Cordero and Alexandra met 56 days ago.

PREVIOUS POST:

Judge Picket lifted his gavel. "The medical costs and the child support will be awarded depending on DNA results." He stood. "I'll issue a restraining order. That should help with the other issues." The judge slammed the gavel.

TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 29 B

Outside the courthouse Lisa hugged Alexandra. "Thank you for everything. At least Judge Picket is aware of what's going on."

"That's true. We knew nothing would be decided until the DNA results were in. Now we wait."

Lisa glanced toward the bakery and sighed. "Again, thank you for everything. I better get to work."

After Lisa left, Cordero cupped Alexandra's elbow. "We've both been busy. How about we take time for a picnic?"

She swallowed. "Okay. What can I do?"

"Nothing. I've preordered everything. I didn't want Mom to have any extra work." Cordero faced the grocery store. "I just need to pick it up." He opened the pickup door for her. "I'll be right back." Within minutes, he returned with a picnic basket.

Cord drove toward the ranch. Ali's sure being quiet. I wonder if those kisses we shared the other night upset her. He interrupted the silence, "I haven't taken you to one of my favorite places. I thought it'd be perfect for our picnic."

"Sounds nice."

Cordero parked and helped Alexandra from the pickup before he grabbed the picnic basket and blanket. He pointed toward a path. "This way. It isn't far."

At an area overlooking a field of wildflowers, he spread the blanket. Alexandra released a deep breath. "It's beautiful."

"I thought you'd like it."

They both sat and then Cordero set out a meat and cheese board, with containers holding a variety of fresh berries and vegetables, and baguettes. For drinks he poured sparkling water.

Wiping an escaped tear, Alexandra said, "You've gone to so much trouble."

"I wanted to make it special."

"It is."

"Since Tuesday, we haven't seen much of each other. I've missed our time together."

Alexandra avoided eye contact.

Yep, something's bothering her. He took a bite of cheese and watched Alexandra. "Please help yourself."

She took a slice of meat and bit into it. "This is good."

Brushing the side of her cheek with his finger, he said, "I know you well enough to know something's wrong. What is it?"

"To be honest I've been avoiding you."

His eyebrows rose. "Why?" He hesitated. "Those kisses a few nights ago...Did they make you uncomfortable?"

"After I changed from falling into the pool and before you knocked on the door, Mom called," interrupted Alexandra.

"Is everything all right?"

Tears spilled from her eyes. "No everything's wrong."

Cordero offered his bandana and attempted to put his arms around her, but she pushed him away. "Ali?"

She accepted the bandana. "Don't! It'll make what I have to say harder. One of my clients is buying another company, and I need to be there."

"Okay. How long will it take? When will you leave?"

"I leave in the morning."

"When will you return?"

"Alan's in prison so my reason for being here doesn't exist any longer."

"Your reason for staying could've changed."

"My family and job are in New York City."

"But you've tried a few cases since you've been here."

"True and I've enjoyed it." She dried a tear. "But I'm a corporate lawyer."

"I see a very good lawyer who's capable of getting justice for everybody."

She was silent as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Cordero moved closer.

"Please don't."

"I thought you liked being here." After she nodded, he continued, "You've made friends, you've learned to ride. This summer I'll teach you to swim."

"I love it here. I'll miss Samson, Jewel, and the foals." The tears flowed harder. "I love your parents. I feel like I belong. I'll miss everybody and everything."

He moved closer and took her in his arms.

She moved away. "Don't! It only makes the inevitable harder."

"You've said it helps when you're able to lean on me."

"Not now. It'll only make leaving more difficult." Alexandra stood, walked away, and kept her back to him. "Take me home. No, I mean to the ranch."

"You were right the first time. It's your home as long as you want."

*****
Once returning to the house Cordero parked, he opened the door for Alexandra, and attempted to hold her. She turned away, ran inside, and slammed the door to her room.

Cordero followed.

Rosa came to her son. "I thought you were going to propose."

He fingered the engagement ring box. "I was but didn't get the chance." He set it on the table. "I wonder if Joseph will take it back."

"What happened? Ali loves you."

"She leaves tomorrow and won't be back. A client needs her, and Alan's in jail. There's no reason for her to return."

"Did you tell her how you feel? That you want her to stay."

"No. I want her to stay because she wants to. Not because I want her to. I want it to be her choice."

Jorge walked in. "Sorry. I couldn't help but overhear."

Rosa glanced at her husband. "You Ortiz men have the same problem. If it wasn't for Tonia telling your dad how I felt, he would've let me get away."

His dad put his arm around his son's shoulders. "Go to her. Settle this before it's too late."

"It already is. I'm going to my place. I won't be here for dinner. I need to pack."

Rosa and Jorge watched their son head for his room. Jorge took out his phone and pushed buttons. "Jim, Cord and Ali broke up. You and Bob stay with him and don't let him do anything he'll regret or go to town."

*****
Alexandra heard Cordero yell at Samson. "No! You can't go in her room. She's leaving. Come with me."

Next, she heard the front door slam. She watched from her window as Jim climbed in the pickup with Cordero. The gravel scattered and hit her window as he sped away.

*****
Saturday morning, Rosa waited for Alexandra to come from her room. When she did, she said, "I missed you at dinner last night."

"I'm sorry." Alexandra glanced down the hallway. "I didn't feel like eating."

"I understand. If you're looking for Cord, he's gone back to his place." She paused. "Would you like some breakfast?"

She shook her head. "No thank you. My stomach's upset."

"Then we'll go straight to the airport." On the way, Rosa said, "You don't look like someone who's excited about returning home."

"I'm not."

"I understand about your client, but why are you staying? You're more than welcome to return."

The tears flowed heavily. "Cord doesn't want me here."

"What?" Rosa's voice rose. "I don't understand. Cord's heartbroken that you're leaving. Jorge sent Jim and Bob to watch him, so he doesn't do anything stupid. There's nothing worse than a heartbroken cowboy."

"Why didn't he ask me to stay? I was waiting and praying he would, but he didn't."

"He wants you to stay because you want to, not because he wants you too."

Alexandra was silent as the tears flowed.


Thank you Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood for "If I Didn't Love You?"



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I intentionally left off the accents on fiance and fiancee. I also intentionally left off the trema or dieresis on naive. I didn't want Evil Eddie adding all sorts of strange characters in my post. Thank you for understanding.
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Hola is Spanish for hello.

Mi hijo & Mijo are Spanish for son. Jorge uses them often.

Bendecido is Spanish for blessed.

Querido is Spanish for dear or sweetheart.

De nada is Spanish for no problem or you're welcome.

Rancho de los Toros Salvajes is Spanish for Wild Bull Ranch.
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CHARACTER LIST:

Cordero Ortiz: 'Cord' runs his parents' Texas ranch

Alexandra Black: 'Ali' is a New York City corporate lawyer, is a junior partner in huge family law firm

Jorge and Rosa Ortiz: Cordero's parents who own a large West Texas Ranch

Jim: One of the ranch foremen and best friend of Cordero. He takes care of the main house and surrounding ranch area.

Bob: One of the ranch foremen and good friend of Cordero. He works the entire ranch.

Pat Rogers: Bank owner, not a good person

Lester Brown: Pat Rogers lawyer

Sam Bailey: Lobo's Sheriff.

Dr. Bart Barnes: Town doctor

Judge Sean Pickett: County Judge

Tonia and Brent Black: Alexandra's parents

George Black Alexandra's grandpa

Luke: All around bad guy

Amy Harding: A lady who Pat Rogers raped during High School Prom, her son, Matthew

Alan Griffin Alexandra's ex