Bonus Chapter
Lieutenant Vikki Rodriguez spotted the danger before anyone else.
Heart in her throat, she snagged the little boy’s hoodie before the two-year-old tumbled straight into the fire pit.
Startled blue eyes met hers, and his sweet face screwed up in preparation for a solid wail.
Vikki loosened her hold and gathered the child close.
“Shush, shush. Sorry, Ben. I didn’t want you to get hurt. ”
Texas Ranger Luke Tatum rushed up, carrying his newborn in one arm.
He looked frazzled. “Thanks, Lieutenant. He slipped away from me while I was changing Emily’s diaper.
” Keeping his voice gentle, he took the little boy’s hand.
“Come on, Benny. Mom’s looking for you. It’s time to brush your teeth for bed. ”
Ben obediently followed his dad. Vikki watched them cross the campsite to the bathrooms, where most of the other rangers and their spouses helped children of various ages prepare for bed.
The first Company A family campout had been a success so far, and she was thrilled to have her team relaxing and enjoying themselves.
An arm slipped around her waist, pulling her against a muscular chest. Her husband, Colton Barnes, nuzzled her neck. “Nice rescue, sweetheart. You’ve still got the mom reflexes.”
She chuckled. “It’s been a long time since Penelope was two.”
Their daughter had entered her first year of college this past fall. Vikki could hardly believe her little girl was all grown up. She still pictured her in pigtails with sparkly unicorn shoes.
Warmth moved through her as Colton kissed the patch of bare skin just below her earlobe. “Keep it kid-friendly.”
She felt his mouth curve into a smile against her skin. “Is that an order?” He kissed her neck again. “Oh, I forgot. You can’t give me orders anymore. We’re the same rank now.”
Vikki spun in his arms, laughing. Colton had been a Texas Ranger for years and had just been promoted to Lieutenant. He would be leading a field office of rangers within Company B. She was immensely proud of him. “I’ve never given you orders. If I needed something done, I called your boss.”
“So that’s why he told me to get a gallon of milk on my way home last week. I wondered about that.”
She laughed harder. “You’re not funny.”
“Yes, I am.” He planted a kiss on her lips. Short, sweet, but it still left her longing for more. After twenty years of marriage, Colton could still make her skin tingle and heart race. “Should we get the s’mores ready? I think the kiddos are settling down for bed.”
“Yes. Let’s.”
Working as a team, they gathered the marshmallows and chocolate.
Colton stoked the fire before adding a few logs.
The night air was cool, but not chilly. Perfect fall weather.
Slowly, the rangers and their significant others drifted closer, adding chairs to the circle.
Voices and easy laughter filled the air. An owl hooted overhead.
Colton handed her a roasted marshmallow. She pressed it onto a graham cracker. Ranger Tate Atwood passed her a square of chocolate. “Here you go, boss.”
Annie, his girlfriend, held up a jar of peanut butter. “Want some of this?”
“Absolutely.” Vikki stuck out another graham cracker.
Luke made a face. “Gross. You guys are ruining a perfectly good dessert with peanut butter.”
“No one asked you,” Annie shot back, sticking out her tongue.
Luke’s wife, Megan, laughed. She extended her own graham cracker for a helping of peanut butter. “Tate, you’d better marry this girl. She’s got spunk.”
“I’m working on it.” Tate winked. “Don’t tell her that though.”
“I can hear you.” Annie laughed.
“Well, I’m glad because…” He placed his plate on a portable table and dropped to one knee. From his jacket pocket, he pulled out a small velvet box.
Several gasps came from the group. Vikki’s breath caught, and she reached for Colton’s hand.
Annie stared in disbelief at Tate. Then tears welled in her eyes. She started to shake.
Tate looked like he was about to cry too.
He swallowed hard, then rallied. “Annie, you and I have been on a long road together. We fell in love as kids, but I was a fool and messed things up. Twenty years later, God brought us back together. Since then, I’ve thanked Him every day for giving me a second chance with you.
” He sucked in a breath. “There’s no one I’d rather walk through this life with. I love you. Will you marry me?”
With trembling fingers, he opened the velvet box. Nestled inside was an engagement ring, simple in design but breathtakingly beautiful.
Tears rolling down her cheeks, she nodded. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Tate gathered her in his arms as the crowd whooped and hollered.
Vikki joined in, swiping at the tear dampening her own cheek. She had a tough exterior, but was a romantic at heart. Colton squeezed her hand, and when their gazes met, she was reminded of their own engagement. She leaned in to kiss him.
“That’s it.” Texas Ranger Grady West settled back into his chair after everyone had congratulated the couple.
He wrapped an arm around his wife’s shoulders.
Tara leaned into his touch, the move instinctive.
“The last man standing has fallen. We’re all part of the ‘happily married’ club. ” He glanced at Tate. “Or soon to be.”
“Hard to believe every one of us fell in love during a case.” Luke frowned. “That’s weird, right?”
“Not as strange as you might think.” Vikki traded a knowing glance with Colton, who smiled.
“Lieutenant, I don’t think we’ve ever asked how you two met.” Luke waved a finger between Vikki and Colton.
“It’s a bit of a long story involving a serial killer and deadly threats.” Vikki arched a brow. “Sure you want to hear it?”
The crowd gave her a resounding yes.
She laughed, settling into her chair. “Okay, well.” She glanced at her husband, who nodded in encouragement. Vikki interlaced their fingers, then focused back on the group. “It all started when I arrived in town…”