Page 15 of The Soldier and the Cowboy

“I’ve never met a Texas Ranger before,” she said, perking up.

Cal fought an unwarranted stab of jealousy. She was young and single and could meet with whomever she wished. Meanwhile he was old and married, a broken down has-been quarterback bent on saving his family ranch. Maybe that was it; maybe he was merely jealous of the promising young life ahead of her. She could settle down, have kids, be deliriously happy while his life stretched out before him in a yawning wake of Estralita’s stews and quiet nights on the porch.

“Would you like to come with me?” she offered.

He imagined himself as the lone old guy in the room while she and Sully talked. “Thanks, but I have a few things to do.Meet me at the diner in an hour for lunch.”

“Yes, sir,” she said, sarcastically this time.

“Please,” he added belatedly. “Although if you knew me better, you’d know that was implied. When I’m bossing you around, you’ll know it.”

“I believe it completely, sir,” she said.

“Stop calling me sir,” he said.

“Yes, sir,” she replied.

“Were you this impertinent in the marines?” he asked.

“Subversively so, yes, sir,” she replied.

“It’s a good thing you’ve met me at this late and settled stage in my life, Major, because twenty years ago, you and I would have gone a few rounds.”

“Then I am incredibly thankful I’m meeting you now instead of then. Would have been a shame to skunk you on your home turf,” she said and slipped out of the tall truck, landing lightly on her feet.

Cal remained in the cab a few minutes, draining the last dregs of his now-tepid coffee. His right hand reached for the ring on his left, twisting it. He was tempted to remove it, to take it off and have done with the nightmare that was Isabel and their failed marriage. But removing the ring wouldn’t erase the past, wouldn’t make Isabel go away, wouldn’t change the fact that he was still married to her. With a sigh he dropped his hands. The ring would stay as long as Isabel was still his wife, his albatross, his constant reminder of a mistake that couldn’t be undone. Taking a breath, he opened the door and strode from the truck, wondering as he did so how it was going with Bailey and Sully.

Bailey was shown into an office to wait for Sullivan Langford. When he finally arrived, she stood. He gave her a patronizing smile that right away set her teeth on edge.

“Have a seat, Miss,” he said.

“It’s Major,” she replied.

“Miss Major?” he asked.

“Major Bailey Dunbar, United States Marine Corp,” she held out her hand and he shook it.

“Ah, they’re letting women be majors now. Super.”

“Yes, sir. We’re hoping someday they’ll let us vote and drive.”

“Oh, you’re one of those,” he said, sitting down behind his desk.

“One of what, sir?” she asked, remaining standing until he indicated the chair for her with a wave of his hand.

“A feminist.”

“No, sir,” she contradicted. “I’m merely an American who believes in equality.”

“Equal opportunity does not mean equal ability, Miss Dunbar,” he said.

“No, sir, I agree with you. Take us for example. You and I have been given equal opportunity, and I’m the only one who’s a major,” she said.

“Well, ma’am, I’m a Texas Ranger, so I believe I’m doing all right,” he said.

“There we can agree, sir,” she said, letting go in order to move things along. It would do no one any favors to make an enemy of this man, especially not when she was about to ask a favor of him.

“What can I do for you today?” he asked, his tone more brusque than when he first sat down.

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