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“A parting gesture to tell Monica I was sorry I got her involved.”

“Apology accepted.” Andy hurried him out along the sidewalk, not wanting them to have anything further to do with him.

“Thank you for Snowflake. We’ll cherish her as our first baby.” Monica sounded so happy, Andy again wished he’d thought of it.

Once everyone was gone, Andy returned to the house and peeled the kitten from Monica’s arms. He cuddled Snowflake and then kissed Monica’s lips. “I’m home early.”

“You sure are. My bear to the rescue.”

“You bet. When Craig saw the strange Mercedes sitting near our home, he called in the alert.”

“You were having me watched.”

“That’s what family does.”

“Okay, well, you cuddle with Snowflake further. You can show her where her kitty litter box is in the mudroom, and I’ll get us dinner.”

“And then, what do we do about the kitten?”

“She’ll sleep in her bed, and you and I have some making up to do.”

That night, after settling Snowflake in her bed in the living room by her climbing tree, Monica and Andy made love. But itwasn’t long afterward that Snowflake meowed, joined them, and snuggled between them.

This wasn’t going to work. Andy moved the kitten to the other side of Monica. No one was getting between him and his mate.

He was determined to convince the kitten she had her own bed. Only time would tell if she won out or he did.

EPILOGUE

Six months had passed since all the criminals were charged with various crimes. And with them all behind bars, most of the DEA money had been recovered. All of them were found guilty and were serving prison sentences. Harvey Marquart was found guilty of his drug involvement and attempt to kill Monica at the motel, resisting arrest, and other charges. Eloise, likewise, had taken money in a faux kidnapping scheme, drunk driving, and resisting arrest.

Denny was charged with pistol-whipping Pierre, taking money in a faux kidnapping scheme, and resisting arrest. Helen and Lionel had attempted to murder police officers, resisting arrest, and taking money from the faux kidnapping scheme, and received longer sentences. Harvey did too for trying to murder Monica and for all the drug charges.

Teague was charged with evading arrest, taking money from the faux kidnapping scheme, and tampering with Monique’s brake lines, putting her in danger.

The Williamson brothers were returning to prison for their latest bank robbery.

Pierre was found to be innocent and an informant who had helped them with a major trafficking and faux kidnapping case and was in Witness Protection.

And Monica had finally decided on a new car to replace the one she’d wrecked when she’d hit Andy’s patrol car.

Only two weeks after Monica had given her mother the news that she was marrying Andy, the wedding had been spectacular—Monica’s mother insisted they do it right away as she had sold Monica’s home for top dollar. She wanted to legitimize this whole process.

Luckily, everyone got along, though Monica’s dad often tried to outdo Andy’s dad by bragging that he was a better chef, all in good fun.

Snow leopards, Arctic foxes, grey wolves, Arctic wolves, grizzlies, and polar bears were in attendance. Monica’s parents were thrilled that she had found a mate, and they adored both Andy and his extended family, doting on the little ones as if they were their own grandchildren.

Genevieve had added Monica’s shrimp dish to their menu, and Monica and Andy’s oil portrait of them in their bear coats was now on the wall in the tavern, along with the rest of the family members, which had thrilled Monica and Andy.

Today was the Fourth of July, and everyone was there for the big celebration.

But they had more to celebrate today than family, food, and fireworks. Monica and Andy had news they needed to share. As everyone was getting hot dogs or hamburgers, feeding little ones, or eating their own food, Alicia kept casting surreptitious glances her way.

Monica wondered if she’d had a premonition about her pregnancy and was waiting for the announcement to prove her vision.

However, Monica was afraid to mention it because Craig and Margot hadn’t had children yet, and they loved their nieces and nephews as if they were their own. But Monica and Andy had to share the good tidings, or everyone would know before long that she was pregnant.

Andy brought her a glass of milk. Subtle he wasn’t. “Are you ready?”