Cordero and Alexandra met 35 days ago.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

In the barn, Cordero sat on a bale of hay, watched the mare, and studied his phone. Maybe I should call Ali and see how's she's doing. He shook his head. "Probably wouldn't be a good idea." He glanced up as Samson meandered in. I have an idea. He held up his phone. "Come here, buddy." He took Samson's picture and sent it to Ali with the text, Samson says good night and he misses you.

Ali replied, I miss him. Tell him good night and give him a hug from me. She added a photo of Lily. Lily says she'd like to meet Samson. He looks cuddly.

Cordero chuckled. Good night, Ali.

Good night.


TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 18 A

Cordero rushed inside at twelve-forty-five Friday afternoon and noticed his mom's warning glare. "I know I'm cutting it close. The foal just made it into this world. Dad's taking care of things. I packed last night. I'll shower and then be ready. Will you take me to the airport? I don't want my pickup left unattended."

"Sure. Let me know when you're ready."

It was after one-thirty when Cordero carried his suitcase into the kitchen. "Has anybody considered maybe Ali doesn't want me there?"

"You know that's not true. I'm positive your hatred of cities is the reason you weren't invited."

"If you're wrong, it's going to be a long night and possibly permanently damage my relationship with Ali."

Rosa kissed her son's cheek. "I'm right about this. We'd better get going." She handed him a piece of paper. "Here's Tonia's phone number. Add it to your phone. Before you land, call, and she'll fill you in on the plan."

*****
When Cordero landed at six-forty, the promised car waited to take him to the Rockefeller Center. The driver opened the door. "I'm Anthony. I'll be your driver. Is there any place you'd like to stop?"

"Cordero Ortiz. It's a pleasure to meet you." He glanced back at the jet. I'd like to head back to Texas, but that's not an option. He climbed inside. "No, but thank you. Is Tonia aware I've landed?"

"Yes, Sir. I called as soon as you did. She'll be waiting at the door to escort you inside."

Cordero stared out the window and watched traffic. "Anthony, is there any time of day when there's not so much traffic?"

"No, Sir. New York's noted as "The City that Never Sleeps', and I believe it's true."

"I'm sure you're right."

"The Rockefeller Center is up ahead about three blocks. It may take a while. Traffic's at a standstill."

At Rockefeller Center Anthony pulled into an open area and walked around to open the door. "Mrs. Black's by the front door. Leave your suitcase. You can get it when I pick you and Ms. Black up."

"Thank you."

Tonia ran up to Cordero and hugged him. "I'm glad you're here. I have your tux inside. I did my best to keep it Western."

He kissed her cheek. "Thank you. Will a Western tux fit in?"

"George, Brent, Ali, and I are the hosts. I guarantee it's perfect. We set up the dress code. Let's get you inside and dressed." She handed him the hanger with the tux but took the tie. "After you're dressed, I'll help with this." As he headed toward a room, she called, "Wait, I forgot something." She handed him a box. "Dress boots," she teased. "I couldn't see you in anything but boots."

"Thank you."

*****
Cordero returned, and Tonia smiled. "You're very handsome. I hope you're at least a little comfortable." She assisted with the tie.

"I am but worried. What if Ali really didn't want me here?"

She finished with the tie. "We'll find out. The elevator's over here."

It wasn't long before they walked into the Rainbow Room.

Tonia pointed. "There's Ali."

Cordero exhaled. "She's scared. Who's that guy she's attempting to get away from?"

"Alan Griffin..."

"Her ex-fiance," interrupted Cordero. "I thought he wasn't invited."

"I need to get Brent. He'll be removed. First, I want to make sure Ali sees you. Come with me."

Cordero followed. As they got closer to Alexandra, her eyes lit her entire face.

Tonia faced Cordero. "Does that smile tell you how she feels?"

"It does." Cordero took Tonia's hand and squeezed it. "Thank you."

Alexandra hurried to him and hugged him. "Thank you for coming. But why? How?"

Cordero glanced to his side, but Tonia had left. "Our moms."

"I'm not surprised."

Alan walked up. "Alexandra, who's this?" His voice got louder. "Why is my fiancee hugging this man?"

She squeezed Cordero's hand as she answered, "I'm not your fiancee. I broke up with you almost two months ago. You need to leave."

Alan grabbed her arm and said through clenched teeth, "We're still engaged. I won't have you behaving this way."

Cordero slipped his arm around Alexandra's waist. "The lady said leave. We don't want a scene."

