Cordell Walker sat at his desk going over some files. His partner, Ranger James Trivette sat at his computer,
browsing the net. It was a slow day in Dallas, Texas. The rangers at Company B had little to do. Now was
the time Walker hated. He was stuck to his desk, doing paper work.
"Hey, Walker?" Jimmy looked up from his computer.
"Yeah?"
"What are you getting Alex for her birthday?"
"I don't know, Trivette. I've been trying to figure that out. She hasn't mentioned anything she wanted. I am not really sure. Why?"
"Because I don't know what to get her either. I was looking for some help."
"Sorry partner." Walker grinned. "I can't even find a gift for her."
The phone on Walker's desk rang
"Walker?"
"Walker! Hi! How ya doing buddy?" A familar man's voice came over the line.. Walker just couldn't place it.
"Alright."
"You know who this is, don't you?"
"Sorry, can't say I do."
"Dalton! Dalton Reed!"
Walker froze. He didn't know what to say. Dalton was back. He had to keep cool. Alex was his. She wouldn't betray him.
"Hello, Dalton. What can I do for you?"
"Well, I suppose you know about the accident."
"Accident? What accident?"
"I was thrown last night at the rodeo. Really messed up my leg. I can't ride, and I have the opition of choosing a stand in rider instead of just droping out. Walker. I saw you ride WidowMaker. That's the bull I choose to ride. If you stand in for me, you're going to have to ride him."
"I don't know. I almost got killed that day. I promised Alex I wouldn't ride again." Walker decided not to tell about keeping his figures crossed.
"Walker...The purse is $20,000. If you win, it goes to your faviort charity. I heard about your engagment to Alex. I chose the H.O.P.E house. I wanted to make it a wedding gift to the both of you. I can't please Alex. I am not the man she loves. She loves you, Walker. I could see it in her eyes. I could see how much you loved her too. That's why I stayed gone. I wanted to give you two a chance to be together. I wouldn't want to come between true love."
Walker thought about this for a minute. That would be the perfect gift for Alex. The H.O.P.E house needed some repairs, and with their busy schdule latley, nethier one of them had time to do a fundraiser. He knew Alex would never agree to this. Not when it was for her. Walker decided to surprize her with the money on her birthday night.
"Okay, Dalton. When is it?"
"Friday night. Reunion Area. 7 p.m."
"I'll be there."
"Thanks Walker. I'll see you there."
"Alright."
Walker hunged up.. Friday night.. The night before Alex's birthday. This would work out great!
"Who was that?" Trivette asked.
"Alex's birthday present."
"What? I thought you didn't know what to get her?"
"I do now."
"What man! Tell me!"
"NO! You'll have to wait and see!"
"Well at least tell me what to get her!"
"Trivette! I told you I didn't know!" Walker smiled a little at his friend's confusion.
"But you told me you were getting her a gift!"
"Yes, I am! But I don't know what YOU should get her!"
"Walker! Man..um.." Trivette smiled. He partner contuined to amaze him day after day.
"What are you two aruging about in here?"
ADA Alex Cahill came in, carring her breif case smiling.
"Oh, nothing." Walker smiled and stood to greet his finacee`.
"Got time for lunch today, Cowboy?" She asked.
"Um..let me see.."Walker turned to his partner.."Hey, Trivette...Think you can hold the fort down for say, about a hour?" he smiled, know all to well what his partner would say.
"Sure. You two go and have fun!"
"Thanks!"
"Bye, Trivette!" Alex smiled and waved as Walker took his hat and escorted her out the door.
Trivette watched them go with a smile on his face. He hoped that one day he would find love like that. A true love that would never die.
Walker helped Alex into the RAM, and closed the door, hurring over to the driver's side, he jumped in.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Any time you are!" she smiled!
Walker started the truck, and pulled out into the traffic, which was unusally light for this time of the day!"
"Been kinda slow today, huh?"she asked.
"Yeah, it has been! I am glad for the rest. Seems like we both have been buried in work these last few weeks."
"Well, if it stays slow, think we can make a date for Friday?"
Walker hesitated for a minute. What was he suppose to do? He didn't want to turn her down, but he had to be at the rodeo before 7.
"Um, well...I kinda have plans for Friday."
"You do?"
"Yeah.."
"Anything important?"
"No, not really. It's kinda a surprize." He grinned. He couldn't tell her what it was, but he didn't want her to think that he was turning her down. He never wanted her to think something eles was more important then she was.
"Oh, really..." A grin played at her face. "What kind of a surprize?"
"Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprize, now would it?" Walker grined.
