Cordero and Alexandra met 47 days ago.

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Judge Pickett shook his head. "I find what you did to this young lady reprehensible. From Mr. Aaronson, I understand you're also being reviewed by the bar association because of your behavior. I honestly believe that's why you attempted to kidnap Ms. Black. I know the sound on the video isn't perfect, but I could make out a reference to her ruining your reputation. A third-degree felony carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of $10,000." His gavel banged loudly. "Next case. Which is also against Mr. Griffin. I see you were busy in Lobo."

Sean smiled as he watched until Cordero and Alexandra hugged and then he moved her, before Mr. and Mrs. Ortiz sat at the prosecution table.

Brent said, "Your Honor, I plan on representing this wonderful couple, if it's all right."

TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 26 B

Judge Picket nodded. "Bailiff, please read the next charges against Mr. Griffin."

The bailiff read, "Mr. Alan Griffin is charged with second degree felony arson."

Alan stood. "Your Honor, these are exaggerated charges. Since when is arson a felony? From what I understand their barn caught fire."

Sean said, "I understand in New York it depends on the circumstances. You're in Texas and arson is always a felony here."

Brent stepped forward. "Your Honor, I'd like to upgrade the charge to first degree-felony arson because, yes we're discussing a barn, but I recently discovered Jim Hughes resides in the back of that barn."

Judge Pickett motioned for Jim to come forward. "Mr. Hughes, please describe your residence. Do you have photographs?"

"Yes Sir." After he handed the judge the photographs, Jim continued, "Cord, sorry, Mr. Ortiz."

Sean nodded. "Jim, describe it in your own words, don't worry about being formal. I don't like it myself."

"Yes Sir, Cord and I met about fourteen years ago on the rodeo circuit. I'm originally from Wyoming. At fifteen I ran away from home, and Cord and I became best friends. He brought me to meet his parents. They made me call my parents and everybody agreed I could remain here. Cord's mom, Mrs. Ortiz helped me get my GED. They built me a two-bedroom cabin in the back of the barn. It's got a bathroom, kitchen and living room. It's perfect for me. A lot of people don't know it's there. You can't see it from the road or the lane."

"Thank you, Jim. I'll allow the photographs as evidence. Mr. Griffin, would you like to see them?" When Alan declined, Sean continued, "Mr. Black, the charges are upgraded to first-degree felony arson." Judge Pickett tilted his head. "Jim, one more question. Were you present at the time the fire started?"

"Yes Sir, I was sleeping. Klaus and Otto's barking woke me."

"Mr. Griffin, are you going to continue to plead not guilty and deny ever being at the Rancho de los Toros Salvajes?"

"Your Honor, why would I go to that ranch while out on bail? That would be stupid, wouldn't it? I'm not guilty."

"You're right, it would." Judge Pickett used his hand and motioned for Sheriff Baily to come forward. "Mr. Black, your job's going to be easy. I've lost patience. We're going straight to the video." He eyed Alan. "Yes, this video meets the chain of custody regulations. Sam, start it."

After watching the video, Judge Pickett said, "This clearly shows you starting the fire and if the dogs wouldn't have come out barking alerting everybody, you would've started the house on fire." He swallowed. "The penalty's a fine of $20,000 and forty years in state prison. This sentence and the previous one are to run consecutively."

Alan yelled, "No! I'll be in jail for the next fifty years."

"I forgot to add. Since both of these crimes were to avenge a perceived wrong, there's no chance for parole." He swung down his gavel, stood up, and left.

Alexandra threw her arms around Cordero and kissed him. "I'm free. I'm really free."

He returned the kiss. "You sure are."

*****
It was agreed everybody would meet at the ranch for dinner. Brent, George, and Joseph checked into the hotel and then drove to the ranch.

Rosa and Jorge had smoked a brisket. As the men went into the den to talk, Bob and Jim walked into the kitchen. Jim pointed toward the den. "Boss Lady, they have things to discuss. How can we help?"

She smiled. "Wouldn't you rather join the men?" They both said they wanted to help, so she put them to work.

*****
Joseph removed a small, blue, velvet box from his suit pocket.

Cordero held up his hand. "Wait. I need to do something first." He faced Brent and swallowed. "Sir."

Brent smiled. "Son, while you were in New York City, I told you that her mom and I gave you our blessing. You don't need to ask."

"Thank you." Cordero grinned. "Joseph, let's see it."

Joseph opened the box and removed the diamond engagement ring. "Do you approve? You said you wanted something that accented Ali's beautiful eyes."

