Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Many thanks to those who reviewed the previous Chapters. I hope you enjoy Chapter 6.

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Chapter 6

Just after 5:30 that night Gage and Max arrived at Sydney's house to pick up her and Sam. Within ten minutes the four were in Gage's car headed toward the Walker's ranch. Sam listened quietly to her friends chatter, not joining in but occasionally smiling. As Gage drove along, Syd teased him incessantly from the seat next to him about the many mishaps he had been in with various vehicles. Max would join in with a laugh when new stories were shared, helping to pick on his new friend.

"And it's not just cars," Syd was saying as Gage tried unsuccessfully to defend himself. "How about the time you got the drive belt on your Indian cut and ended up traveling with two female escaped convicts?"

"What?!" exclaimed Max from the backseat. "How do you get yourself into these things?"

"I was trying to defend them from two jerks," stated Gage. "How was I to know those idiots would sabotage my bike before taking off? And I didn't know the women were escaped convicts. I didn't even know there had been a jail break."

"And not just any escaped convicts," added Syd as she half turned to look at Max who was behind Gage. "Hitch was a serial killer who had taken out, what was it Gage, four or five former lovers?"

"It was only three," claimed Gage defensively.

"Yeah, only," Syd went on with a wry grin. "And Laura Pope had been convicted of killing her lover, who was also her husband's business partner."

"So was it just your charm that got you out alive?" queried Max sarcastically.

"Hitch did try to kill him first," continued Syd helpfully.

"Hey," put in Gage, "Laura was acquitted of the charges against her when we found out her husband had framed her. Isn't there something else we can talk about?"

Sydney and Max laughed at Gage's clear discomfort over where this conversation was going. Then Max looked to his right at Sam who was staring blankly out the window watching the scenery pass as she listened to the banter. He stealthily slid his hand across the seat and grasped hers with a gentle squeeze. She turned to look at him and was met with a kind smile just before he let go and faced forward once again.

"Gage," asked Sam a moment later, "when you saw Walker this afternoon did he say anything more about why I need to be there tonight?"

"Sorry, Sam," replied Gage as he caught her eye in the rearview mirror. "We didn't talk much after we got back. Max and I started our paperwork and Walker and Trivette went to interrogate some of the men from the bust. They came back in about an hour before we finished and Walker took a call. Then they said they were going to see the coroner and would meet us at the ranch."

"Don't worry," put in Syd, "if it was anything serious he wouldn't make you wait to find out what it was."

"I just can't imagine," returned Sam with a puzzled look.

"Well, you won't have to wait long," said Gage. "We're here." With that he turned up the drive to the ranch. "I wonder who that is?" he finished as they all looked toward the house. Parked next to Walker's silver truck was another Ram, a quad cab with a long bed. It had a custom paint job, midnight blue with a woodland mural on both sides that showed a wolf howling at a full moon. In the back window was a bumper sticker that declared: Silly Boys, Trucks Are For Girls. Leaning against the tailgate talking to Walker and Trivette was a man just taller than them wearing blue jeans and a western shirt, with black boots and a white Stetson.

"You're kidding me!" exclaimed Sam as Gage brought the car to a halt. Before the engine was off she was out the door and headed toward the men. "Uncle Jacob!" she called loudly as she approached. "What are you doing here?"

He reached for her with open arms as he returned her greeting. "Hey, Kiddo! It's good to see you. I wish it was under different circumstances." The two embraced before Sam introduced him to everyone.

"Uncle Jake, this is Gage and Sydney," Sam began.

"I believe I've met you both before in Houston," stated Jake as he shook their hands.

"Yes, sir," replied Gage. "It's good seeing you again."

"Likewise. I understand the two of you have developed quite a reputation, not only as individual Rangers but as partners."

"Thank you," put in Syd.

"And this is Max Bowen, Uncle Jake," continued Sam.

"It's an honor, sir," said Max as they grasped hands.

"The pleasure's mine, son," returned Jake warmly. "Now to answer your question, Sammy," he went on as he put an arm around Sam's shoulders and moved toward the porch, "I'm here on official business. I had to come up and positively identify Tobias as the man I saw at the bust. So I figured while I was here I may as well see my favorite niece and bring her truck to her."

"Well thank you," answered Sam. "But I think I should tell my friends that I'm your only niece. And how are you getting back home if you leave my truck here?"

"J.T.'s going to pick me up," Jake replied. "You remember my partner, Joe. He couldn't get away today, so J.T. said he would bring him up in the morning and fly us both home. Joe needs to verify that Tobias was who he saw drag Bryce out of the warehouse. So, I have to meet J.T. and him at the Dallas Executive Airport tomorrow at nine."

