This is the first story of a saga series I will write for as long as possible featuring characters Trent Malloy, Carlos Sandoval, the Rangers and Miss Cahill, the rest of the Malloy family and their new friend Katheryn. This first story takes place just shortly after season seven's episode "Royal Heist."

"One Last Love" PART ONE

Katheryn dragged her feet behind her slightly. Her blonde hair rebelliously eased into her soft-complexioned face. She blew at it, causing it to sway this way and that but not accomplishing much. Her feet found their way up the lane of the little cottage where she worked…a home for children of prisoners. Her beige skirt swished against the white picket fence as she opened the gate and secured it behind her. Pausing to take in a deep breath, she walked up the three steps to the veranda and began hearing the beautiful sound of children at play. She assumed the vibrant voices to be coming from the back yard and made her way around the wrap-around porch to see five of the eight young residents at play. Their beaming smiles were no match for the girl's sullenness. Before long, a broad smile played at her own lips.

"Miss Kathy!" little six-year-old Jane Willis shouted as she slid down the slide and scurried to the swing set, sitting proudly in the seat. "Come push me, Miss Kathy!"

"Oh, alright," Katheryn laughed softly and set aside her handbag and sweater that she carried. She hurried playfully past the other children and eased behind the metal swing set, taking hold of the plastic ropes above Jane and pulled back, let them go, and propelled Jane forward with her hands lightly pressing at the young girl's back each time she swung downward.

The little girl called out gleefully, "This is so much fun!"

"I'm glad you approve!" Katheryn smiled as she replied and pushed against Jane again.

Miss Cahill appeared in the doorway of the little home and walked out onto the veranda, shielding her eyes from the sun with a smile.

Katheryn glanced upward and was concerned that she would be reprimanded for not speaking to Miss Cahill before attending to the children and slowed Jane down with each swing. "I will be right back, Jane."

Jane pouted as she nodded.

"I will be back. I promise."

Jane offered a smile. "You promise?"

"I surely do," Katheryn tucked a wayward lock of Jane's pretty brown hair behind the girl's ear before turning up towards the veranda. She penitently lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry, Miss Cahill. I should have come to you first."

"Oh nonsense," the woman was quick to ensure, "You seem to fit in well here. The children love you. And…you have my full trust."

Katheryn nodded and continued inside with Miss Cahill.

"Now…I have something to ask of you. I know this will come as quite a surprise. But I have quite a favor to ask of you."

Katheryn's eyes grew wide with concern.

Miss Cahill attempted to relieve her worries with a reassuring smile. But it did little good. "You may have already found out about my connections with the Texas Rangers as the local district attorney?"

Katheryn nodded.

"Well they are in need of someone to go undercover…and I may have suggested you for the job."

The young woman's eyes grew even wider. "Me?"

Miss Cahill looked into her eyes. "If you aren't up for the challenge that is quite alright. But no one they know is as fit for the description of the girl they need."

"I see," Katheryn's eyes lowered. "Is it dangerous?"

"Some. But the Rangers and DPD will not be far from you at all times."

"What was the description of the girl they needed?"

Miss Cahill took a deep breath. "She must be of medium height, blonde hair, around twenty-two years of age, and very knowledgeable in the field of literature."

Katheryn hid a smirk. "Literature?"

"Yes. Literature." Miss Cahill's lips tightened as she kept a chuckle at bay. It did seem like an odd request for someone in undercover work.

"But what about law enforcement experience? I don't have very much to be sure," Katheryn insisted.

"Here's the case," Miss Cahill continued, "There is a bookstore just next door to a location where they suspect a drug ring to be hiding out very well. These bad guys have a history with this store. They have ransacked the place and even threatened to kill the owner if they don't give them what they want. That includes the owner's daughter. They are sending her away into the witness protection program to keep her safe. The drug dealers have never seen her. But the Rangers would like someone to go undercover as her and get captured by the men. They think that they can get the information they need this way."

