It was the first time Caroline had spoken his true name. “Because of what happened,” she began, her voice barely a whisper, “before you rescued me, I’m barren. The surgery my father performed saved my life, but rendered me unable to conceive. I must, in good faith, tell you this, because a man has a right to a wife who will bear him offspring and provide him a family. This I cannot do.”

He felt her tears trickle down his chest onto his stomach. He reached down and turned her face back to meet his.

“You’re all the family I want,” Pritchard said, “or need. I’m askin’ you, Caroline, will you marry me?”

“Are you sure?” she asked, anguish in her voice. “You say that now, but someday, you might have regrets. You may want children of your own.”

“I want you,” Pritchard said. “Just you. I asked you a question. I’m waiting for an answer.”

“Yes,” she said, her tears of sorrow becoming tears of joy. “I’d be honored to marry you.”

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

When Pritchard and Caroline returned to the Fort Worth Grand Hotel late that afternoon, Benjamin Woodruff was not a happy man. He was most displeased that Caroline, whom he reminded was his ward, had chosen to run off for the day without divulging her destination or whereabouts.

His mood lightened considerably when she told him she and Pritchard were engaged.

While Caroline and Woodruff went off to the telegraph office to wire her parents the good news, Pritchard sought out Captain Franchard. He found the grizzled Ranger inside the saloon across from the hotel, nursing a whiskey and holding court until supper, as had been his custom each day since arriving in Fort Worth.

“Captain Franchard,” Pritchard said, removing his hat. “I’d like to have a word with you, if you please?”

“Sure,” Franchard said, gesturing to an empty seat. “Sit down. You’re making me nervous, standing there with your hat in your hand. You look like you just swallowed a frog. What’s on your mind?”

“I’d like to request a leave of absence,” Pritchard said.

“We’ve been ridin’ together more’n five years, Joe. This is the first time you’ve ever asked for so much as a day off. Lord knows you’re entitled. You mind if I ask why?”

“I’m going to Austin,” he said. “To get married.”

“I see,” Franchard said. “No doubt to that pretty young lass I met in your company?”

“Miss Caroline Biggs.” Pritchard nodded. “That is correct.”

“Can’t say I blame you. And after the wedding?”

“I’m thinking about turning in my star,” Pritchard said, “and resigning from the Rangers.”

“Rangerin’ ain’t exactly conducive to a successful marriage,” Franchard said, “that’s a fact. I can attest to it personally. You sure this is what you want to do?”

“I’m positive,” Pritchard said. “She’s the one.”