by Elle James
Jolie hurried alongside him, holding his hand all the way. When they loaded him into the ambulance, she insisted on riding with him.
“Only family members are allowed,” the EMT said.
“I’m his fiancée,” she said.
The EMT grinned. “Then hop on in.”
She rode with Mad Dog to the hospital in Bozeman. He held her hand for the entire hour it took to get there, reassuring Jolie he would be okay.
By the time the doctor and nurses cleaned the wound and stitched him up, it was past midnight, but Jolie didn’t care. She didn’t want to leave him for a minute, afraid that, if she did, something would happen, and she might never see him again.
She knew it was irrational, but she couldn’t help it. Having had no family since losing her father, she didn’t want to risk losing the one man who’d made her love life again.
If being with him meant giving up her career with the CIA, she’d do it happily. Besides, the Rocking R Ranch needed someone there who cared. Someone to call it home.
Epilogue
“Jolie! They’re here!” Mad Dog called out.
“Good. The lasagna is just about ready. Did you ice the beer?”
“I did. And a couple six packs of wine coolers and hard lemonade for those who don’t like beer.”
Jolie slipped an arm around his waist and stood with him on the newly repaired front porch. All signs of the burns and scorch marks had been replaced, sanded or painted. The exterior of her home had a fresh coat of paint and looked great.
Mad Dog’s chest swelled with pride. He was glad he’d had the time to help with the repairs. He hadn’t let a few stitches keep him from fully engaging in the repairs, even though Jolie had been on him every step of the way to take it easy.
The few weeks he’d been in Montana had been the happiest of his life. The more he got to know Jolie, the more he realized she was the woman for him. And, if he wasn’t mistaken, she was pretty stuck on him, too. Which gave him the confidence to make the purchase he’d made the last time he’d visited Bozeman for his follow-up doctor’s appointment when they’d removed his stitches.
He stuck his hand in his pocket, felt around for the ring and nearly had a heart attack when he didn’t find it.
Jolie must have felt him flinch. “The scar still sore from them taking the stitches out?” she asked.
“Yeah. A little,” he said. They were, but not enough to bother him. He slipped his hand into his other pocket and breathed a sigh of relief. The diamond engagement ring was there.
Trucks and SUVs pulled up to the house, and members of the Brotherhood Protectors team climbed out and helped their women alight.
Hank was first to the porch with Sadie and Emma. “The place looks great. I’m sure your father would be happy that you decided to keep it and reestablish the ranch.”
Sadie hugged Jolie and handed Emma to Mad Dog. “Our housewarming gift will be delivered in a few days. I hope you don’t mind that we didn’t bring it with us.” Her eyes danced with delight. “Tell them what it is, Hank. Tell them.”
Hank laughed. “We got you a heifer. A registered Angus heifer.”
Mad Dog laughed and shook Hank’s hand.
Jolie clapped a hand over her mouth, tears springing to her eyes.
“It’ll be the start of your herd,” Mad Dog said, hugging her to his side.
Swede was next with a pretty, auburn-haired woman who bore a slight resemblance to Hank. “Sorry we haven’t been by sooner, but we had to bring cattle in from the hills with the weather getting cooler,” Swede said. “This is Allie, Hank’s little sister and my fiancée. We’re getting married next month and want you two to come to the wedding.”
“We’d love to,” Jolie replied and glanced over her shoulder at Mad Dog. “That is, if you aren’t working.”
“I’ll have to check with my new boss.” Mad Dog winked at Hank.
“I’m glad you decided to come to work for the Brotherhood Protectors,” Hank said. “Word is spreading, and I have more work than men to fill the positions.”
Mad Dog’d had a long talk with Greg Lambert about his work with the Sleeper SEALs and had agreed to be on call for future missions. In the meantime, he’d work as part of the Brotherhood Protectors with Hank. With so many ranchers selling their places to rich folk from the cities, the need for protection had grown in Montana. He’d be home when he could and help out on the ranch.
“I understand you left the CIA to ranch fulltime,” Allie said. “I’m glad I’m not the only female rancher in the area. We’ll have a lot to talk about.”