Alan stood firm. "I don't know who you are, but you don't belong here. You're out of your league."

Before Cordero could answer, Joseph Aaronson walked up. "Alexandra, I haven't seen you for a few months. How have you been?"

She faced Joseph. "Mr. Aaronson, I'm glad you and your wife could make it. Cordero, I'd like to introduce Joseph and Ruth Aaronson. They've been with our firm since the beginning. They were one of Grandpa's first clients." She kissed Ruth's cheek and held her hand. "It's so nice seeing you." As they shook hands with Cordero, she continued with introductions. "And this is Cordero Ortiz, my date."

Joseph grinned. "We've known Alexandra since she was an infant. We watched her grow up." He reached into his pocket and removed a velvet case. "When Mica," he faced Cordero, "our eldest son, bought this Tanzanite, I immediately thought of Alexandra's expressive blue eyes and had him custom make this." He opened it and revealed a necklace.

Alexandra's hands flew to her mouth. "I can't accept this. It's too much"

Alan grabbed for it. "Yes, you can. It's beautiful. Thank you."

Cordero intercepted it. "Ali, may I?"

She turned her back to him and held up her hair. "Please do."

Alan glared at Cordero. "I should be the one putting that necklace around my fiancee's neck."

Alexandra ignored Alan and hugged Joseph. "I can't thank you enough."

Joseph grinned. "I knew it would match your eyes. Ruth thought you'd wear a dress that highlighted those eyes. She was right."

"Excuse us for a minute." Alan took Alexandra's arm and forced her to the side. "We need to talk privately."

Alexandra attempted to pull away, but his hold was too tight. She whispered, "You're making a scene. Leave!"

"I don't know what's got into you, but you need an attitude adjustment."

Brent walked up behind Alan. "Mr. Griffin, you weren't invited. I'll escort you to the door."

"But you're going to allow a cowboy to stay? He's a commoner. He's making a play for my fiancee."

"Mr. Ortiz is my family's honored guest."

Cordero stepped up. "Brent, you want me to take care of this?"

Brent nodded toward Alexandra. "Ali looks upset. I think your presence is needed."

Cordero watched Alexandra walk to the Aaronson's.

As she fought back tears, she said, "I'm so sorry you had to witness that."

Ruth hugged her. "Dear, don't worry about it."

Joseph took her hand. "I need to share some business problems he's caused, but not here. This is a party. I'll contact you next week." His eyes met hers. "Don't look so worried. It's just informational. We're good." He kissed her cheek and then nodded toward Cordero. "Young man, you need to dance with your date."

Cordero held out his hand for Alexandra to take as he addressed Joseph. "I agree, Sir."

Accepting his hand, she leaned into his chest. "Cord?" When his eyes met hers, she continued, "Thank you. I'm about ready to lose it. I need to draw on your strength."

"I'm here." He drew her closer. "Just hold me as long as you need to."

A few dances later, Brent tapped on Cordero's shoulder. "Do you mind if I dance with my daughter? I need to apologize."

Cordero stepped back.

"Sweetheart, your mom told me Griffin was here, but I was caught up with a client and there wasn't any way to gracefully leave. Next time, you're coming before a client. I didn't understand how much of a problem he was."

She kissed her dad's cheek. "How could you? I kept it from you."

After a few dances, Brent stepped back. "Go dry your tears. I need to apologize to Cord."

"Thank you, Daddy."

*****
When Alexandra returned, Cordero grinned. "I never had a chance to tell you how amazing you look." He took her hand. "I agree with Joseph, that necklace matches your eyes."

Her eyes twinkled. "You look pretty sharp yourself, Cowboy." She hesitated before she continued, "I need to ask, once you said, I was pretty in my city clothes, but you thought I'm prettiest in my cowgirl clothes. Which is it?"

He took her in his arms, "Let's dance," and twirled her around. "I plead the fifth. I doubt there's a right answer."

"You could be right."

Moments later a bell sounded. Cordero's eyes widened.

Alexandra took his hand. "Dinner's being served. This way."

~~~~~
I intentionally left off the accents on fiance and fiancee because Evil Eddie would put all sorts of strange characters in my post. Thank you for understanding.
~~~~~~

~~~~
Hola is Spanish for hello

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

Bendecido is Spanish for blessed.
~~~~~

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's 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

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

Gary Hart: A young ranch hand

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-fiance

Joseph and Ruth Aaronson One of the first clients, family friends, owner of a prestige jewelry shop