"Who's J.T.?" asked Syd.

"My oldest brother," supplied Sam. "He's a pilot." They made their way inside where Alex and Erika were putting the finishing touches on dinner. Then they all helped carry things to the picnic table outside to eat.

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Alex sat in the nursery rocker feeding Angela and talking with the women, who had brought in some extra chairs.

"It sure was nice of the guys to offer to cleanup after dinner," said Erika.

"Well, I think Walker's worried that I'm over-doing it," put in Alex. "Truth be told, I do have to be careful. I get worn out so quickly these days."

"I'm just surprised he could get Gage and Jimmy to help," added Syd with a laugh.

"Speaking of Jimmy," stated Alex as she moved the baby to her shoulder, "how are the wedding plans coming? It's only a month away."

"Well, we are going to keep it small," declared Erika. "We have my church lined up for the ceremony, and will probably just have the reception in the fellowship hall. I already have my dress, and of course you know about the fitting this weekend for the bridesmaids dresses. Jimmy is supposed to be taking the guys for their tux fittings then, too. Daddy is going to join them. He's been trying to find ways to spend time with Jimmy, but you all know how hard it is to nail down a Ranger." At this the ladies shared a laugh.

"Since we're talking about nailing down Rangers," continued Alex with a sly grin toward Sydney, "how are you and Gage doing? Any wedding bells planned for you in the near future?"

"No," stated Syd strongly, with a shake of her head as she blushed. "I don't foresee that happening any time soon, if ever."

"Oh, come on," goaded Erika. "Anyone who sees you two together knows that you were made for each other."

"We only just started dating," added Syd skeptically.

"But really, you've been together a lot longer," put in Alex. "Those feelings were there long before either one of you wanted to acknowledge them. I think he might surprise you. Besides, you are the one who has been playing hard to get. Don't think I've missed him flirting with you, and you putting him off."

"I just can't see Gage wanting to get married," claimed Syd. The three other ladies didn't miss the wistfulness in her eyes that the tone of her voice tried to hide.

Sam, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "In Gage's eyes, there is no other woman in the world he will ever want to be with. I don't think it will take him long to take the next step."

"Well, we'll see," Sydney finished. Then to change the subject she asked, "Is Angela letting you get any sleep yet, Alex?"

Seeing Sydney's purpose behind the question, Alex smiled and replied, "We've settled into a nice routine, but anything more than two hours sleep is still evading us." The women continued to talk, while Alex changed Angela's diaper, before going back downstairs to join the men.

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Max and Jake stood at the bar looking into the kitchen where Walker, Trivette, and Gage were busy cleaning up from supper. Walker was washing the dishes and Trivette and Gage were drying them and putting them away.

"Sounds like the case is going to wrap up nicely," stated Jake.

"Yeah," said Walker as he handed Jimmy a plate. "Once Palmer and the others found out that The Boss was dead they became very cooperative. We learned that Palmer was the one who found Sam for Granger and discovered Bryce Daniels was DPS. After he identified Granger for us, he started talking. I think it helped that Lyle had seen and heard what happened at the warehouse. Otherwise, we probably wouldn't have gotten as much from Palmer."

"Not only that," added Jimmy, "once Palmer rolled, it was much easier to nail Thomas as well."

"I just wish we could have taken care of Granger before Sam had to," put in Max. All the men murmured their agreement at that. At that point the ladies came back down the stairs.

"Walker, are you almost done in there?" asked Alex.

"We're just finishing up," he returned. "Shall I put on some coffee?"

"Sounds good," returned Alex. The ladies moved out to the porch and were followed shortly by the men.

"Jimmy, did you remind the guys about the tux fitting this weekend?" queried Erika.

"Yeah, Honey," replied Trivette. "And I let Giovanni know what time to expect us."

"You are going to keep Gage away from them, aren't you?" asked Walker.

"Hey!" cried Gage. "Trivette was there, too!"

"Yeah, but you were the one that kicked the grenade under the car," countered Jimmy.

"I know I missed something," declared Jake as he watched the ladies laugh at the guys. Alex filled him in on the inside joke.

"Don't worry, Walker," continued Jimmy with a grin. "When Giovanni found out who the tuxes were for he said he'd have two sets ordered just in case." At this everyone burst out laughing except Gage.

"What!?" he exclaimed. "Aw, man, am I ever gonna live this down?"

"Probably not, Sweetie," put in Syd as she smiled up at him and wrapped her arm around his waist. Gage returned the gesture, but continued to grumble. Jake watched their behavior as he leaned on the support post next to Sam.