Katheryn shook her head. "I can't. That sounds far too risky."

"I know," Miss Cahill sighed. "That is what I told them. But I said I would ask you just to be sure. There will also be a police detective going undercover with you as one the bad guys."

Katheryn descended into rather deep thought and crossed over to the bookshelf in the small office. After a brief moment, she raised her head with confidence and sighed. "I'll do it."

##

"So here's the plan," Ranger Cordell Walker began, pointing to a large spreadsheet on his desk at the Texas Ranger headquarters. "Here's the warehouse where Riviera is holed up with his drug cartel." He then slid his finger across the page. "And here's the store where we will have our undercover volunteer. We will have several more officers undercover as homeless men patrolling the street during the day. Carlos, it's up to you to see to the young woman we will have undercover during the night."

Ranger James Trivette nodded in agreement. "It would probably be far too suspicious to see the same homeless guys going up and down the street for multiple hours. We will be putting them on the streets in shifts."

Police detective Carlos Sandoval fastened his eyes on the street layout, memorizing every street name, corner, and landmark. He nodded. "Got it."

"Everyone," Miss Alex Cahill announced as she strode into the large office space, "I would like you all to meet Katheryn. She will be volunteering for your undercover operation."

Rangers Walker and Trivette took turns in welcoming the young woman, extending their hands for a firm handshake.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both." Katheryn offered a smile although butterflies danced with freedom inside her.

"And this here is Dallas police detective Carlos Sandoval. He will be undercover with you." Ranger Walker indicated to the young lady.

Detective Sandoval extended his hand. Katheryn stole a glance of the police officer as she placed her hands back at her side. He seemed friendly enough, she thought to herself as the room darkened. A storm was coming in more ways than one she worried, taking a seat next to the detective in front of Ranger Walker's desk.

"Alright. I'll leave you all to it," Miss Cahill smiled and laid her hand on Katheryn's shoulder. "If you need anything…please don't hesitate to give me or the Rangers a call."

Katheryn nodded and watched as Miss Cahill left the room before turning her attention to the task before her. She tried to listen to everything the authorities before her stated, answering all their questions with honesty and receiving their instructions with the utmost attention. The task before her would not be an easy one. She shouldn't even be here. But by some divine intervention, she was the only one that could aid in the apprehension of the loathsome criminals she was destined to face. She took a deep breath as she listened while all these thoughts consumed her.

Once all plans had been put forward and confirmed by all present, the Rangers took their leave to make a bust on a smaller drug ring connected with the one she would soon meet with. Katheryn shuddered at the thought but loved the idea of a bit of adventure. It was a thrill to think she could be the one to help secure these dealers' demise.

Detective Sandoval rose to his full height and offered a smile, "I am on my way to meet a friend of mine. Would you care to join us? It may give us a chance to get better acquainted since we will spending a lot of time near each other soon."

Katheryn only nodded and for the first time was impressed by the officer.

"After you," the detective courteously stepped aside.

The young lady did not expect such a demeanor from someone in law enforcement. In fact, everyone she had met today seemed so down-to-earth and friendly. Not at all like what she had imagined in the past. It had seemed that the only good cops existed on television. It was becoming increasingly apparent that that was far from the truth.

The twosome arrived at the detective's unmarked police car shortly thereafter. Katheryn paused, looked up and around her at the Ranger's headquarters.

Detective Sandoval hopped in the car and leaned across to open the other door. "C'mon."

"Just a second," she replied, glancing at the US and Texas flags flying high and proud. After a brief moment of admiration, she smiled and opened the door wider to get in.

Sandoval put the car in drive and started forward. He glanced over at the young woman as she sat in thought. "Penny for your thoughts?"

Katheryn stifled a smile. "I'm sorry. I wasn't too obvious was I?"

"Nah. Not at all." He offered a smile.

"So…What do you do?" the girl began, hoping to ease her nervous tension and instantly felt ridiculous. She had already discovered his line of work just moments ago…obviously.

