Page 31 of Scent of Evil (Sullivan K9 Search and Rescue #7)

T hree weeks later...

Raine couldn’t deny feeling a bit overwhelmed by the Sullivan family. There were just so many of them! She had never known anyone who had eight brothers and sisters, and she found herself wondering what it had been like for Justin and the others to grow up here on the ranch.

Chaos was the only word that came to mind. Utter and complete chaos.

Griff had finished his investigation into Decker’s escape and Rowe’s role as his accomplice.

Digging into Rowe’s computer, they’d found a conversation between the two men that included Rowe’s alias of Sawyer Collins, a connection that had started several months before Decker had attempted to kidnap Ginny the first time, only to get arrested and tossed in jail.

Rowe was one of them, which made her feel sick to her stomach at what her boss may have done if they hadn’t figured it out in time.

With help from other FBI agents in Washington, three other pedophiles from the dark web had been caught and arrested. As wonderful as that was, Raine knew there were still more out there.

Evil men preying on the innocent.

As glad as she was that the case was over, she stood at a crossroads. She’d lost her motivation for her job, yet she couldn’t just give up her career without having something else lined up.

Her new boss, a guy by the name of Terrance Quail, wanted to meet with her the following Monday. Raine had been on an extended leave of absence since shooting Rowe and knew that she’d have to make a decision about her future soon.

“Raine?” Justin tapped on the door to her cabin. She was staying in the cabin where Chase and his wife, Wynona, and their son, Eli, had lived before they’d moved into the ranch house.

She opened the door, smiling in greeting. Stone wagged his tail with excitement, so she bent to pet his silky fur. “You finished with the horses already?”

“Yep.” He stepped over the threshold. “Come, Stone.”

She stepped back, shivering a bit as the breeze kicked up.

The weather was still mild for the end of September, but winter wasn’t far away.

When she closed the door, Justin wasted no time in enveloping her in a big hug, then he kissed her.

After a long moment, when they needed to breathe, he asked, “Are you ready for dinner?”

“I guess.” She loved his family, but mealtimes were a little crazy with so many people crowded around the various tables.

Now that most of the Sullivans had gotten married or engaged, as in the case of Joel and Trina along with Trina’s son, Ben, they didn’t even fit at one table.

There were two tables now, and a third in the works for when Maya and Wynona, and now Jessica, had their babies.

Then there were the dogs. There were nine K9s, then the K9 in training, Bear, along with the newest puppy, King, that Joel had bought for Ben. Between the people and dogs, chaos didn’t begin to describe their family meals.

“Hey, if it’s too much, we can just eat here.” He searched her gaze. “I know my family can be annoying.”

“Overwhelming, not annoying.” Although the way they teased each other often made her laugh. “It’s fine. I don’t know why I’m nervous.”

Justin hesitated, then shrugged out of his coat and tossed it on the chair.

“We’ll stay here for a bit.” Then he took her hand and led her into the living room in front of the fireplace.

She’d thought his intent was to give her some time to adjust before heading over for dinner, but he surprised her by dropping down on one knee and pulling a ring box out of his pocket.

“Raine, I love you with all my heart. Will you please marry me?”

She stared in shock, pretty much ignoring the diamond engagement ring to look into his earnest eyes. “Justin, are you sure about this?”

“Absolutely.” Stone crossed over to sit next to Justin, as if to make sure she knew they were a package deal. The two of them looking up at her expectantly made her smile.

“Yes, Justin.” Why was she hesitating? She loved this man who was honorable, sweet, and praised God every chance he had. “Yes,” she repeated. “I love you and would be honored to be your wife.”

Justin sprang up, caught her in his arms, and spun her in a circle before setting her back down.

Then his gaze turned serious. “We can live in Cheyenne if that’s better for your job, Raine.

I don’t mind. We can visit here when we have time.

The good news is that our SAR missions take us across the state and sometimes into Montana and Idaho.

Where we live won’t be a problem for my siblings. ”

She looked into his eyes. “I’m not sure I want my job.” She braced herself for his ire. “I have some money saved, so it’s not like I plan to live off you, Justin. I’ll do my part, but I think I need to consider something different.”

He looked surprised. “Really?”

“Yes.” She waited a beat. “Does that make you mad?”

“Why would that make me mad?” Justin released her and reached for her left hand. He slid the engagement ring on her finger. “If you want the truth, I’m thrilled. Not that I would stop you from being a marshal if that’s what you really wanted.”

She was surprised. “Ah, okay. But don’t worry, like I said, I have some money saved up.”

“Raine, I don’t want your money. And we can live here for free.” He grinned, then added, “I suppose I should tell you that money isn’t a big deal for us. Our parents left a substantial trust after they died. We don’t use it much except for a modest salary and the general upkeep of the ranch.”

“A trust?” For some reason that worried her. “Wow, that’s great, Justin, and you don’t even have to ask. Of course, I’ll sign a prenup.”

“No, Raine. That’s not necessary.” He pulled her into his arms. “All I ask is that you love me.”

“I do.” Tears pricked her eyes. “I love you so much it scares me.”

“No need to be scared.” He grinned and kissed her. “I do think we should get married soon, though.” His eyes glittered with amusement. “We don’t have any time to waste if you want to have kids.”

She swatted him, despite knowing he was right. She was thirty-four, and to her surprise, her biological clock was ticking rather loudly. “Okay, a quick engagement it is.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Here’s to the next generation of Sullivans.”

“I can’t wait,” he whispered, and sealed the deal with a kiss.

I hope you enjoyed Justin and Raine’s story in Scent of Evil . Are you ready to read about Trevor and Bailey in Scent of Terror ? Click here!