"It's perfect. How much do I owe?"

"I'm only charging you sales tax and the percent for Mark Castle, seven hundred dollars."

Shaking his head, Cordero said, "That's not nearly enough." His eyes met Jorge's. "Dad, what do you think's a fair price?"

Jorge rubbed his chin. "I'd say at least six thousand dollars, probably more."

Mr. Aaronson put the ring in the box and closed it. "If you want this ring, I'll only accept seven hundred dollars. Take it or leave it."

Cordero went to the safe and took out the money. "I still think I should pay the correct amount."

Joseph accepted the cash. "Just invite my wife and me to the wedding. We've known Alexandra, since Tonia was pregnant. When are you asking her?"

"I promise to invite you, but I haven't decided when I'm proposing. I want the time to be right." Cordero shook his head. "So much has happened. I want her fully recovered. She's got Amy's child support case coming up and then Lisa's problems. I want it to be just her and me. I'll know when the time's right." He released a deep breath. "I hope."

*****
After dinner, Brent walked to the glass sliding door and pointed. "Is that the famous bench Tonia's told me about?"

Jorge chuckled. "It is. Rosa and Tonia have sat there and talked for hours." He pointed to Cordero. "Matter-of-fact, Cord and Ali have spent more than a few hours sitting and talking."

Brent walked over to his daughter and lifted her. "I think we need a father and daughter talk."

"I'm not sure you should carry me. I can use the removable boot."

He chuckled. "I'm not so old I can't carry my daughter a few feet to a bench."

*****
When the dinner dishes were finished, Cordero stared out the glass sliding door. Jorge came up to him. "Hijo, never come between a father and his daughter."

Rosa hugged her son. "It was a hard lesson for your dad, but he finally got it."

Cordero chuckled. "While in New York, Brent made a sunrise visit to Ali's apartment." When Jorge's eyes widened, he continued, "He invited me to play golf."

"But you don't play golf."

"I know, Dad. I don't think Brent expected me to. He was checking on his daughter. When he saw I slept on the couch, we had a heart-to-heart discussion. I promised I'd protect Ali in all ways." He grinned. "When Ali found out about it, she was angry, but it caused us to have a serious talk about our relationship." He turned. "I'm going to check on the horses. I think Jim and Bob took George with them."

*****
As they sat on the bench, Alexandra hooked her arm through her dad's. He glanced at her and grinned. "You seem happy here."

"I am. It's a slower pace and peaceful." Alexandra leaned her head against Brent's arm. "For the first time in my life, I actually have girlfriends."

She explained having lunch and actually girl talking. "I had fun. People around here care about each other. When Rogers attempted to have me kidnapped, a friend of Cord's I'd only met once came to my rescue. That wouldn't have happened back home."

"You're right."

"People are nice here. Most people actually care for each other. There are a few exceptions like Pat Rogers."

"You've taken on legal battles that have nothing to do with corporate law."

"I know. I've enjoyed helping people. I've made a difference in these ladies' lives. It felt good and gave me purpose."

"Have you thought about switching your area of law?"

"Our law firm's a corporate law firm, not family law."

Brent kissed his daughter's forehead. "You're right, but..." He paused. "Cord seems nice."

"He is."

Her dad chuckled. "That's all you have to say? It seems you two have gotten pretty close."

"We're sort of dating." When Brent's eyes widened, she said, "Okay, we are dating. He's special. I've never met anybody like him." She smiled. "And not because he's a cowboy. He treats me like I'm special."

"You are special." After her cheeks revealed a glow, Brent said, "Show me this horse I keep hearing about, Jewel."

"Okay, Cord said after she's broke, I should be able to ride her. She seems to like me."

Her dad chuckled. "Why wouldn't she?"

*****
Brent carried Alexandra toward the corral and barn. When Jim saw them coming, he went inside and brought out a chair.

Cordero grinned. "Finished catching up?"

Alexandra reached for Cordero's hand. "We did. Dad wanted to meet Jewel."

Pointing, Cordero said, "That pretty little filly in the back corner's Jewel. I think she's confused since Ali hasn't been around. She's been a little skittish."

Jim nodded. "She hurt her leg trying to help Ali during the attack. She barely allowed Boss to take care of it."

Her eyes widened. "I didn't know she tried to help." She hesitated. "Cord, please help me stand. I want to call her over."

"You sure? You're not supposed to put weight on that ankle."

"I won't. I'll use you for support. Please?"

Their eyes met, and he said, "I can't refuse those eyes, and you know it."

