Is that where you were injured? On one of those missions? he asked softly.
For a long time, she didnt answer, but the tightness of her lips gave her away.
In another mile youll turn off the main highway onto a small road. There will be two big stone columns with a sign arched over them in wrought iron.
Kate slowed the car, turning in at the gate to the Lucky Lady Ranch.
For a gate that had stood for almost one hundred and fifty years, it was still in good shape with a coat of black paint applied every other year to the ironwork. The only change had been the addition of an automated gate opener with a keypad.
Had Chase thought ahead, hed have grabbed his remote control from his truck before theyd headed to the ranch. He gave Kate the code, trusting her from the moment shed thrown herself into saving Sadies life.
After she punched the number in, Kate waited for the gate to swing open. To answer your previous question, yes. The last meth lab sting was also my last mission as a Texas Ranger.
The drive up to the ranch house was completed in silence. As they cleared the twisting mountain road and emerged on the hilltop, the moon overhead shone down on the mansion his great-great-grandmother had built from the proceeds of the Lucky Lady Gold Mine before it had run dry.
The huge structure loomed three stories above them with its colonial-style verandas and double layered porches wrapped around the entire house. The only concession to the deep snow and frigid winters of the high country in Colorado was the steep roofline. Though the original roof had been of split shingles made of hardened hickory, the new roof his grandfather had installed consisted of highly polished aluminum. The snow never stuck, simply sliding off.
Frances Quaid opened the front door and Barkley bounded out. The giant black-and-tan Saint Bernard raced across the ground to the truck.
Kate remained in the drivers seat, the door closed. Yours? she asked.
Thats Barkley. Hes friendly as long as you dont try to attack me, the Quaids or Jake. He climbed down from the truck and braced himself.
Barkley reared up on his hind feet, standing nearly as tall as Chase and weighing almost as much. He planted his paws on Chases shoulders and gave him a big sloppy kiss.
Okay, okay, youve said your hellos. Behave yourself now, or youll scare Ms. Rivers away.
Kate stepped down from the truck and rounded the front.
Barkley dropped to all fours and loped over to sit at her feet, his big tongue lolling out the side of his mouth. He barked once, the sound deep and booming. Then he nudged her hand with his nose. At first stiff, Kate reached out a hand, allowing the dog to sniff. When Barkley nudged her again, she ruffled his ears, a small smile curling her lips.
Chase watched in amazement as her expression transformed. From tense, almost pinched features, her entire face lit up as she smiled down at the dog.
Seeing her happy for the first time, tugged at Chase and made him look at her in a different light. Not as an agent sent by Hank, but as a beautiful woman who stirred his blood and made him want more than he should from a bodyguard.
Hes not shy, is he? she asked.
Not in the least. And he knows what he wants, which is more than I can say about most people.
Kate bent to run her fingers through the dogs long coat and to scratch his head. Not much of a watchdog, are you?
On the contrary, Barkley would lick any intruder to death before they could get to the front door.
The big dog proved Chases point by laying a long wet tongue along the side of Kates cheek.
Ugh. Kate straightened and scrubbed the dog slobber from her skin.
Consider yourself initiated into the family. Chase dragged his gaze away from Kate and glanced up at the porch where Mrs. Quaid stood.
Mr. Marsden, Jake refused to go to sleep until you got home. Will you come in and tuck him in so that he can finally close his eyes?
Chase nodded. Ill be right in. Seems Jake will be staying with us longer than we first thought.
Mrs. Quaid frowned. Is everything all right?
No. But well discuss it after Jake goes to sleep. Chase hooked Kates elbow and leaned close. Id rather no one but you and I knew why youre really here. Id like to initiate the undercover op now.
Kate ground to a halt. What do you mean?
Go along with what I say. He tugged her arm, escorting her up the stairs. Mrs. Quaid, Id like you to meet someone special.
The older woman turned a welcoming smile on Kate.
Chase performed the introductions. Mrs. Quaid is my housekeeper, and in charge of keeping me sane. Her husband is my foreman-overseer and my right hand when it comes to all things to do with the ranch. I inherited the Quaids when I inherited the Lucky Lady Ranch from my grandfather. And believe me, they were the best part of my inheritance. Without them, I would probably have sold the Lucky Lady.
Mrs. Quaids cheeks pinkened. Oh, go on, Mr. Marsden.
I really wish youd call me Chase. Youre more like family than just a housekeeper. Chase faced Kate. Speaking of family... Mrs. Quaid, this is Kate Rivers...my fiancée.
* * *
KATE NEARLY TRIPPED on the step she had been climbing when Chase announced her as his fiancée. Chase had invoked the undercover op, but playing the part with his own employees seemed to be overkill. Kate struggled for something to say when her tongue was tied with the surprise of her engagement. Mrs. Quaid, happy to meet you.
The older woman gripped both of her hands in her own and grinned. Oh, my. And I didnt know Mr. Marsden even had a girlfriend. How did you keep this from us over the past two years?
Chase smiled and circled Kates waist with an arm, cinching her snugly to his side. You know all those monthly trips I took to Denver? He tipped his head toward Kate. Lets just say, I wasnt alone.
What the hell was he trying to prove? If these people were as close as family, hed just lied to them.
What a surprise. I cant believe our own Mr. Marsden is engaged.
Mrs. Quaid pressed her hands to her cheeks. When did you arrive in town?
Kate leveled her gaze on Chase. I came over from Denver today for the first time and bam. Im just as surprised as you. Which wasnt far from the truth. Mrs. Quaid seemed like a nice lady, but Chase must have his reasons for lying to his housekeeper.
Im so happy for you both. Mrs. Quaid touched Chases arm. But you better check in on Jake. Hes missing his grandma. Ill put on a kettle for tea. Whens Ms. Sadie coming home?
Shes been in an accident. Shes in the hospital.
Mrs. Quaid pressed a hand to her chest. Oh, dear. Is she going to be all right?
I hope so. Chase touched her arm. Jake only needs to know shes staying in town for a few days.
The older woman nodded. Understood. If theres anything I can do for her...
Theres not much any of us can do for her. Shell have to get well on her own. Chase glanced around. Wheres Mr. Quaid?
Hes checking on the horses. He thought he heard something. He should be back by the time you tuck in Jake.
Good. I need to talk to you two about some issues that have arisen. He grabbed Kates hand. Come on, theres someone Id like you to meet.