"Oh you are so stubberon!"she made a scrowl at him. They both burst out laughing as he parked in front of CD's.
Walking hand in hand, they entered the bar.
"What in tarnations are two love birds crackling about?" the old man asked them.
"Oh, nothing!" the both said in union.
This only made them laugh harder. CD shook his head. It was amazing how those two could laugh and have such a good time out of the simpliest little things.
He prepared coffee for the both of them, and walked it over to the back booth where they both sat, finally quiting down..
"What'll it be for you two today?" he asked.
"I'll have a Grilled Chicken Salad." Alex answered.
"Um..I'll have the Chicken Fried Steak." Walker followed.
"Coming right up!" CD headed back to the kitchen to prepare the lunch.
Walker and Alex held hands across the table, talking and laughing. A commotion out front made Walker turn around. Two older boys were pushing a school kid around.
"I'll be right back." Walker got up with a stern look in his eyes. Alex sat back and watched.
"Hey there! What's the trouble?" Walker steped out and confonted the two older boys. They boys saw his badge and took off running.
"Hey, thanks, mister." the little boy said as Walker kneeled to pick up the books that was thrown across the ground."
"No promblem." Walker smiled. "What are you guys doing out of school?" he asked.
"Our history class is on our field trip. We are picking a restaunt to eat our lunch at."
"Well, I'll tell you what..Why don't you come in here with me, and I'll by you lunch."
"Really?"
"Yeap. Really." Walker smiled and lead the boy in.
"My name's Cordell Walker. I am a Texas Ranger." Walker said as he approched their table. "This here is Alex Cahill. She's an Assistant Distract Attorney."
"Hello! I am Timmy Mills." The young boy replied shyly.
"Hi, Timmy."
Seeing his new guest, C.D. Parker came over to the table again.
"Well, hello there, my friend!" the old man greeted.
"Hi, sir."
"Sir? I don't see any sir here!" CD looked around.
The boy smiled, slightly embarresed, and not sure if he did something wrong.
"This is C.D. Parker. Retired Texas Ranger." Walker introduced his friend.
"Hello Mr. Parker. I am Timmy." the little boy greeted.
"Well hello, Timmy! What would you like today?"
"Do you have cheesburger and fries?" the boy asked.
"Sure do!"
CD rushed off to prepare another lunch, and brought the boy a coke back.
"Gee, thanks!" he smiled.
"No promblem my friend!"
As CD disappeared again, Walker scooted over to let Timmy sit down.
"So what was the promblem with those boys?" Walker asked.
"They're school bullies." They boy looked sadly at his new friend.
"Really..Is that so?" Walker asked.
"Yeap. They beat up the little kids, and take our lunch money."
"You know. I was little like you once. I grew up on an Indian Reservation. I was different then all the other kids. My hair was red, not black, I had blue eyes, not brown. My skin was lighter. The children called me white eys, and all kids of other names. I could never play with them. Never had any friends. All except one. Billy Grey Wolf. We were best friends. There were two bullies. They would chase me home from school. Beat me up and really gave me a hard time. One day, my Uncle Ray saw this. He pulled me aside that night and told me that bullies were scared. They wanted to fell good about them selves so they beat up those who were smaller then them. They couldn't handle the big kids. If you stand up to a bully, they will run."
"Really?"
"Yeah, sure do."
"But, I don't know how to fight."
"Well, Timmy, I'll tell you what. If you promise not to fight unless you absolutly have to, then I'll let you join my Kick Drugs Out Of America Karate Class."
"Really? Cool!"
"Yeah. But you don't fight unless it's a life and death situition."
"Yes, sir Mr. Walker!"
"Look here! Lunch is served!" CD brought the three plates over and sat them down in front of the guests.
"Wow! That's a big Cheeseburger!" the little boy smiled.
"Sure is! It's my special Texas Burger!" CD smiled!
"Thanks!"
The three of them finished their burgers.
"Timmy! There you are!" A woman's voice came though the bar.
Walker stood up to greet the lady.
"Hello! Cordell Walker, Texas Ranger."
"Hi! I am Mrs. Thompson, Timmy's History Teacher."
"Hello. Timmy seemed to have a little trouble with two stundets, but we have it solved." Walker told her.
"Thank you Ranger."
"Ready to go, Timmy?" she asked.
"Sure am."
"Bye Ranger. Walker. Bye Ms. Cahill, Bye Mr. Parker."
"Bye Timmy." they answered.
The big night had finally arrived. Walker finished his work at the office, and then headed down to Alex's office.