Jolie agreed and made a date to have coffee with Allie soon.
Bear introduced her to his woman, Mia Chastain, a Hollywood screenwriter Jolie knew from back in high school.
Mad Dog was amazed at how many people Jolie knew from growing up in Eagle Rock. He was glad she’d be surrounded by them. It made going away for his work easier, knowing she’d have people there to take care of her when she needed help.
Duke Morris and Angel Carson, both former Army Special Forces, were next to greet them. Followed by Taz Davil and Hannah Kendricks. Taz had been an Army Ranger, and Hannah worked with disabled vets and horses at the Brighter Days Rehab Ranch.
Kujo and his fiancée, Molly, arrived with Six and took up a couple of seats on the porch.
Boomer and his wife, Daphne, arrived with their baby Maya, followed by Viper, retired Delta Force, who’d hired on when Kujo came to work with Hank’s team.
Once everyone was settled with drinks and snacks, Mad Dog couldn’t wait another second.
He cleared his throat and asked everyone to come out on the porch, because he had an announcement to make.
Jolie joined him, frowning. “What announcement?”
“This one.” He took her hand in his. “Jolie Richards, you are one of the smartest, bravest and most beautiful women I’ve ever met.”
Her cheeks blossomed with color, and she looked around at the others all staring at her. “Thank you, Caleb, but shouldn’t we feed our guests?”
“We will. When I’m finished.” He hurried on before he lost his nerve. Mad Dog drew in a deep breath and continued. “I never thought I was cut out for a family or relationships because of my not so wonderful upbringing, but it took knowing you to open my eyes to the possibilities. I realized I didn’t have to follow in my father’s footsteps. I never have and never will.”
“You’re a much better man,” Jolie said. “My father would have loved you.”
“I’m more concerned that you love me,” he said and dropped to one knee.
Jolie’s eyes filled with tears. “You aren’t…you’re not…oh, please, get up.”
He laughed and shook his head. “I’m not finished.
Jolie dropped to her knees and held his hand in both of hers. “Go on,” she whispered.
“Jolie Richards, I can’t promise I’ll always do the right thing or say the right thing, but I will promise to love you until the day I die, and probably even longer. What I’m trying to say is, will you marry me?”
“The ring,” Sadie whispered. “Where’s the ring?”
Mad Dog could have kicked himself. He fumbled in his pocket and pulled out the ring. “Well, will ya? If you say yes, you’ll make me the happiest man alive. I swear I love you more than you can ever imagine.”
She pressed a finger to his lips. “Shut up. Just shut up.” And she kissed him.
He kissed her back, but then set her away from him. “Let me be perfectly clear. Is that a yes?”
She flung her arms around his neck, and they both fell over. “Yes!”
Mad Dog didn’t care that they were lying on the porch, and all of their guests were laughing. The woman he’d been looking for all of his life had just agreed to marry him. Life couldn’t get any better than it was at that moment.
*
Find out who the Commander calls next. Make sure to pick up ALL the books in the Sleeper SEAL series. These can be read in any order and each stands alo
ne.
