Page 29 of The Seal's Promise

“Yah, he built another home on the family land out closer to the beach. Great views.”

“How come you don’t live out there?”

“Your brother is married to this town; he’d be too far away all the way out at the beach.”

“Yes, all four miles away,” Dalton noted.

“I have a place in town because it’s easier.”

“Exactly like I said, married to this town,” Declan said.

“Any chance you have a key to Levi’s place?” Dalton asked.

“That bad? Did you find anyone to help with Gran like we talked about?”

“No, I’m not exactly sure how to word the job description. ‘Companion wanted for wild grandmother, light cleaning and stalking needed.’”

Wes laughed. “That sounds about right.”

“I know the perfect person for the job,” Declan said.

“Who?” Wes and Dalton said in unison.

“My cousin Missy; she just dropped out of law school in her final year. Says she hates the legal system and is going to pursue her art.” Declan took another swig of his beer.

“What art?” Wes asked.

“She’s a painter, says she can sell them on her social media. Claims she’s already got a bunch of followers. As if that will pay her bills and health insurance for the rest of her life.”

“I’m really sorry, man. I know you were counting on her joining the practice, but maybe you can get another lawyer to take on some of the cases. You know what they say about working with family,” Wes said.

“I don’t know. I’m not eager to bring in a stranger as a partner. I may just try to take on fewer clients. It’s the safest option.”

“Well, how does this cousin feel about working part-time with free room and board?” Dalton said.

“After another few nights at my house with the twins, I bet she’ll love it. Throw in a room with a good view where she can paint, and she’ll have a tough time saying no. To be honest you’d be helping me out.”

“Something else we need to know?” Wes asked.

“Missy moved in when she was fourteen and I was still in the Army. All my mama said was Missy needed a real home and she was ours now. My mother’s sister was Missy’s mom, and I suspect she hung around the wrong type of men when trying to raise a teenage daughter. Missy’s ten years younger than me so we’ve never really been super close. But after my mom died, I was the only family she had left and ever since Missy’s seemed a bit lost.”

Wes nodded. “Losing a parent young is life-changing. I take it her dad isn’t in the picture?”

“Nah, he never was. So maybe spending time with your grandmother is just what Missy needs. A stable female role model,” Declan said.

Now Dalton was laughing. “Well, I’m not sure Gran is in her prime for stable grandmotherly behavior, but it would be the perfect way to sell it. We tell Gran that Missy needs a woman in her life, and we tell Missy that Gran needs someone looking out for her on a daily basis.”

“It just might work,” Declan said.

“I think you’re both delusional. Women always know when we’re full of shit, but it’s worth a try,” Wes said. “I’m leaving this one up to Dalton because it’s his freedom on the line.” Wes gave him a big smile before he polished off his beer.

“Why don’t I stop by your place tomorrow, Declan, when your cousin’s around? And say I just happen to need help with my gran?” Dalton asked.

“Perfect, if you come early we can maximize the morning chaos and Missy will be more receptive to finding a better living situation. My boys are rambunctious.” Then Declan stood, dropped some money on the bar, and gave Wes a pat on the back. “Thanks for the beer, Chief.”

“Thank you, sir,” Wes said.

“Dalton, arrive around eight thirty for some family law advice and we’ll see if Missy has had enough of all the testosterone at my house.” Declan shook his hand.

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