The Senate hearings had been brutally long but after it was all said and done it had been worth it. Three other Senators came forward admitting to being blackmailed by Hannibal Jordan. In addition two Senators and the Lieutenant Governor had been implicated in working with Jordan and the railroad. Jarrod was just glad he wouldn't have to testify at their trials although he would have to at Jordan's.
He leaned back in his chair and put his feet on the desk as he sipped his scotch. The hearings had lasted almost eight weeks and he hadn't been able to go home when Maggie gave birth to Laura Ann Barkley. He and Jessica were planning on going to the Ranch this weekend to see his newest little niece.
The thought of his blushing bride brought a wide smile to Jarrod's face. They had been married almost three months and they were looking for a house to buy in Sacramento since Jarrod decided to remain a Senator. He had been through hell the last three years but he was glad it happened because he had met Jessica.
As Jarrod sipped his drink someone knocked at the door. Jarrod frowned as everyone should have been gone. He looked in his desk drawer and got the derringer he kept there as he answered the door. He slowly answered the door to the Governor.
Jarrod let out a sigh of relief as he showed the man in.
"Governor, I am surprised to see you here." Jarrod sat back down at his desk.
"I could say the same for you Senator." He raised his eyebrows at Jarrod as he sat in the chair across from Jarrod's desk.
Jarrod chuckled as he answered, "I'm waiting on my wife. She went home to pack a few items for us before we go to Stockton."
"Going to see your family?" The Governor questioned.
"Yes, we are. I have a new niece that is a few weeks old I want to see along with two other nieces."
"I'm sorry you could not be there for your brother." The Governor said.
Jarrod raised his hand, "Thank you Governor." Jarrod sipped his drink and asked, "Is there something I can do for you sir?"
The Governor smiled at Jarrod, "Yes as a matter of fact there is. As you know my Lt. Governor has been arrested and is awaiting trial on his charges which leaves me in a bit of a quandary."
"Oh?"
The Governor chuckled, "After you left the remaining Senators nominated a man to take his place and for once I agree one hundred percent with their decision." Both men laughed at his remark. The Governor cleared his throat and said, "They nominated you Jarrod."
Jarrod choked on his drink and sputtered, "Me?"
The Governor laughed again, "Yes you."
Jarrod was shocked, "Me? Why me?"
The Governor frowned at Jarrod and said, "Young man I can not believe you are asking me that. You stood up to the railroad and won. We need more men like you."
Jarrod swallowed slowly, "Well, ah I ah, I need to talk to my wife first," Jarrod stuttered.
Jessica walked in the door and asked, "Talk to me about what dear?" She stopped as soon as she saw the Governor and blushed.
Jarrod chuckled at Jessica and said, "Honey, what did your father tell you about entering a room?"
Jessica frowned and swatted at him playfully. The Governor laughed at the playfulness of the couple. Jessica sat down in the chair beside the Governor and asked, "Talk to me about what?"
The Governor answered, "Becoming my Lt. Governor."
Jessica looked at the Governor in shock and said excitedly, "What?"
Jarrod laughed at Jessica's reaction and said, "I have been nominated to take the place of Stevens since he has a new residence in the city jail."
Jessica gushed, "Jarrod that is marvelous!"
The Governor said, "Sounds like your wife is on board, what about you Jarrod?"
Jarrod looked at Jessica and the Governor and said, "I would still like to think about it."
The Governor got up and said, "Of course I understand Jarrod. Let me know your decision."
Jarrod stood up and walked to escort the Governor out, "I will let you know something Monday morning sir."
"I look forward to hearing your decision. Enjoy your trip this weekend."
The Governor walked out and Jarrod closed the door. Before Jarrod could turn around Jessica ran to him and hugged and kissed him. Jarrod returned her embrace and the kisses.
He finally broke away and huskily said, "If we keep this up we won't make the train."
Jessica frowned and said, "We are taking your private rail car aren't we?"
Jarrod grinned mischievously at her, "Of course my love."
Jessica smiled at him seductively, "Good we can finish this on the train. Next thing on the agenda is the Governor's offer to you."
Jarrod smiled as he answered, "I've already made up my mind."
Jessica put her hands on her hips and said, "Well?"
Jarrod pulled her to him and whispered, "How does Mrs. Lieutenant Governor Barkley sound?"
Jessica replied laughing, "Not as good as Mrs. Jarrod Barkley."
Jarrod laughed as he pulled her closer, "You'll get no argument from me on that."