A/N: Thank you so much for the feedback, leya, unobtrusive, Kenna, Maddi, Jackie, zenfrodo, Caranath, Vinsmouse and bhar! I've really appreciated all of the reviews and comments, as well as the people who have taken time to read the story over the past couple of months. I have another one that is already finished, and after a bit more editing, I hope to post it in a couple of weeks. Thanks again for reading! :)

Epilogue

Joe eased himself down into the oversized leather armchair in the cabin's living room three days after they'd wrapped up the case. He'd spent the morning learning how to rope calves and he was wiped out.

"So, what do you all think?" Emily asked, as she entered the room and handed Joe a cold bottle of beer from the fridge. "Is ranch life for you?"

Frank looked up from the pile of wood he was arranging in the fire grate. "I think I could get used to it." He reached his hand back to Nancy who gave him a box of matches. "What about you, babe?"

She made a face. "I'm still sore from that trail ride Tim took us on yesterday." She collapsed onto the sofa with a deep sigh. "I'm afraid I'm a confirmed city slicker."

Emily laughed as she slid onto Joe's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. "And what about you?"

Joe shrugged. "I could go either way. But I think this ranch is probably a little remote for a private detective. I wouldn't want to spend all my days chasing chicken thieves."

Frank stood and dusted his hands off on his jeans. "I wouldn't exactly describe what we just did out here as 'chasing chicken thieves.'"

"No, but I'll bet that's the most excitement they've had around here in a long time." Joe placed his feet on the ottoman in front of him as he drew Emily in closer. "I think this is a great place to come for a little relaxation though."

Frank sat next to Nancy and rested his arm across the back of the sofa as she snuggled into him. "Definitely. I think your aunt and uncle are going to have lots of guests wanting to play cowboy for a week or so when she gets these cabins finished."

Joe snorted. "Yeah, and I'm sure they're going to love being told that the guys have to sleep on the couches while the women take the beds."

Emily gave him a playful swat. "She only did that because she feels responsible for me. And now that you and Frank have saved several lives and the ranch...I think she just may allow you to take a liberty or two where I'm concerned."

Joe raised an eyebrow as he sipped his beer. "And just exactly what does that mean?"

Frank laughed. "Don't get your hopes up, Joe. I doubt it means you can shower together."

"Well of course it does." Emily giggled. "As long as we're both fully clothed."

The front door to the cabin opened amidst the laughter and Susan stepped inside.

"Oh, I'm glad to hear you're all having fun," she said with a smile. "I was just stopping in to invite you to a little homecoming party for Ed and Jake tomorrow. The hospital called and they're being discharged."

Emily stood and went to hug her aunt. "That's wonderful news."

"It is, isn't it?" Susan sniffled. "And I'm just so grateful to you and your friends, Emily. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't come out here. Jamie might have..." She stopped, overcome with emotion.

Joe smiled. This was all more than Susan could've handled by herself. He was glad Emily could be here for her. She'd been a rock for her aunt, and Joe was proud of her.

Emily patted her aunt on the back. "It's all right, Aunt Susan. It's all over now."

Susan nodded and quickly wiped at her tears. "I know and I'm okay. Really. I just wanted you all to know how grateful Ed and I are for what you did."

"It was our pleasure," Frank said, standing. "And we want to thank you for allowing us to use your beautiful cabin. The past few days have been a lot of fun."

Susan smiled. "I'm glad to hear it. You're all welcome to stay as long as you like. I wish you could stay the whole summer, as a matter of fact." She looked at Emily wistfully. "Just like when you were a little girl."

Joe moved over next to Emily. "You know, I'd love to see some photos from Em's summers here. Do you have any?"

Susan's eyes lit up. "Oh, I do. Lots, as a matter of fact. I'll get them out for the party." She squeezed Emily's hand. "I'd better get going, dear. I have so much to do."

"Okay, Aunt Susan. "I'll be up to help you in the morning."

Susan nodded as she turned to go, then stopped and looked at her niece. She lowered her voice. "Just so you know, I think that in light of everything that's happened, it would be all right if he..." She glanced at Joe. "Bought the cow on a layaway plan...so to speak."

Emily's mouth fell open.

"Well, after all dear, times are different now." She patted Emily's hand and smiled at Joe as she headed for the door.

"What was that all about?" Joe asked, as Susan stepped onto the porch. "I don't want to buy a cow."

"Buy a cow?" Nancy piped up. "Oh my gosh, did Susan just say Joe could 'have the milk for free?'" She burst out laughing. "Hannah uses that expression all the time."

Emily finally found her voice. "Not in so many words, but I think that's what she meant. She said he could 'buy the cow on layaway.'"

"Layaway?" Nancy choked as she continued laughing. "That is priceless."

"What on earth are you two talking about?" Frank looked baffled.

Joe wondered that, too. One thing was certain, though. He wasn't becoming a rancher and he wanted no part of owning livestock. Cows smelled bad.

Nancy sighed as she leaned back against the sofa. "Oh, basically Susan just gave Emily a free pass to have sex with Joe."

"What?" Joe was startled. "I must have missed that."

"Trust me on this one." Nancy giggled.

Joe shot Emily a wicked grin as he reached for her hand. "I'll take your word for it, Nan."

"Does that permission apply to us, too?" Frank asked.

"I don't think you need her permission, honey, you're twenty-three years old. But yes, I suspect it does." Nancy smiled. "You and Joe saved her husband's life."

"And to the victor belongs the spoils," Joe called out as he and Emily headed to the bedroom. "See you...next week."

Emily laughed. "Well, in time for the party anyway."

OOO

Frank turned to Nancy as Joe shut the bedroom door. "I think I saw a bottle of wine in the fridge."

"And there is that hot tub we haven't used yet." She sighed. "You know, I think I might actually like living on a ranch now."

Frank raised his eyebrows. "Yeah? Well, hang on little filly, because you are about to have the ride of your life."

THE END