"Hey there! Just wanted to stop and say good-bye." Walker smiled.
"Leaving already? It's only 5:30. I know, but I gotta get their early. You'll see tomorrow."
"Any hints?"
"NO!" Walker said sternly.
"Well, will you call me tonight?"
"You bet!"
"Bye. I love you." Alex made sure they were alone, then kissed Walker briefly on the lips.
"I love you to." he returned her kiss, and gave her a tight hug.
"See ya later."
"Bye."
Walker arrived at the Reunion Area. He walked around back to the rider's entrace.
"You're name?" the man asked.
"Cordell Walker."
The man looked at the list of names.
"You're the stand-in for Dalton Reed tonight, aren't you?" he asked, looking up.
"Yeah."
"I heard you were the only man to ride ol' WidowMake and live to tell about it."
"Yeah, that's right."
"Are you sure you're up for that again?"
"Well, I am doing this for my finacee`. The money is I win is going to go to her Charity."
The cowboy smiled. "Good Luck, Ranger."
Walker walked though the door and saw the bull riders lining up. He noticed Widow Maker in the last pen. Dalton stood over to the side.
"Walker! Hello!" he called.
Seeing Dalton, Walker headed over to him. "Hi. Good to see you again, Dalton."
"Same here, Walker."
"I am riding last?" Walker looked over at the pen.
"Yep. You're the big ride. The one everyone came to see. They save the best for last." Dalton smiled.
"More like the meanest for last."
"Yeah, that too."
Both men turned their attendion to the area as the annoucer started the rodeo.
Walker checked the schdule. Bull riding was the last on the list. He had a long wait ahead of him.
Alex sat on the sofa, reading her book. She couldn't help but think about Walker. Where had he gone? He said it would take a few hours... What was it? There was a small twig of fear building up in her. He had never kept anything like this from her before. Was it about her birthday tomorrow? He even turned her down for a date tonight. What could be that important.
"He did say I'd find out tomorrow." she said to herself, trying to ease her mind.
Alex finally laid down her book and switched on the TV...Thumbing though the channels, she found the Championship Rodeo.
"Hey, that's here in Dallas, isn't it?" said said to noone.
Her question was soon answered as the annoucer came on. "Our last envent tonight is bullriding. As you all know, this is the most dangerous rodeo envent. " Alex was getting ready to change the channel. She loved rodeos, and even hoped to barrel race onday, but she just couldn't stand to watch the bullriding. Walker had almost been killed to many times. "We have had riders killed by bulls. Just last week, our own Dalton Reed was injured while dismounting." The carma should Reed, standing against the bull pen, with a cruches. " Hereing Dalton's name, she sat the remote back down and looked at the scene. Nothing had changed. He still looked the same as he did all those years ago. Why hadn't he came back for her. She still had love for him in her heart. He was a good man. Kind, gentle, and loving. He was never afraid to show his feelings. Only fault she could find was how darn stubberon he was. But he had loved her. That she was sure of. He offered to give up his caree in bullriding, just to please her. Why hadn't he? Oh well, dosen't matter now. She had moved on. Burned that bridge. Walker was her man now. The one true love of her life. They were going to get married. And he had promised no more rodeos just to make her happy...didn't he?"
Alex was shocked as the carma turned to show Walker, dressed in a blue/green western cut shirt, black jeans, and his hat. He had a number pinned to his back 310.. NO! He wasn't. Couldn't be. He told her nothing about it! Why would he go behind her back like that?
"Ranger Cordell Walker is standing in for Dalton Reed tonight, on Window Maker. This is the envent you all came to see. As you know, Cordell Walker is the only man to have rode Window Maker for a full eight secondes and live to tell about it. Good luck Cordell."
Alex watched. Shocked. Stunned. Confused. What was happening. This wasn't the man she knew. He always told her when he was riding. Even if she didn't agree. He still told her. Why would he go behind her back, and stand in for Dalton! When did he talk to Dalton? How had this happened. Tears came to her eyes as the last bull rider finished. It was now Walker's turned.
Secondes seemed like hours as she watched Walker mont Widow Maker. Dalton stood next to the gate, a worried expression. The crowd was quite as the annoucer spoke. "And the last ride. Ranger Cordell Walker on Widow Maker! This cowboy is up for $20,000 if he can beat the top score of 89!"
Alex held her breath as the gate threw opened, and WidowMaker came charging out.
Walker held on tight, and concertrated on the bulls moves. He wouldn't do this for anyone eles. Only Alex. He sure hoped she would understand.
The eight second buzzed rang. He had done it a second time. He had rode WidowMaker. Now came the part of getting off of him.
