"I will."
Moments later the air ambulance taxied out to the runway and took off, heading to Denver.
Eric hugged and kissed Elizabeth. “You take care of yourself.” He shook hands with Martin and Ford.
Julian pulled Elizabeth into a bear hug. "I will speak to you soon,chère. You take care of sweet Lola and those growing babies.” He faced Martin. “All right,mon frère, I will also speak to you soon." Julian pounded a fist to his heart and pointed at Martin, then he and Eric boarded the Chase Group plane to return to San Diego.
Watching the second takeoff, Martin and Elizabeth returned to the Navigator with Ford sitting in the driver's seat. The three headed back to the Bailey farm. "It's just you, Tess and Pete left," Martin said.
"As soon as I'm sure Austin and your dad are settled with the new surgeon and internist the hospital hired, we can go. Lola can travel, and so can you. My guess is by next week," Elizabeth announced.
"Tighe will be back tomorrow—Ian expedited the home visit. Boss, if she's interested, maybe transfer Tess to New York?" Ford looked at Elizabeth through the rearview mirror.
"Ford, are you playing matchmaker?" Elizabeth asked.
Martin chuckled, "Sunshine, if anyone is a matchmaker, you are. Joyce seems happy."
"She is. Her contract in San Francisco ends on September thirtieth, and she’ll head to Denver soon after. Patrick softens her."
"Tomorrow, we have the meeting with the realtor for your home and, well, your family house. If you aren't ready to sell, you don't have to." Martin reached behind him to clasp her hand.
Elizabeth stared out the window. "No, I'm ready. I'm sure a family will love my house, and as far as the mausoleum, I'd like to turn it into something for good use. Maybe to help women and children transitioning out from trafficking and abuse. Talbot would hate seeing his home used in that way." She had stopped referring to him as Daddy. Dennis Bailey was kinder to her, even when he believed she hurt Martin. “Marty, something else has been on my mind. Do you think your dad would mind if I called him Dad too?”
"I think that would be wonderful, and he would be thrilled. Have I told you how much I love you and how proud I am to call you my girl?"
At the farm, Austin and Janey were sitting on the front porch with Shaun Murray and his wife, Shelly. Shaun stood to shake Ford's hand and hug Elizabeth. "Glad you’re here, Shaun," Martin said, shaking his hand. “We good?”
“Yeah,” Shaun said. “I was just bringing Austin up to date on the news. Iowa State police are revamping the entire department."
"Sharpe stepped down, and they named Shaun the new chief. Those bastards, they doctored the promotional exam results. Shaun should have been promoted to captain two years ago," Austin angered.
"Congratulations," Elizabeth said.
"As soon as Austin comes back, he'll be my lieutenant in charge of the detective division. Paul Young has agreed to stay on as long as he’s able to help.”
"That's great." Martin smiled.
"Austin and I have a lot of work to do. First, to win back the confidence of the people of Silverton. The State Police, thanks to a Governor's order, are going to let us hire off their recent exam. Until then, they will fill in our ranks, as well as the jail's."
"This is a win for the good guys," Ford announced.
After dinner, Elizabeth and Janey sat in the living room with Lola and Austy. Austin and Martin joined them after a short walk. Martin observed Austin as they sat on the couch. Each day, more of his stamina returned. "I'm going to miss you."
After Martin embraced him, Austin punched his brother in the shoulder. "You have heard of Skype and airplanes?"
Later that night, the farmhouse was quiet. Elizabeth's head rested on Martin's chest. "Sunshine, I promise you: I will never take this gift for granted. I don't want to wait. Before we head to Virginia, I'd like to be married. We can plan a party for all our friends and family at a later time."
Elizabeth intertwined her fingers with his. "I'd like that."
Martin lowered his head to kiss her. "I love you, today and always."
