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“About that,” Rob said.

“You’re staying with us. We’ll have breakfast in the morning and then return to White Bear. We’ll probably leave early before mom kicks us out with a furniture moving, cleaning, painting, and interior decorating crew.” Monica didn’t want them to have to do all that work and then drive home tonight.

They walked into the house and saw flat-packing boxes and tape all over the living room.

Andy smiled at his cousins.

Monica loved her mom. She was always ahead of the game. “I have four bedrooms and a fold-out sofa.” She motioned to the white sofa. “So there’s plenty of room to sleep comfortably in any of the bedrooms, plenty of baths to accommodate everyone?—”

Casey rubbed the back of his head. “I didn’t bring any overnight wear.”

“Us either,” Rob said. “We planned to pack up the place and then return to White Bear.”

“It’s too wintry out, and it’ll be too late for you to return. It’ll take us hours to pack everything and then have dinner with my parents. Besides, you’re part of the family, and they need to meet you, too.”

Once they packed everything up, which took a lot less time than she thought it would with four big guys helping out, they drove to her parents' home.

Monica was both apprehensive and excited about her parents meeting Andy. She sure hoped they all hit it off. But Andy was so sweet, she knew he would make the best effort possible. And with a supporting cast of his family members and Casey, it should help ease the tension if any were to arise.

When they arrived at her parents' two-story, gray-and-white home, they welcomed them, hugging her first and then Andywithout reservation. He gave them warm bear hugs, and she knew things would go well immediately.

Then, introductions were made as everyone moved into the warm house and removed their cold-weather outer gear.

"Well, we're so excited for you both," her mom said first. "We didn't think Monica would ever stop working her cases long enough so that she could find a mate."

"She didn't." Andy squeezed Monica's hand. "I was her backup on the faux kidnapping mission the whole way, and that's what made us know how good we could be together."

Her mom and dad laughed.

"Now that sounds about right," her dad said.

"We should have known," Mom said.

They served T-bone steaks, baked potatoes, thyme-seasoned green beans, and Cabernet Sauvignon. When they sat down to eat, her dad asked, “How did the two of you meet?”

Monica and Andy laughed. “In an unconventional way. Andy claimed I wanted to run him over to avoid getting a ticket.”

“I would have given her one if the situation hadn’t unraveled into a faux kidnapping case.”

“You mentioned you had met earlier,” Edward said.

“Oh, sure, but she had a boyfriend and was living in Anchorage,” Andy said.

“Neville was not the one for her. Is your place neat?” her mom asked.

“Yes,” Andy said.

Monica explained, “Andy’s place is beautiful. Neville was a hoarder. I couldn’t have lived like that.”

“But now you’re ready to give up your job and home to live in White Bear?” Monica's dad asked.

“Absolutely. After this case is finished, I’m taking a break. Andy is off for one week and on the next, so we will have mini honeymoons every other week.”

Everyone smiled.

Her dad squeezed her mom’s hand. “This is going to work out all right.”

Relieved they had her parents’ approval, Monica mentioned the family gatherings in White Bear.