Brent and George chuckled, as George said, "She's had plenty of practice while growing up. Neither of us could refuse them. They didn't work as well on Tonia."

Cordero helped her up and put an arm around her waist, so no weight was on her ankle. "You comfortable?"

Alexandra nodded. "Thank you." She leaned against the corral and put her hand out. "Jewel?"

Jewel was hesitant but slowly came toward the fence. She stopped a few feet away.

Turning toward everyone, Alexandra said, "Back up. You're scaring her." She glanced at Cordero. When his eyes widened, she hesitated. "You can stay."

"Right answer."

With only Alexandra and Cordero there, Jewel took two steps toward them.

Jim came up with some carrots. "Ali, try this."

Holding out her hand with a carrot, Alexandra almost whispered, "Come on, Jewel. You know you like carrots."

Moments later, Jewel came to Alexandra and accepted the carrot, but kept an eye on Cordero. Soon Alexandra was allowed to pet her muzzle. It wasn't long before Jewel nuzzled Alexandra's arm.

Alexandra tried to raise high enough to hug the horse. Shaking his head, Cordero lifted her so they could hug. "You're both a mess." He turned to face Brent. "She's a natural with horses."

"I can tell." Brent sighed and then glanced at his watch. "It's getting late. I guess we'd better head toward the hotel. Our flight leaves early tomorrow."

"Dad, you set the schedule. You can leave whenever you want," teased Alexandra.

He chuckled. "True, but Grandpa's ready for bed."

"I am not," joked George. "I guess your dad's getting tired."

Cordero helped Alexandra so she could hug, Joseph, Brent, and George. After everybody received hugs and kisses, Brent asked to speak privately with Cordero.

Cordero motioned for Jim to take Alexandra inside. After they were alone, Brent said, "Cord, Ali's heart wants to remain here." He hesitated. "We'll see whether her heart or head wins." Shaking Cordero's hand, he added, "Knowing my daughter, her heart will eventually win, but it'll be a battle. She's not used to listening to her heart."

*****
When Cordero entered the house, Alexandra and Rosa were eating ice cream. "So, you started without me?" he teased. "I guess I even have to get my own."

Rosa smiled. "I put your bowl in the freezer."

Once he got it, he sat beside Alexandra. "I'd say you had a pretty good day."

"I did. Alan will never bother me again."

Cordero leaned over and kissed her cheek. "That's good. And you visited with your dad, grandpa, and Joseph."

"Honestly, Joseph and his wife have always been like Grandparents to me."

He grinned. "I've figured that out." After he took a spoonful of ice cream, he asked, "Has Pickett scheduled Amy's child support case?"

"Not really. I asked him to wait until I'm doing better. He agreed. I'll wait until Friday and see what Dr. Barnes says."

"Sounds good. Does Rogers know anything about it?"

"I'm sure his attorney, Lester Brown, has discussed it with him. I don't like the idea of them having this much time to prepare, but it is what it is."

Cordero chuckled. "I'm sure you'll wow them, like you did before."

"You're too kind."

"How many cases do you have lined up?" asked Rosa.

"Amy's and then having Rogers pay for Lisa's doctor's appointments. After the baby's born, if she keeps it, then child support."

Jorge walked in. "Klaus and Otto want to stay in the barn. I guess they don't like being in the house anymore." He roughed up Samson's ears. "Only this mutt likes to stay with us." He held his hand out for Rosa. "Why don't we head for bed and leave these youngsters alone."

Rosa accepted his hand. "Sounds like a good idea."

Both Cordero and Alexandra watched Jorge and Rosa leave. After finishing her ice cream, Alexandra asked, "Why didn't you tell me Jewel tried to protect me?"

"No other reason than so many other things came up I never got around to it." After taking a bite of ice cream, Cordero said, "I'm sure it was good to have a long talk with your dad."

"It was. We talked about how peaceful it is here, how nice the people are, and how much I enjoy being here." She hesitated. "I told Dad how much I enjoyed making Rogers accountable for everything he's done."

"Did he mention it wasn't corporate law?"

"He did but dropped it at that." Alexandra's eyes sparkled. "I told Dad we're dating."

Cordero chuckled. "I'm pretty sure he'd already figured it out."

She leaned into his arm. "I mentioned that you treat me like I'm special."

"That's because you are special."

"He said the same thing."

Cordero's kiss lingered as did the next few. He released a deep breath. "I think I'd better deliver you to your room."

"Probably."


~~~~~
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.
~~~~~

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-fiance