But the detective only leaned his head to one side in thought, comfortably resting his hand on the steering wheel as he drove. "Well, I'd like to think I am in somewhat of the superhero line of work. But it's more mundane than you think."

"Oh, I don't think so," she was quick to reply. "Not just anyone should be in law enforcement. It takes integrity and dedication."

"Well, thank you," Carlos returned. "But I have to stay humbled on this one. It is not fun getting beat up all the time or having to risk your life."

"But I can bet you do it bravely," she offered once more.

"I just do my job," he smiled and turned his attention to the road. Only once did he glance over to his passenger when she wasn't looking but instead gazed at the Fort Worth scenery. He cleared his throat nervously and attempted to change the subject. "We, um, we will be there any moment now."

Katheryn only nodded, but then furrowed her brow. "Wait. Where are we going?"

"Just thought I'd step in to say hello to my friend Trent Malloy. We work together a lot. Been best friends since we were kids."

"I see."

"Here we are," the detective announced as they pulled up in front of a parking meter by the sidewalk. He exited his car and hurried to the other side, inserting some change in the meter before open the door for his passenger.

As Katheryn stepped out of the car, she looked the place over almost immediately seeing the sign that read Thunder Karate. Following detective Sandoval inside, she continued to admire her surroundings. The atmosphere was inviting as a brief burst of air conditioning cooled her face. She was glad to be out of the Texas heat for however long possible.

"Carlos!" a tall young man in his twenties greeted the detective and gave him a brotherly hug. "What brings you by here?"

"Just thought I'd come by and check in on you."

"Right," the other man returned sarcastically yet with a smile. "And this lovely lady is?"

"Oh, pardon my manners. Katheryn, this here is Trent Malloy. Trent, this is Katheryn."

Katheryn extended her hand cordially. "It's a pleasure."

Trent Malloy shook her hand firmly. "The pleasure is mine."

"She will be going undercover with me next week. I'm just showing her the ropes," he glanced hopefully toward her.

Katheryn offered a shy smile.

"Just between you and me," Trent began, pretending to hide his words from the detective and aim them only at the young woman, "I'm much better at undercover work than Carlos is."

"I heard that," Sandoval returned evenly.

Katheryn laughed softly and instantly felt at home with the two young gentleman. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Where are you from?" Trent continued their courteous discourse.

"Missouri. I moved here to work with Miss Alex Cahill at her H.O.P.E. facility. It has been a pleasure."

Trent smiled. "That is wonderful. I hear a lot of good things are going on there. I wish you all the best."

"Thank you," Katheryn nodded her thanks with a soft smile.

"If you'd like to stick around I can show you some self-defense moves I taught Carlos here."

Katheryn did not hide her apprehension and took a step back playfully.

"Aw, c'mon," Trent urged. "I'll go easy on you."

"Well, okay!" she shrugged and set aside her handbag.

Carlos took a seat nearby and only needed a bag of popcorn to make his job as spectator perfect.

Trent handed Katheryn a karate uniform. "This should fit you. The restroom is just down the hall."

Katheryn thanked him and hurried down the hall to change.

The vast karate classroom grew quiet as a dark cloud passed over and dimmed the room for a few seconds. Trent took a seat by his best friend. "So, pretty gal you got there."

"Now, Trent, don't start that again."

"What?" Trent shrugged his shoulders as he stifled his laughter. "You go through a girl a week, bud. I had to at least tease."

"Well you've teased. Now stop it." Carlos was not impressed.

Trent snickered and then sighed. A ray of sunshine peeked through the dreary clouds and highlighted the classroom once more. "What's the deal with you going undercover?"

The detective drew in a deep breath. "A drug cartel ring has a major location in a warehouse not far from a bookstore owner. They've threatened him a lot. Katheryn will be posing as the owner's daughter. I will be playing the part of a shady dealer in need of some company.

