An Honorable Texan. Victoria Chancellor

brother.” He turned to his family and friends. “Just so we’re clear, I want everyone to know that I’ve already asked Christie, the mother of my son, to marry me.”

      “Good move!” Twila said.

      “Congratulations,” James Brody said to Cal.

      “You most certainly did not!” Christie said, feeling outraged and flushed at his pompous tactics.

      Cal narrowed his eyes, just as he’d done this afternoon. “I did, too. Right in Toni’s office.”

      “No, you did not ask. And I most certainly didn’t agree to any such foolishness!”

      “It’s not foolish to do the right thing.”

      “We are not having this argument again.”

      Rodney Bell chuckled. “You two sure do argue like a married couple already.”

      Chapter Four

      “Rodney! That’s none of our business,” his wife, Ida, said.

      “Cal, you should have asked in a more romantic spot than Toni’s office,” Raven said gently.

      “That’s where we were when it occurred to me,” he replied.

      “Over a wet diaper, a squirming infant and a package of baby wipes,” Christie said, deciding to bolster support for her side.

      “Oh, that’s not good,” Clarissa Bryant observed.

      “No, not good at all,” Sandy Brody said.

      At least the women understood. “I’m not getting married because we have a child together,” Christie reiterated.

      Christie heard Bobbi Jean Maxwell whisper to Ida Bell, “I thought she was a widow.”

      “Stubborn woman,” Cal grumbled as he unrolled his napkin, then snapped it across his lap.

      “Stubborn man,” Christie answered, reaching for her own rolled napkin and flatware.

      “Well,” Raven said to Troy, “I guess we’re leaving Brody’s Crossing about the time things get very interesting.”

      He smiled. “Looks that way. We can always come to visit…and mediate.”

      “Bring bandages,” Christie said under her breath. If Cal kept up his overbearing ways, he’d need them.

      They ordered dinner and managed to remain civil throughout the meal. Raven and Troy seemed to have a good time, although they got nostalgic with their friends about all the things that had happened since Raven had temporarily—and accidentally—moved to Texas over a year ago.

      Christie declined another beer and was thinking about leaving when Cal grabbed her hand. “Let’s dance,” he said as he pulled back her chair. She was so surprised she went along with him.

      There was no band on this weeknight, but country-western songs came through the speakers in the bar and dance area. The rustic wood enclosed them as Cal led her onto a floor scuffed by thousands of boots.

      Without a word, he led her into a fast two-step. Fortunately, she’d danced at Billy Bob’s and Gilley’s, so she kept up with his quick pace.

      “You’re a good dancer,” he said close to her ear as they danced straight down the length of the floor.

      “Thanks. You’re pretty good yourself. I don’t guess you got much practice while you were in the military.”

      “Hardly.” He slowed as the music transitioned into a song Christie recognized was by the Dixie Chicks. “Come out to the ranch tomorrow,” he said.

      “Was that a request or an order?” Cal really needed to work on his people skills. He wasn’t still in the army, and she definitely wasn’t a ranch hand.

      He sighed. “Sorry. What I meant was that I’d like for you to see the ranch. I got to thinking that you can’t make a decision on where to live until you see the house.”

      “Good point. I have an appointment with a Realtor in the morning, but I could come after lunch.”

      “Are you taking the baby on the appointment?”

      “Yes. I only have a babysitter for tonight. Actually, this is the first time I’ve been out in a long time.”

      He seemed to consider that as he turned them through the corner. His arm tightened and she brushed against his chest. She almost apologized, which seemed ridiculous since they’d made a baby together. In many ways, though, he was a stranger. He even looked different, with his more serious demeanor and the scar at his temple. The wound was an outward reminder that he’d been gone, serving his country, risking his life.

      While she’d been home, giving birth to his baby and wondering about how to break the news. “I’d love to come to the ranch tomorrow after Peter’s nap. I’ll bring him, and we can spend the afternoon.”

      He seemed surprised, but then he nodded and said, “Good.”

      They finished the slow dance without speaking again. She tried to relax and enjoy the music and the man, but he made her too nervous. Christie wanted to protect herself and, most especially, Peter. She had to do what was best for all of them.

      But what was best? Maybe she’d find out tomorrow.

      Everyone was talking as she and Cal returned to the table. As Christie excused herself to go to the ladies’ room before leaving for the drive to Graham, she was surprised when Raven joined her.