Page 63 of The Cowboy Texas Ranger's Very Special Agent

There must be more than fifty women in attendance. When Vic’s mom planned something, she went big all the way. He kissed Vic’s temple. “Are you excited to find out what our baby will be?”

“Totally.” She smiled. “It’ll be great to put the finishing touches on the nursery, won’t it?”

He gave a playful groan. “More work on the baby’s room?”

She elbowed him gently. “Yes, cowboy. More work on the baby’s room. I want it to reflect whether we’re having a boy or a girl.” She leaned against him. “I can’t believe how many ladies came today. I think Mom knows every woman who comes to church.”

He chuckled. “It’ll take you hours to open all the gifts.”

She sighed and rubbed her belly. “That’s the truth—but isn’t it sweet that they all came? After all, I don’t even go to church that often anymore.”

He tightened his arm. “Of course it is, honey.”

Vic’s mother Elvira hadn’t planned a traditional game for the shower, knowing that quite a few guests would be showing up. Instead, each woman was decorating a quilt square that would be added to a keepsake baby quilt that Elvira’s best friend would sew together. Two sets of fabric pens were set out on each table, and a low buzz of happy conversation filled the room.

Fifteen minutes later, Vic’s mother raised her voice to get everyone’s attention. “We’re going to reveal the gender now, ladies. Stay seated while we pass out your custom poppers. And remember, don’t pull the string until I tell you to.”

Vic looked at Cal. “Custom poppers? How fun!”

Cal smiled. He loved it when she got excited. “We’ll know in a couple of minutes, honey. I’ll be happy whether it’s a boy or a girl.”

“You mean a little cowboy or a little cowgirl, right? Because I know that’s what you’re going to make them.”

He chuckled. “I sure will. We’ll be making a lot more trips to the ranch from now on.”

Her cousin came up to the table and handed them each a popper. “I’ll bet you two are dying to know, right?”

“Yep!” Cal said and looked the popper over. It looked just like something you’d get to celebrate New Year’s Eve only it was colored pink and blue. “Hm, this is pretty cool.”

A moment later, Vic’s mom came up to the table. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Are you two ready to pull your strings?”

“We sure are!” Vic said happily.

Cal held his popper in the air.

Her mom said, “Get ready, everyone. When I drop my arm, everyone pop their poppers.”

Cal watched her arm carefully and then yanked on the string. With a loud pop, blue confetti and glitter shot upwards and then settled onto his shoulders. He looked at Vic, who was also covered in glitter, and cried, “We’re having a boy, honey!”

She threw her arms around him, and he hugged her to his chest. “I’ll teach him how to ride and rope, and someday he’ll be a cowboy just like me.”

She laughed through her tears and handed him one of the gifts that had been sitting on the table beside her. “I had this made just in case we were having a boy.”

He tore open the paper and opened the small box. Inside was a little white onesie with a huge Texas Ranger’s silver badge on the front. The name space was emblazoned with “Ryder”, the boy’s name they’d chosen. Cal held it up to get a better look and grinned. “Honey, this is so cute. I can’t believe you did this.”

“I wanted it to be a boy just so we could use it. It’s adorable.” She leaned against him. “Oh, honey, I’m so happy.”

He took her into his arms and kissed her softly. “I am, too, sweetheart. You’ve made me the happiest man alive.” And it would only get better with this woman of his dreams.

SNEAK PEEK: THE COWBOY TEXAS RANGER’S TEMPORARY WIFE

Maverick Decker entered the Black Horse Café in downtown Austin and found a table in Jasmine Garner’s section. He always sat where she could be his waitress. In the five years since he’d been coming to the café, they’d become friends, and he looked forward to chatting with her when he ate there.

She turned and smiled at him, holding up a finger to tell him that she’d be over in a minute. He smiled back and nodded. Having just gotten back in town, he was hungry. He’d skipped lunch, and breakfast had been a long time ago.

Jaz, knowing his preferences, came over with two cups and a pot of coffee. “Hello, stranger. Haven’t seen you in a while. Been out of town on some secret Texas Ranger business?”

He grinned as she poured coffee into his cup. “I’ve been out on Ranger business, yes, but it’s not all that secret. At first, I was at the Dallas office for meetings. Did you miss me?”

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