Walker took a deep breath and leaped from the bulls back, landing on his knees. WidowMaker wasted no time charging Walker. His only hope was to roll out of the bull's way. He saw the clows rushing toward him, then a sharp pain went though his chest. All went black.
Dalton, horrified at what he saw happening, threw down his cruches and hobbled over to Walker. His leg hurt like heck, but he couldn't stand back and watch a man die. Exspecial Cordell Walker. The man who saved his life. And the man who made the woman he loved dreams come true when he couldn't.
"DALTON! NO!" Alex shouted, grabbing her jacket and cell phone, she rushed out of the door.
"Had it finally happened? Had Walker gotten himself killed? Would Dalton be ok? Why did he rush in the pen like that? To save Walker?"
"She knew someone would be calling her. Giving her some kind of news. She saw the bull turn, pinning Walker to the ground. The razor sharp horn going though his chest. The head butting Walker's limp body. The clowns and Dalton rushing to the rescue of a man they bearly knew. "
"Lord. Why now? Why just when everything in my life was finally getting strait would this happen? Dalton is back. Walker is seriously hurt, if not dead. Why? I only want to get my life back in order as it once was, before Cordell Walker and Dalton Reed entered my life." Alex prayed softly. She also prayed for the saftly of both men. Both men she stilled loved with all her heart. She only hoped that Dalton knew about her and Walker. Right now, she was in no mood to explain it to him. She didn't want to turn him away, but she loved Walker. Walker was the man she belonged with now. The only man for her. It was too late for Dalton.
The phone rang, jarring Alex from her thoughts.
"Yeah." she answered hurridly. She just wanted the news.
"Ms. Alex Cahill?"
"Yes."
"Ranger Cordell Walker was seriously hurt while bullriding. You are named as emerancy contact. We life flighted him to Mermial Hospital."
"Thank you." Alex didn't mean to be ungrateful, but she had to get there. She had to see Walker. Had to make sure he was alright. And what about Dalton? Was he alright? He was hurt as it was.
Alex arrived at the hospital and rushed straight into the emerancy room.
"CAHILL!" a familor voice called out to her.
Alex turned quickly to see Dalton standing next to the elevator.
"Dalton! Oh Dalton, how is he?" she ran over to Dalton, who wrapped his arms tightly around her.
"Come on. He's in surgery. Doctors say he doesn't look good. He has a collapesed lung, rupstred artery, lots of internal bleeding, trama to the head, and a pieace of bone from a broken rib is pircing his heart. If they don't get it in time, it will kill him.
Dalton led Alex to a sofa in the waiting room. As they sat down, Dalton pulled Alex closer to him, and stroked her hair. She was grateful for the confort, and laid her head against his chest.
"I'd better call C.D. and Trivette." Alex sighned, reaching for her cell phone.
"Here, let me. You're too upset. Give me the numbers. I call whoever you need." Dalton offered, taking the phone from her.
Alex looked up into Dalton's blue-grey eyes, filled with love, worry, and corcern. "Dalton. Thank you. Thank you for everything."
"Your welcome." Dalton dialed the two numbers Alex had given him.
"They're on their way."
Dalton wrapped his arm around Alex as she lended against him.
They both must have drifted off because he awoke to the doctor calling Alex, who was just raising up.
Dalton quickly stood and helped Alex up. They headed over to the doctore, Dalton still keeping a surportive hand on her shoulder. Trivette and CD weren't there yet.
"Ms. Cahill. Ranger Walker has been seriosly injured. It's a mircle he made it this far. I am sorry. The chances aren't good. "
"Can I see him?"
The doctor hestaited for a minute.
"You're his finacee1, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Ok, but only for a secod."
"I am going to run across the road and pick up chinesse for us. " Dalton headed out of the waiting room.
Alex slowly walked into the room. Walker layed in the bed, deathly still, and pale. He was on oxagen, and had a bunch of IV's pumping life saving fluides him. The montiers showed labered breathing and weak heart beat. He was dying. She knew it. Why of all days, would this have to happen on her birthday.
"Walker. I love you. I love you with all of my heart. You're always have a very speical place in my heart, you know that, don't you. I can feel your pain. I can also feel your love for me. I know it's time. There's nothing either on of us can do. You're going home. You'll be in a better place. Lots of peace and love. I know that is all you ever wanted to bring people her on earth. Happiness. You'll be with Lucas and Uncle Ray. You're parents will be there too. I know you'll be my gurdian angle. You'll be there at the gate when it's my turn. And we'll be together forever. I am sorry I wasn't able to be your wife. I know you wanted that more then anything. So did I. I will never forget you. I love you with all my heart Walker." Alex held back the tears as she bent over and kissed him good bye one last time. She knew she would never see him again. Never feel his strong loving arms around her. Never hear his voice, filled with love and laughter. She felt guilty about being so angrey at him when he rode. She shouldn't have tried to keep him from something he loved, just to ease he own fears.