"It seems that this gang has been attempting to get more followers. One of the threats being made to Mr. Andrews is the fact that he has tried to keep his daughter out of it all. They have threatened to kill him if he doesn't turn her over."

"That sounds dangerous, Carlos," Trent's face grew concerned with worry.

"It is," Carlos admitted, bowing his head with a sigh. "But our hopes is that if they are able to get the young woman to willingly go, then we may have a chance of getting them to talk to someone who knows the right questions to ask them."

"And you'll be right there just in case anything might go array," Trent finished the thought.

Carlos nodded just as Katheryn made her return. "How do I look?" She stood as straight as possible with a proud smile.

"Perfect," Trent clapped his hands and stood, leading her to the practice mat. He taught her basic stance and movements and introduced practical defense mechanisms to her.

Their ever-willing spectator cheered the two on with a broad smile that said he was more than happy to just watch.

After forty-five minutes, Trent complimented her on a job well done and proceeded to hand her a bottled water. "I must say. I am very impressed. Not many twenty year old girls can handle it."

"That's true," Carlos nodded. "He went harder on you than I expected him to."

Katheryn's chuckle of disbelief was followed by a deep breath. "I should have known."

"But you did splendidly. I would have you back anytime."

The young woman smiled her approval and took a seat next to detective Sandoval. A wayward lock of her hair eased out of her ponytail as she rested.

"Um, here," Carlos lifted a hand to move the hair away from her eyes. For one brief moment, neither person knew what to do.

"I bet you could beat Carlos in some one-on-one, Trent." She teased softly, breaking the silence.

Trent laughed. "You heard the little lady."

"Not a chance, Malloy," Carlos rolled his eyes away from Katheryn to Trent.

"Well prove her wrong," Trent invited, pumping his fists into the air playfully.

"Not today," Carlos rose, gently pointing his finger in Trent's direction, "but soon. I'm meeting my partner Andrea for dinner tonight."

Lightening flashed outside accompanied quickly by a rain shower.

"Oh that's too bad," Trent slapped Carlos on the arm. "Say, Katheryn," Trent turned. "Do you have dinner plans tonight?"

Katheryn was caught completely off guard by the question. "Um, I—uh. No. Not tonight."

"Then why don't you ride home with me. I'm sure momma won't mind setting another place."

"I don't know," Katheryn curled her nose slightly as she spoke. "I don't know if that would be appropriate."

"Nonsense. I insist."

Katheryn stood to her feet. "Thank you. I—I suppose I must go change." She chuckled.

"Of course," Trent nodded.

The young lady made her way once again into her previous attire and met back with Trent Malloy in the classroom. "Where is Carlos?"

Trent was busy straightening the place up to close for the evening. "He told me to tell you he will pick you up first thing in the morning at the H.O.P.E. center. He apologized for not saying goodbye but he was getting late for dinner."

His back was turned away as he explained. Katheryn disappointment showed nonetheless as she gathered her small handbag. "I see."

Trent rose to full height and caught a glimpse of her sullen expression as she turned it into a smile to cover the ridiculous notion. "You'll love my mother's fried chicken. I just know it."

She smiled. "You know, that is one thing I haven't yet been able to master. I am a good cook overall. I guess I am just afraid of the popping grease."

"Haha," Trent traversed the room with several items in his hands. He dispersed of them on the other side of the room and then announced he would return in just a moment.

Katheryn awaited him patiently. She scanned the room and relished the moment of quiet. Closing her eyes against the pounding torrents outside, she sighed deeply. But she was then interrupted as the rain became louder for a short second and then returned to its monotonous harmony. The door had been opened. Footstep was followed slowly by another and then another. It sound like boots with its authoritative fervor. She held her guard and steadied herself for who would appear around the corner.

A tall man in cowboy attire wheeled around and chuckled ruefully at the site he had found. "Well, well. If it isn't a pretty little filly we got ourselves here."

Katheryn had stifled a gasp as her heart continued to pound rather loudly against her chest. "What do you want?"

