Epilogue

Epilogue

"T

his is your time, Joe. You're definitely the man for the job, and the Board of Commissioners will see it that way."

Captain Joe Matthews swiveled around in his chair. It was a base chair, so it creaked and wobbled. The government spent top dollar on weapons for the men and women who protected their interests. Not so much on ergonomic office furniture.

"This is the first step in what you always wanted." Richard, Joe's soon-to-be campaign manager's voice crackled as it came over the satellite phone line.

Joe had wrapped up his time as a JAG officer in the Armed Forces. He'd spent the last three years serving as legal advisor to one of the military's top commanders. He'd done good work. But this wasn't the work he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

He wanted to continue to serve the people of this great nation. Especially little people like he and his brothers had been. When Charlie had called him a few days ago asking for help with a foster kid, some old spark in Joe's belly had ignited.

This was the reason he'd gone into the law. He'd spent the first years of his life not having a say in his own life. Now that he was grown and had a command of the law, he would never be put in that position again. He could help others in need to find their own voices.

The perfect platform to do that would be as the District Attorney for his county. And maybe, someday, the State Attorney. And then, later in life, something more…

"So, that's the plan," said Richard. "You head home, and we start the schmoozing campaign with the Board of Commissioners."

"I'm headed back home," Joe confirmed. "But when I get there, I first need to help my family with a legal matter."

"What legal matter?"

"Just some help with a foster kid they want to adopt."

"That's…" There was a bit of static over the phone, and a few of Richard's words were lost to the ether. "… great on your resume. It'll definitely convince Commissioner Benson that you're the man for the job."

"I thought you said they all see me as a fit to fill the District Attorney position."

"Yeah, well," Richard hedged as the phone line crackled. "A few need convincing. A good deed like that will convince them. That and you finding the right hometown girl to propose to."

"Propose?" There must've been a disconnect or interference with the line. Joe couldn't have possibly heard that correctly.

"Can't have a bachelor in line for U.S. State Attorney for Montana."

Joe heard that loud and clear. That was his ultimate goal. But marriage?

"I'll work on finding you the right girl," Richard was saying, his voice coming across loud and clear on the phone line. "We just can't have any scandals in the meantime."

"Right. No scandals."

"I'll also have a realtor looking into a condo for you."

"A condo?" asked Joe. "Why would I stay in a condo when my family has a two thousand acre ranch?"

"Didn't you say there were people staying there?"

"Yeah," Joe said, then added. "Just some foster kids." He hesitated another moment and then conceded. "And my brother's fiancée… and…"

The line crackled again. Joe waited for the interference to die down. It didn't. The connection snapped before Joe could finish his sentence.

What Joe didn't mention was that there was another adult guest staying there as well. But what happened between him and Foxy James was years ago. No reason they couldn't be on the same ranch. In the same guest house.

None at all.

You've met Foxy.

So you know her and her psychic abilities are a scandal waiting to happen for Joe.

Wonder if Foxy will predict what will happen when Joe returns?

Find out in

His Vow to Treasure

,

Book Two in the Flying Cross Ranch Romances!