"Ms. Cahill. Time to go." the doctor called.
Alex looked at Walker one last time, and kissed his cheek. I'll miss you. Please know that I'll always love you.
Dalton was waiting for Alex when she walked out into the waiting room. .Tears streaming down her face. He quikly set the food down and rushed over to her.
"Honey. My God, what happened." Dalton pulled her close, hating to see the pain and hurt in her eyes.
"I can feel it, Dalton. He's dying. He's not going to make it."
"I am sorry". Dalton held her in his arms.
CD and Trivette came running in just as they sat down.
Dalton took them over the the other side of the room and told them what had happened, and what Alex just said.
CD and Trivette sat next to Alex. Trivette couldn't believe Walker was dying. All the fun times they had. All they things he learned from Walker. They were family. He was using his big brother. It seemed like CD was losing his son. And Alex. Loses her love on her birthday. Trivette remembered the present. What would bull riding have to do with Alex's gift.
"Um, Alex..This may not be the best time, but I need to tell you this." Dalton said.
"What is it, Dalton?"
"Walker won the rodeo. They prize was a $20,000 donation to their faviort charity. Well, Walker only stood in for me to win the money for the H.O.P.E house. We were talking before the ride. This was suppose to be a birthday gift for you." Dalton handed Alex the check.
Alex couldn't answer as tears streamed down her face. How could she have thought Walker would betray her. Go behind her back. It was just suppose to be a surprize..
The doctor comes into the waiting room..
"Ms. Cahill. I am sorry. There's nothing eles we can do. We lost him. Please go ahead and make funneral arrangements."
She knew the time was coming. Tears flooded down and she shook her head.
"Thank you doctor. We will."
"Anything I can do for you? Anyone to call?" Dalton asked.
"No. Walker already had his services paid for years ago. We just need to call them."
"I'll do it. Why don't you stay with CD and Trivette."
Three Days Later
Alex stands up in front of Walker's Coffien. Their family and friends are all around. She had just accepted the flag. She notices people who Walker has helped in the past. The KDOOA kids. Other rangers and police offiers. A news report said it was the biggest funneral Dallas has seen. Such a outpouring of love and respect. Alex reads her farewell words.
Cordell Walker has know more then his share of bad times. He has had a life full of pain, a hard life if any one has ever had one. Put he stayed strong. He kepth his believe in God.
He was always the first to lend a helping hand. The first to pat you on the back. He stood for the right And he helped lessen the wrong
He was never a man to judge. He was everyone's friend And if you had the pleasure of crossing this man's path You have been touched by an Angle.
I believe Cordell Walker was a Angel, sent down to us from heaven He spread love and happiness to all, and he helped us though our most difficult times Now, it's time for the Angle to fly home. But I know Walker. He wouldn't want us to weep for him He is in a better place now. We didn't use his spirt, only his body. He will be looking down on us from Heaven above. And I believe he'll be our guardian Angle.
I'll see you when I get home darling.
Alex returned to her seat. She had cried about all she could cry. Her heart was heavy with sadness, but she knew Walker was happy, and he would always live with her in her heart. No one could take that away. No one could take her love for him away, not even death.
Two Years Later
Alex started to walk down the aisle as "Here Comes The Bride" starts to play. She had doubt this day would ever come. Dalton had stayed by her side, ever since the day she lost Walker. He was there as a friend, then a lover. She couldn't deny her love for him.
It wasn't until her dream last month, that she decided to marry him.
Walker stood at the foot of her bed. His eyes were full of pain. He spoke these words to her:
Alex, I will always love you. I know you will alway love me to.
Please don't cry for my, honey. I hate to see you unhappy. For when you are sad, so am I.
Dalton loves you. He can take care of you as I would have, if I were still here.
Please, set your self free. Marry Dalton. I will be at the wedding to give you my blessing. You will know it is right.
I only want you to live life to the fullest, and be as happy as you can be.
As Alex thought about this, she heard a eagle cry above. She looked up and a tear came to her eye as the eagle landed on the tree, right above the alter.
It was Walker. She could feel him. He was full of happiness for her. This was the happiness day of her life.
THE END
