Standing in the produce section of the local Dallas supermarket Trivette was having trouble staying focused.  His attention had been drawn to a beautiful woman.  Just looking at her he could tell she had had a hectic day, yet her eyes had sparkled when he had smiled.  There was a strange sensation that was beginning in his stomach and moving upward.  Something told him he needed to introduce himself.  Finally getting up the courage he made his way forward stopping next to her.
    “Hi, I…uhm…couldn’t help but notice you standing here and…”Trivette stammered wondering why he was having so much trouble making conversation but he was feeling like a school kid.
    “Hi.” She replied. “Texas Ranger huh?” She asked motioning to his badge.
    “Yeah.” Trivette answered as he remembered he still was wearing it.  “Jimmy,” he said extending his hand.
    “Sam…well Samantha, but everyone calls me Sam.” She responded shaking his hand.
    “This might be a little forward but would you care to have dinner with me tonight?’
    “I’m sorry…I…”
    “No, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked. It’s just…well…” Trivette stammered flustered and wanting to dig a deep hole.
    “It’s all right…it’s not that I don’t want to…but…well I have…” she was stalling unsure how to put it, afraid he would be like all the others, wanting to date until they found out there was more to her. “I have a little boy, he’s with the babysitter and…”
    “Oh, I am so…oh my gosh…I didn’t see a ring so I didn’t…” the hole was looking better and better.
    “I’m not married, Cole’s dad left when I was pregnant and I’m sure this is more than you want to hear.”
    “Actually I adore children. So how about this Saturday afternoon I will come by, meet Cole and then we’ll all go see the new Disney movie at the matinee.  That is if it’s all right?”
Sam couldn’t believe her ears he wanted to include Cole.  Nodding first she wasn’t sure the words would escape but finally she uttered, “That sounds great.”
    “Perfect I’ll pick you up at 1:00.” Sam jotted down her address and both finished their shopping chatting all the way through the store and even out to their cars.
 

     Trivette was so nervous as he sat in the Mustang.  He knew there was something special about Sam he had felt it the moment their eyes had met.  The addition of Cole was unexpected but something he could work with.  If the boy’s father wasn’t around then Cole would need someone to be a father figure.  So as long as Sam allowed he hoped he could help in that area.
     Knocking on the door it was quickly answered by a handsome fellow with big blue eyes.  Without saying a word Cole opened the door and starred at the unfamiliar man standing in front of him.
     “You must be Cole.” Trivette said kneeling down so he could look at Cole in the eyes.  His response was a nod as Cole became shy. “Well you are as cute as your mom is pretty.  You know what I brought you something.” Holding up the box he watched as Cole opened it up and found a toy Texas Ranger’s Badge.
     Sam stood just a couple of feet away, out of their sight but she could see them. Tears were forming in her eyes and she said a quick prayer of thanksgiving.  A feeling overcame her and she had a sensation that this relationship would turn out better than she could have ever imagined.
 

     Cole had just been put to bed. Together Trivette and Sam sat on the couch just down the hall.  The day had been packed with a carnival, picnic in the park and then a baseball game.  Over the past few months he hadn’t just fallen in love with Sam but Cole had won a special place in his heart.
     “Sam, before I go, there is something I want to ask you.” Samantha turned to face him and her eyes began to tear as she watched him get down on his knee and pull out a black velvet box. “Samantha, will you marry me?”
     Several seconds passed as she tried to get herself together and finally she said, “Yes.”
     “YA!” Cole shouted running down the hallway and into Trivette’s arms.
 

     Cole stood proudly next to his stepfather.  So many years had passed and looking back he knew how lucky he had been. He had never known his real father and there were moments when he could recall to a time before Jimmy had entered his life. During that time he had always felt like there was something missing.  Yet once Jimmy came into his life, and his mother’s, everything had changed.  James Trivette was his father; he had shown him so many things growing up. Everything Cole had learned he had been taught by his father.  From throwing a football or baseball to learning about women Jimmy had made time for him even when he was working long hours.   As Cole had grown he had come to realize that the man he called Dad didn’t have to be a part of his life but he had chosen it and for that Cole was a better person. Now as he waited to show off his new baby girl he just prayed that he could be the kind of father that Jimmy had been to him.
 

The lyrics to this song were written and sung by Brad Paisley.  The words are beautiful…the characters (well Jimmy Trivette) are a product of CBS and Norris Productions.  I only borrowed him for a little bit to write this story…No copyright infringements were intended…I just wanted to use  a GREAT TV character to express my love for a GREAT song.