at the motel ahead of time so no one would be aware. His presence would free Kit to leave for the arena to meet Brandon, who’d arrive in his own truck and trailer. He’d be bringing Kit’s favorite horse and his gear.
When he walked in, he saw his dark-blond friend stretched out on the bed in his Western clothes, watching TV.
“Thanks for coming. I appreciate you doing this big favor for me.”
“Hey. This is the kind of work I like. Where’s Mrs. Harris?”
“Next door. Room 14.” He told Luckey what had happened at the farm. “Let’s hope Amy has forgotten when she wakes up. The stroller is outside her door. Amy will be easier to handle if Natalie can wheel her around at the arena. Brandon has reserved seats for you on the front row near the chute.”
“I’ve already got that covered.”
“What do you mean?”
“Vic’s here, too.”
“What have you done?”
“I told the guys you were going to be the hazer tonight. Cy wanted to come, but he’s on a case and can’t leave. Vic was free and wants to watch you ride. He also wants to get a look at Natalie Harris. So do I.”
Kit shook his head then laughed. In truth he was relieved two of the best Rangers alive would be helping to guard Natalie. “I have something to show you.”
Luckey sat up. Kit pulled out a file and handed him the rap sheets with the mug shots on the Morales siblings. “I have to assume they’ve been watching the house, so it’s possible that one of them might have followed us here and the other is planning to get into Natalie’s house. One of the surveillance team will be inside, ready to arrest him or her on sight.”
“Let’s hope it happens, and then you can zero in on the killer still at large.”
“I have no idea which one will be tailing Natalie and me. If it’s Juanita, she could be in her old disguise of blond hair and blue eyes. But my hunch is on Alonzo who might even try to kidnap Amy or Natalie or both. I’d imagine they must be desperate to find the money and the guns.”
Luckey put the rap sheets on the dresser. “Get your mind off the case and concentrate on helping your brother bring in the best time tonight. Leave the worry to Vic and me.”
“I will.” Kit clapped his friend on the shoulder and phoned Natalie. She picked up on the first ring.
“Kit?”
“How’s Amy?”