Everyone laughed. Luckey’s hand slid to Ally’s where they sat.
“No, no, no,” their mother called out. “Your father’s days for saving the world are over. We’re going on a long cruise.”
Randy’s wife, Robin, shook her head. “He’ll never last, Mom. Give him one day on board and he’ll want to get off at the nearest port and head back to Texas.”
More laughter ensued. “She said a mouthful,” Luckey whispered to Ally. He rubbed her palm with his thumb. “Are you ready to take a ride with me? Alone?”
Her heart turned over. “You think your family will let us slip away?”
“Just watch.” He got up from the table. “I hate to have to do this, but I’ve received a message that means I have to get back to Austin.”
There was a collective protest.
“I love you all. Happy Birthday again, Dad.”
Ally followed Luckey as he walked over to his parents. They both got up and all four of them hugged. Ally eyed the older pair. “Thank you so much for this wonderful day,” she said.
Luckey’s father smiled. “Come on over anytime, Ally. You’ll always be welcome.”
Luckey’s mother walked her over to her horse. “I’ve never seen my son so happy. Whatever you’re doing, I’m very grateful.”
The wistful note in her voice caused Ally to swallow hard. “You’ve raised a wonderful son. I wish we could stay and help you clean up, but—”
Melanie shook her head. “If the day ever comes when Luckey actually stays for a whole party and is the last one to leave, I won’t believe it. I married a restless man and I’ve gotten used to it.”
Ally had the suspicion his mother was telling her that Luckey was restless, too. But Ally had already learned that about him. His mom had to know why Luckey and his wife had divorced. Was Melanie afraid Ally wouldn’t be able to handle it? Was this her way of warning her?
“Ally?” Luckey had come up behind her. “It’s time to get going.”
“Thanks again,” she whispered to his mother, and mounted Silver. Luckey got on Persey and they started back to the house. She darted him a covert glance. “Did you really have to leave the party?”
“Yes. I want time alone with you.”
She took a risk. “You mean before you have to leave me in a little while?”
The answer was a long time in coming. “Yes. What did my mother tell you?”
Ally smiled to herself. “Something I already knew. I like your family a lot.”
“You’d blush if I told you what everyone thinks about you, but you have a hard time accepting a compliment, so I won’t.”
“Am I that bad?”
“Worse.” They rode in silence for a bit.
“Have you learned anything more about the case?”
“I did when I went to Freeport yesterday, but before I tell you about that, are you ready to talk about how you felt when you heard Ranger Landrey had been killed?”
That was the subject they’d been avoiding until now. She took a deep breath. “You already know.”
“It wouldn’t help to tell you a tragedy like that rarely occurs?”
“No. I wish it did.”
“Would that be the biggest reason you wouldn’t want to marry me? Or do you have other reservations? Did Mom tell you I’m hard to live with?”
“She said you were restless like your father, but that she’d adapted.”