"Oh, I ain't got a buff with you, little lady. But I'd sure appreciate if you could tell me where that punk Trent Malloy is."

"I'm right here," Trent announced, wonderfully catching the villain off guard.

The stranger wheeled his fist into the air at Trent and was met with a brilliant round-house kick to his face instigated by Trent.

Katheryn smiled.

The stranger attempted yet another assault on Trent only to be met by three punches, one after the other, in the face. He fell on the floor with a thud…cold…and lifeless.

Trent wiped at his bloody lip with the inside of his hand and looked his hand over. He brushed it off as nothing and focused his attention on the young woman. "Are you okay?"

Katheryn nodded eagerly. "Once my heart rate returns to normal, I'll get back with you on that."

Trent couldn't help but smile at her remark. "You sound like Carlos."

"Is that a good or bad thing?" Katheryn's eyes narrowed.

Trent only laughed softly and pulled out his cell phone. He dialed a number quickly and put the device to his ear. "Walker, I've got a man here who tried to assault me and threaten a young woman." He paused as the other party spoke. "Alright. Ten minutes. Thanks." He hung up and sighed. "Ranger Walker will be here in ten minutes to take this guy in."

Trent was perplexed and sat down nearby. He seemed to be talking to himself as he spoke. "Who is this guy?"

Katheryn rose to her full height and crossed to the vast window. "I've never looked into the face of danger before, Mr. Malloy," she spoke as she watched the raindrops fall swiftly and with ease.

Trent raised his eyes towards her.

"I have never known what it is like to look a bad guy in the eyes and fear for your life," she continued. "It's terrifying. But I'm not afraid for some reason. I know you were here. But he could have had his way before you returned."

Trent contemplated her words. "Do you think you will be able to handle that undercover job?"
Katheryn fully turned to face him and cocked her head ever so slightly. "For the first time since Miss Cahill told me about the plan, I actually feel quite confident about it. It still frightens me. But I want to do it."

Trent smiled from the corner of his lips as he leaned forward with his hands clasped together. "That's good. You sound confident. Just still be careful. You never know what a gang like that is capable of."

She nodded in return and sighed deeply, musing over all that had transpired today.

After about five minutes, a large silver Dodge RAM pulled up to the building and the two Texas Rangers she had met previously emerged.

"They're here," she announced and crossed the room as the Rangers entered.

"Everyone alright?" Ranger Trivette looked her way.

She nodded towards Trent. "I'm okay. But Trent's got a busted lip."

Trent waved off her concern. "I've had worse."

"Alright…" Ranger Walker jerked the villain up by the collar, rousing the man only slightly.

Thankfully the rains had since ceased as Katheryn followed with Trent closely behind the Rangers into the open air. Ranger Walker let down the bed of his truck and dispensed of the man there. Her widened eyes eased up to face Trent in disbelief.

"Yep. That's Ranger Walker for you," Trent teased as he locked up the building. "See you later, guys," he directed towards the Rangers before unlocking his blue Mustang. The car beeped loudly just as he reached for the handle on the driver's side and got in.

"Sweet ride," Katheryn complimented as she settled into the passenger seat.

"Thanks," Trent beamed, cranking up the boisterous engine and revving it a couple of times with a smile before accelerating forward.

##

Neither Trent nor Katheryn said very much as they traveled the distance to his home. It was a fifteen-minute drive give or take, Trent had stated as they left the karate school. The young woman only nodded and turned to watch the buildings and foliage pass them by. For some reason she could not stop thinking about detective Sandoval. She flashed a sarcastic smile to herself as she looked away. Trent never noticed her fleeting emotion and continued with his eyes fastened on the long stretch of two-lane highway before them. The road was sparse with traffic and only two or three cars had passed them in the last four miles.

"So," Trent broke the formidable silence. "I must warn you."

Katheryn's eyes grew wider as she lifted her eyebrows, turning to face her driver. "Oh?"