Protecting Dakota by Susan Stoker
Slow Ride by Becky McGraw
Michael’s Mercy by Dale Mayer
Saving Zola by Becca Jameson
Bachelor SEAL by Sharon Hamilton
Montana Rescue by Elle James
Thin Ice by Maryann Jordan
Grinch Reaper by Donna Michaels
All In by Lori Ryan
Broken SEAL by Geri Foster
Freedom Code by Elaine Levine
Flat Line by J.M. Madden
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https://ellejames.com/contact/
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About the Author
ELLE JAMES also writing as MYLA JACKSON is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of books including cowboys, intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edges of their seats. With over eighty works in a variety of sub-genres and lengths she has published with Harlequin, Samhain, Ellora’s Cave, Kensington, Cleis Press, and Avon. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling, snow skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories. Learn more about Elle James at www.ellejames.com
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Or visit her alter ego Myla Jackson at mylajackson.com
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www.ellejames.com
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Also by Elle James
Hearts & Heroes Series
Wyatt’s War (#1)
Mack’s Witness (#2)
Ronin’s Return (#3)
Sam’s Surrender (#4)
Brotherhood Protector Series
Montana SEAL (#1)
Bride Protector SEAL (#2)
Montana D-Force (#3)
Cowboy D-Force (#4)
Montana Ranger (#5)
Montana Dog Soldier (#6)
Montana SEAL Daddy (#7)
Montana Rescue
Take No Prisoners Series
SEAL’s Honor (#1)
SEAL’s Ultimate Challenge (#1.5)
SEAL’S Desire (#2)
SEAL’s Embrace (#3)
SEAL’s Obsession (#4)
SEAL’s Proposal (#5)
SEAL’s Seduction (#6)
SEAL’S Defiance (#7)
SEAL’s Deception (#8)
SEAL’s Deliverance (#9)
Ballistic Cowboy
Hot Combat (#1)
Hot Target (#2)
Hot Zone (#3)
Hot Velocity (#4)
Texas Billionaire Club
Tarzan & Janine (#1)
Something To Talk About (#2)
Who’s Your Daddy (#3)
Love & War (#4) Summer 2017
Hellfire Series
Hellfire, Texas (#1)
Justice Burning (#2)
Smoldering Desire (#3) TBD
Up in Flames (#4) TBD
Plays with Fire (#5) TBD
Hellfire in High Heels (#6) TBD
Cajun Magic Mystery Series
Voodoo on the Bayou (#1)
Voodoo for Two (#2)
Deja Voodoo (#3)
Billionaire Online Dating Series
The Billionaire Husband Test (#1)
The Billionaire Cinderella Test (#2)
The Billionaire Bride Test (#3) TBD
The Billionaire Matchmaker Test (#4) TBD
SEAL Of My Own
Navy SEAL Survival
Navy SEAL Captive
Navy SEAL To Die For
Navy SEAL Six Pack
Devil's Shroud Series
Deadly Reckoning (#1)
Deadly Engagement (#2)
Deadly Liaisons (#3)
Deadly Allure (#4)
Deadly Obsession (#5)
Deadly Fall (#6)
Covert Cowboys Inc Series
Triggered (#1)
Taking Aim (#2)
Bodyguard Under Fire (#3)
Cowboy Resurrected (#4)
Navy SEAL Justice (#5)
Navy SEAL Newlywed (#6)
High Country Hideout (#7)
Clandestine Christmas (#8)
Thunder Horse Series
Hostage to Thunder Horse (#1)
Thunder Horse Heritage (#2)
Thunder Horse Redemption (#3)
Christmas at Thunder Horse Ranch (#4)
Demon Series
Hot Demon Nights (#1)
Demon's Embrace (#2)
Tempting the Demon (#3)
Lords of the Underworld
Witch's Initiation (#1)
Witch's Seduction (#2)
The Witch's Desire (#3)
Possessing the Witch (#4)
Stealth Operations Specialists (SOS)
Nick of Time
Alaskan Fantasy
Blown Away
* * *
Warrior’s Conquest
Rogues
Enslaved by the Viking Short Story
Conquests
Smokin’ Hot Firemen
Love on the Rocks
Protecting the Colton Bride
Heir to Murder
Secret Service Rescue
High Octane Heroes
Haunted
Engaged with the Boss
Cowboy Brigade
Time Raiders: The Whisper
Bundle of Trouble
Killer Body
Operation XOXO
An Unexpected Clue
Baby Bling
Under Suspicion, With Child
Texas-Size Secrets
Cowboy Sanctuary
Lakota Baby
Dakota Meltdown
Beneath the Texas Moon
* * *
Make sure to pick up ALL the books in the Sleeper SEAL series. These can be read in any order and each stands alone.
Protecting Dakota by Susan Stoker
Slow Ride by Becky McGraw
Michael’s Mercy by Dale Mayer
Saving Zola by Becca Jameson
Bachelor SEAL by Sharon Hamilton
Montana Rescue by Elle James
Thin Ice by Maryann Jordan
Grinch Reaper by Donna Michaels
All In by Lori Ryan
Broken SEAL by Geri Foster
Freedom Code by Elaine Levine
Flat Line by J.M. Madden
