Free Her Texas Ranger Hero by Rebecca Winters

goodies, Luckey came in with the gear. When he heard the noise, his deep chuckle worked its way to her insides.
    â€œSpoiling you already, is she?” Though he’d spoken to his horse, his eyes had focused on her.
    â€œIt never hurts.”
    â€œThat works for humans, too.”
    She tossed him a treat, making him laugh. They secured the horses and got back into the truck. “We don’t have far to drive,” Luckey told her. “Kit’s property is out here in Barton Creek, too. After he got married, he wanted more acreage for their horses, and moved out of his condo. He and his wife are throwing this party for Jeremy.”
    Within minutes they arrived at the new glass-and-wood two-story house, where Ally spotted other trucks and horse trailers. Luckey escorted her inside to the big family room, where he introduced her to Kit and Natalie, who owned the house. Their little two-year-old, Amy, was adorable. Ally was envious.
    â€œWhat a darling little girl, all dressed up in her Western duds,” she exclaimed.
    Natalie laughed. “My husband has already turned her into a cowgirl.”
    â€œMy father did the same thing to me.”
    â€œHe sure did.” Luckey’s eyes were all over Ally. Talk about legs turning to jelly!
    Slowly, they circulated around the room. She’d met Cy before. He stood next to his wife, Kellie, who was holding their baby, Holly.
    â€œKellie is our state’s most famous barrel racer,” Luckey informed Ally.
    â€œNot anymore. I’m too out of shape,” she lamented.
    Ally smiled. “I saw you in a rodeo on one of our trips home. You were fantastic.”
    Cy put an arm around his wife. “She would have won the world championship if she hadn’t found out she was pregnant and had to quit the circuit.”
    Kellie winked at Ally. “It was his fault.”
    That comment drew a roar from everyone before Ally was introduced to Vic and his wife, Claire, who was in the latter stages of pregnancy.
    â€œAnd this is our birthday boy,” Claire said, putting her arm around a dark-haired child wearing a cowboy hat.
    â€œLuckey told me,” Ally said, handing him her gift. “Happy Birthday, Jeremy. You can go ahead and open it if you like.”
    The boy undid the wrapping and pulled out a red scarf.
    â€œYou know what that’s a replica of,” Luckey remarked. He darted her a secret glance.
    â€œWhat?” Jeremy asked.
    â€œThe Lone Ranger’s scarf. He wore it knotted at the side of his neck.” Luckey took over and tied it for the boy.
    â€œCool! Thanks!” He turned to Vic. “What do you think, Dad?”
    â€œI think that’s a terrific gift for a junior Texas Ranger. All you need is a black mask to complete the outfit.”
    Luckey’s eyes swerved to Ally’s. “I know a place where I can dredge one up.”
    Before he had a chance to say any more, she changed the subject. “I hear you have a pony.”
    â€œYup. His name is Comet.”
    â€œI love that name. What about your miniature horse? Is it here, too?”
    He nodded. “We took them to the corral.”
    â€œI want to see both of them. I had a pony when I was young, but I never had a toy horse. They are so cute!”
    â€œYou’ll love Daken.”
    â€œThat’s an interesting name.”
    â€œYup. Daken is Wolverine’s mutant son. It means mongrel, but my horse doesn’t look like one.”
    Ally fought a smile. “I’m sure he doesn’t. Tell me about Daken.”
    The boy turned to his parents. “Hey, Mom—I’m going to take her to see Comet and Daken, okay?”
    â€œGo ahead.”
    â€œCome this way.”
    A grin lit up Luckey’s handsome features. “While you go with him, I’ll drive the horses around to the corral.”
    â€œWonderful.”
    Ally opened her purse and pulled out a packet of horse treats. After setting her bag on an