The young man chuckled. "I have a little sister and two younger brothers."

"Oh," Katheryn responded, this time with a smile of relief.

"Not to worry," he continued. "My little sister is the sweetest. And my brothers, well, they can be a handful. But their hearts are in the right place most of the time."

"That's good to hear," she replied flatly.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"Afraid not," she answered with a frown.

"That's unfortunate," he paused. "Although…part of me envies you."

The twosome shared a brief laugh as Trent steered the car to the right as they entered a subdivision.

"This place is very lovely," Katheryn was quick to admire as she watched several lots pass by in a brief moment. "Let see if I can guess which house is yours before we get there."

"If you insist." Trent slowed down as to comply with her wish.

The girl scanned left and right and down the street a ways. "This is harder than I thought it would be," she smiled as she turned again to her right and within a short amount of time noticed a long driveway. The house could only be seen slightly from the road.

As Trent accelerated forward just a bit as to indicate they were getting closer. She noticed the driveway encased by brick columns that led into the large garage entrance.

She nodded and tipped her head to her right as she looked at her driver. "Is this it?"

"You betcha," he smiled and turned into the lane.

"I, um, confess that your little sister and your younger brothers partially gave it away to me."

"Indeed," he waved briefly at his siblings as he passed into the enclosed area beyond the brick columns.

"Trent!" the little girl called and lept into her older brother's arms as he got out of the car.

"Hey there!" Trent embraced his sister and gave her firm hug before letting her down.

"Come on, Trent! Come see the swing set mom helped us set up today. Even HE helped," she rolled her eyes toward her older brother.

The middle child shook his head and turned towards the house.

"Whoa, now, you two. There's someone here you need to meet."

Both younger siblings halted their eager steps and faced Trent's deep blue 70's Mustang. They looked onward, obviously unaccustomed to strange people emerging from their brother's prized possession.

Katheryn eased the door open and slowly emerged, standing to her full height and raising a hand to say hello. She stood awaiting with the door still wide open.

The little girl wrinkled her forehead and slowly turned to her oldest brother and asked in a rather loud, raspy whisper. "Who is she?"

Trent smiled softly and returned her question with an equally raspy whisper, "She's the queen of England."

The other young man belted out a laugh.

"Is she your girlfriend?" the little girl continued, keeping her eyes engaged upon the stranger.

"No, honey," Trent assured. "She's just a friend."

"Right," Trent's first younger brother guffawed and tossed his basketball to the edge of the driveway before turning back towards the house. "Something sure smells good," he tossed over his shoulder as he walked.

The little girl raised her face into the air and sniffed. "Momma's making fried chicken!" With that, the wee one was off in a flash and zoomed past her brother and into the house before he had even know what had happened.

Trent chuckled under his breath, proud of his siblings, as he turned to face his guest. "C'mon. I'll introduce you to mom."

Katheryn followed closely as they entered the large two-story cottage.

Trent's mother greeted her son with a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Welcome home, son. And…," she turned to the young lady, "Who is our guest?"

"Mom, this is Katheryn. She will be working undercover with Carlos for a few weeks. I thought she would enjoy some of your home cooking before she is forced to eat all the take-out we can provide her with on the job," Trent looked towards Katheryn as he spoke and then turned to face his mom.

"And right you are, young man," the comely lady nodded firmly with an oncoming smile. She moved closer and took Katheryn's hand in hers gently, leading her into the kitchen. "Come now. I'll get something to drink."

Trent's younger brother came up behind Trent as the two women slowly walked away. "She seemed to be comfortable enough already. Especially with you," he punch his older brother softly in his side.

Trent feigned a defeated groan as he then shuffled around his teenage brother's hair playfully with the palm of his hand.

"Now you three go wash up. Supper's almost ready," their mom called, pouring the young woman a glass of lemonade and handing it to her.

"Sure thing," Trent playfully shoved his brother forward as they both headed for the bathroom.