"Sam," began Jake, "do you have any plans for tomorrow? I know J.T. was hoping to see you."

"My morning is tied up," she responded. "Gage, Syd, Max, and I are taking our bikes out. Maybe we could meet sometime before you have to leave."

"I have an idea," he continued, "how about we meet up for lunch at your grill? Will it be available by then?"

Sam dropped her eyes to the floor and paused before answering. "The cleaners told me that C.D.'s can reopen tomorrow afternoon. But I hadn't planned on going in. I don't really need to be there. Tom can handle things for me."

Jake felt his niece tense up beside him and everyone became quiet. "I tell you what," he went on, "I'll call you when our business is taken care of and we can plan something then."

"Alright," she returned, her eyes still downcast.

"That coffee is probably ready," declared Alex as she passed her sleepy daughter to her daddy. "Here, Cowboy, please put her to bed for me. Erika, would you help me get the coffee please?"

"Sure thing," she replied.

Everyone went back in to sit in the living room, pulling in extra chairs from the dining room. Talk ran along general lines for the next half hour before Jimmy and Erika said they needed to go.

"Thanks so much for dinner, Alex," said Erika as she gave her a hug at the door. "We'll see you all tomorrow."

"Thanks for your help," Alex said.

"Bye, everyone," stated Jimmy with a wave. They all chorused their goodbyes as the couple left.

"We should probably go, too," noted Sydney as she looked at Gage. They were sitting side by side on the couch and she was leaning against his left side. His left arm was wrapped around her while her right arm rested on his leg.

"I'm guessing you two are a little more than partners," inquired Jake with a smile. "How long has this been going on?"

"They've been together for awhile," answered Walker in defense of his team. "Don't worry; Captain Barrett doesn't have a problem with it."

"Who would?" retorted Jake. "From what I hear, their record speaks for itself." Then he looked back at Gage and Syd. "I'm happy for you. It's hard in this line of work to find someone. Best of luck to you."

"Thank you, sir," said Gage.

"Will you please call me Jake?" he returned with a grin. Then he looked at Sam. "If y'all are leaving I need to get you your keys."

"Do you need to borrow my truck until you leave?" she asked.

"No, ma'am," he replied. "Walker offered to let me stay here tonight and take me into town tomorrow, then to the airport. J.T. is renting a car for the morning, that way you won't have to chauffer us around."

"Alright," Sam continued. "I'll take my truck back to Syd's tonight then." They all stood up and moved outside. As Syd tried to get up off the couch, her leg buckled and she sat right back down.

"You okay, Shorty?" queried Gage with alarm.

"Yeah," Syd answered. "My leg is just a little stiff."

At that Gage got a mischievous grin and proceeded to scoop her up in his arms and head out the door.

"Francis Gage, you put me down this instant!" shrieked Syd as she struggled against his grasp.

"No way, Shorty," he retorted. "This is probably the only time I'll be able to get away with this, since I know you can't whip me with a sore leg. Just consider it payback for teasing me so much in the car." He grinned down at her red face as their friends laughed.

"Syd, you want to ride with me back to the house?" questioned Sam as she tried to stifle her laughter.

"Well I don't want to be in the same car with him," called Syd as she continued to struggle against Gage.

"Oh, is that so?" countered Gage in mock seriousness before he began to spin around, causing Syd to wrap her arms tight around his neck for fear of flying out of his arms.

"Francis, so help me!" she yelled.

"Just put her here, Gage," Sam said as she opened the front passenger door to her truck. Gage deposited Syd in the seat then stood back and grinned while she glared at him.

"You'll get yours," stated Syd with a glint in her eye.

"Gage, you just may have bitten off more than you can chew," chided Walker with a smile. The laughter subsided as everyone gathered around the truck to say goodbye.

"Here's your keys, Sammy," remarked Jake as he handed them over.

Sam took her keys and turned to observe at her truck. A faraway look came into her eyes as she studied the mural. Trees ran across the front portion and ended where the front door met the back door, picking up again at the rear wheel well and wrapping around the tailgate. The middle area depicted a clearing, with a lake portrayed in the background. Near the front of the bed facing the doors, a lone wolf was shone standing in the clearing, howling at the full moon positioned high on the back door over the trees. Sam slowly reached out and ran her fingers along the back of the wolf. Without taking her eyes off the picture she asked, "Uncle Jake, how's Cesar?" Her voice was soft and wistful.

Everyone paused at the clearly personal behavior.

"He's fine, Kiddo. I spoke with him before I left this morning. He understands."

"Good," Sam replied then she turned to face him. "So, I'll see you tomorrow?" she continued as she held out her arms.

"You bet," he exclaimed as he embraced her.

