Page 69 of Dragon Detective

Katar met us at the front door and gave us both quick hugs.

“Come on in,” he told us both with a smile. “Bailey will be happy to see you.” He frowned. “She’s a little sore still, so she’s staying on the sofa. I’m carrying her around everywhere.”

My breath caught. “Is she okay?”

“I’m perfectly fine,” Bailey called out as we crossed their kitchen and dining room and stepped into the enormous living room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea. “Carrying me around is Katar’s thing, not mine. He doesn’t want me walking anywhere.”

He winced. “You’re uncomfortable.”

“Only a little.” She gave us both a smile. “Welcome. I’m glad you stopped by.” Her gaze fell to her swaddled daughter lying on her legs, and her smile widened. “Isn’t she beautiful? I keep staring at her, unable to believe she’s finally in my arms.”

Mozzie, Bailey’s fox terrier-toy poodle mix, lounged on the sofa beside her, his tail beating up a storm as he looked back and forth between us.

“Our daughter’s perfect, like you, Bailey.” Katar leaned over the back of the sofa to give his wife a kiss, and she stroked his cheek.

When he straightened, he waved to the furniture. “Have a seat and admire my smart, gorgeous, and utterly amazing daughter.”

“What did you name her?” I asked as I sat on the second sofa with Reylor. He put his arm around my shoulders.

Bailey’s gaze followed the movement, though she didn’t comment on our closeness. She’d met Katar during his investigation at her library. Tuvid, Monster, PI’s gargoyle, met Angie while helping her track down her stolen kegs of beer—she owned a microbrewery. And Elrik, an ice lord, had met andfallen for Melly while solving a case involving her grandmother. At this rate, Wolfram and Thain would be following in their footsteps, finding love while solving a crime.

“Her name is Alyanna Helga,” Katar purred. “For my mother and the woman who did so much for Bailey. Isn’t it an amazing name?” Tears glimmered in his eyes. His mother had died a long time ago, and Helga, an elderly librarian, had raised Bailey.

“Such a pretty name,” I said and Reylor murmured agreement. I lifted my tote bag. “I brought lasagna and cookies plus a little gift you can open later.”

“Wonderful,” Bailey said. “Thank you so much.”

“I made the lasagna yesterday. Throw it into the oven at three-fifty for half an hour or freeze it until you want to take it out for dinner. The cookies are my favorite recipe, a glazed almond.”

“Well, I know what I’ll be munching on tonight.” Katar settled in the chair next to Bailey. He leaned close to them and ran his fingertip across his daughter’s light green face. She was a mix of them both, with Bailey’s petite frame and his skin color. “I love cookies.” He kissed Bailey again. “And I love you and our beautiful youngling.”

“Would you like to hold her?” Bailey asked, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

I was overjoyed for them both. They were clearly in love, and they had a sweet daughter to raise.

“I’d love to,” I said, holding my hands out.

Katar scooped up Alyanna and brought her over, gently lowering her into my arms.

As I stared down at her, I couldn’t wait to someday have a child of my own.

Maybe one with Reylor?

Chapter 35

Hannah

The next day followed the others with me continuing my renovation on my B&B while Reylor worked at Monsters, PI. A new case had popped up, and he was laying the groundwork, intending to hand it over to Wolfram when he’d finished his orientation. Monsters, PI had been contacted by the agent of a very successful female author who grew up in Mystic Harbor and was returning for some much-needed rest. Because she’s been threatened, she needed protection.

Wolfram would step into the job.

I finished adding the last coat of poly to the trim in the bedroom I’d nearly finished. Next on my list was taking the big sander to the original wooden floorboards to remove the cupping and any dings. I’d put two coats of poly on it and then I could haul in the furnishings. One more room ready for guests with only a few left to do.

I made a big pot of soup, and when it was finished, I eased it onto the back burner to be reheated when it was closer to dinnertime. It didn’t take long to whip up a batch of corn muffins I could pop into the oven at about that time as well.

“We’re heading out,” the owner of the orc construction crew said from behind me. “All finished.”

We inspected the windows, and not only was his crew’s work inexpensive, but they were also efficient and polite.

---