Katheryn settled herself against the countertop's edge and took a sip of the refreshingly cool drink. She glanced around the room and sighed. "This is a beautiful home, Mrs. Malloy."

The woman beamed as she dished up the fried chicken. "Thank you, hon." She then began spooning up the mashed potatoes.

"I mean it, ma'am. You are really blessed," Katheryn insisted.

Mrs. Malloy paused and faced her directly, squeezing the girl's hand firmly. "If only my husband could hear you say those words."

Katheryn perked up. "Oh, yes. I almost forgot. Will Mr. Malloy be in soon? I am eager to meet him. He has such a wonderful family in you all."

A tear slid down the woman's face as she returned to dishing the food. "He is no longer with us, dear."

"Oh," Katheryn withdrew her comment inwardly, wishing she had not spoken so soon. "I—I'm sorry."

"You had no way of knowing, child," Mrs. Malloy offered comforting words as she hoisted the large bowl of chicken into one hand and the potatoes in the other. She half turned as she balanced the food, "Would you mind helping me out, dear, and bringing that bowl salad. It's just inside the refrigerator."

"Of course," Katheryn beamed and eagerly sprung to her task at hand. Opening the fridge door with one hand, she gripped the salad bowl and set in on the counter, aimlessly glancing the fridge's contents over as she closed the door.

She followed the voices to guide her to the dining room and found the room quickly. It was conveniently adjacent and was bright with its round wooden table and open layout leading to the next rooms beyond. It was a quaint little house. Yet it was cozy, Katheryn had concluded as she smiled satisfactorily and set the salad on the table.

"Oh, you're a dear," Mrs. Malloy thanked Katheryn. "If you'd like to wash up, the bathroom is just down the hall. Here, I'll show you."

Katheryn followed her host down the hall and thanked Mrs. Malloy before taking full advantage of the services before her. As she washed her hands, she eased her hand over the faucet and slowly pushed the handle back to turn the water off as she easily lifted her gaze to meet the eyes that greeted her directly.

This was herself. Her own image. She ignored her dripping hands as she gazed at her features, unsure just how what had transpired today had happened. She had no reason to be among these kind folks. She should go back to Missouri. Why had she left? Had just some whim caused her to pursue life in Dallas working for a charity organization? She was a writer…a news journalist. How had she convinced herself that this was the life for her?

Now…she remained in the middle of a dangerous volunteer operation with the Texas Rangers and police force. How on earth had that happened? How had she been the only one they knew that would fit the bookstore owner's daughter's description. Surely there could have been some else.

Katheryn sighed and surrendered her reverie, remembering her entire afternoon and the kind demeanor of everyone she had met…especially Detective Sandoval. She had never expected a police officer to be so…cordial. Yet he was. He was himself.

His handsome features flashed before her memory as she closed her eyes. His raven-black hair and calm smile.

Her eyes fluttered back open quickly from shame as she tidied up her mess and swiftly found her way back to the Malloy's dining room, pausing once to gather herself before entering the room and being seen.

"There she is," Trent announced. "We were just about to send the posse to find you."

A soft laugh cascaded around the room.

Trent stood swiftly and crossed the room, pulling a vacant chair out for their guest. Katheryn eased into it as he, as any gentleman would, securing the seat beneath her. He reclaimed his own chair and accepted the potatoes as his little sister handed them to him.

Mrs. Malloy was pleased much to Katheryn's relief. She was worried Trent's forwardness of bringing a guest home would not set well with his family members. But on the contrary, they welcomed her with open arms and treated her as family…as one of their own.

Katheryn accepted the chicken from Mrs. Malloy as it was given to her with a smile. She paused, yet everyone continued to tease and carry on with talking about their days and what was on their mind. A smile eased over her face. In that one moment she vowed to make a home like this someday with the man God would place into her life. The atmosphere of a family spending time together who truly loved each other and was dedicated to each other's well-being was something she admired immensely.