Everyone began saying goodbye and Gage told Sam he and Max would follow her to Syd's house.

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The ride home was quiet for the first several minutes, as Sam and Syd were both lost in their own thoughts. Finally Sam glanced over at Syd to see her grin impishly.

"You're thinking about getting back at Gage, aren't you?" queried Sam with a knowing smile.

"Maybe just a bit," replied Syd as her smirk widened. Then she turned to Sam. "What were you thinking about?" Syd could tell that Sam was recalling fond memories by her distant stare and soft smile.

"Cesar," she answered. "He is a long-time, dear friend. I couldn't tell him when I left Houston or why."

"Was there more than that?"

"No. We never dated. We grew up together. His parents are from Mexico. My parents sponsored them when I was four and helped them to become naturalized citizens. His father is our groundskeeper and his mother is our cook. Cesar is the same age as me and we went to school together. He owns his own car detailing shop now. He's the one who painted my truck."

"How did you come up with the design?"

"That was Cesar's idea," Sam answered after a brief pause, and then she fell silent for the next several seconds. "I wonder what the boys are talking about?" she finally said as she looked in the rear view mirror.

Syd nodded softly, her mind mulling over what Sam had just shared with her, before she responded. "Gage is probably bragging on how he thinks he got one over on me." At this both ladies began to laugh.

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"You do know she's gonna kill you the first chance she gets?" stated Max as he watched Gage's grin broaden.

"I just couldn't resist," Gage replied. "There's nothing she hates more than being treated like she's helpless when she's not. But I'm certain she won't be forgetting this." He glanced at Max and both men laughed.

"You're a glutton for punishment," remarked Max. Slowly his smile faded before he continued. "I wonder who this Cesar is."

For a moment Gage observed Max's face, and noticed that he was studying the truck in front of them. "I'm sure Sam will tell us when she's ready. She's a very private person you know."

"Yeah," was all Max said.

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Sam parked in front of Sydney's house and stepped out, and Syd followed suit. They made their way to the front door as Gage parked, and then he and Max came after them. The four entered the house together, with Gage trying to get back into Syd's good graces.

"Come on, Syd," Gage pleaded, "I was just trying to be helpful."

"Yeah, right," retorted Syd, maintaining an aloof stance. "You were trying to embarrass me, and you succeeded with flying colors by the way."

"Shorty, I wouldn't want to hurt you, you know that," he continued in a pitiful tone.

Sydney sat down at the table and virtually ignored him as she addressed the others. "So what's the plan for tomorrow?"

"Well, how early do we want to leave and where do we want to have breakfast?" put in Sam. The talk ran along those lines as they made plans for the next day. They decided to get an early start and have breakfast out. Finally the guys got up to leave.

"Can I have a word with you before you leave, Gage?" asked Syd with a discreet wink to Sam.

"Good night, boys," Sam said as she went down the hall to her room.

"Night, ladies," replied Max. "I'll wait for you in the car, Gage."

Syd watched Max climb in the car and shut the door before she turned to Gage, who stood on the stoop outside the front door.

"Syd, I'm sorry," Gage began with a sheepish grin. "I was just trying to have some fun."

Syd sighed as she struggled to maintain her composure. "I know, Gage," she stated as she began to trace the fingers of her left hand up and down his chest while her right hand slipped across his shoulders until her fingers were playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. "You were just trying to be helpful, and have some fun. I just wish you would have at least asked me first. Perhaps I was too hard on you." Here she looked up at him from under her lashes and stepped forward to press herself firmly against him. "I guess I forgive you," she whispered softly. Then she slowly turned her face up to his as she pulled him closer. She pressed her lips to his in a soft, full kiss, and slid her left arm around his waist then began caressing his back, occasionally letting her hand wander just below his beltline. She waited for him to fully respond, leaning in to her and drawing her close, and then she began trailing kisses across his cheek as she felt his mouth move to her neck. When her lips reached his ear she breathed softly, "I think now I'll go strip off my clothes and soak in a long, hot shower before slipping into bed." She felt him tense and freeze then she stepped away from him, noting that he stood stock still with his mouth hanging slightly open and holding his breath. "Good night, Handsome. I hope you sleep well," she finished, looking out from under her lashes with her head dipped and a slight smile, before shutting the door. Then she smiled to herself.

Gage stood staring at the closed door for a few seconds, unable to get out of his mind the images she had just planted there, before he turned and went to his car. He sat down in the driver's seat and stared straight ahead with the keys in his hand, forcing control into his breathing.

"Gage?" asked Max. "Everything alright?"

"I am never doing that to her again," was all he said before he started the car and pulled out.

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To be continued….