Page 49 of Catnapped

Then, as if drugged, Mrs. Farrol melts. She goes lax in Sorcha’s arms and tilts her head to the side, kissing her back, both of them wrapped in each other.

“Inside,” May whispers. “Come on.”

I let her take my hand and lead me past the lovers, the two of them too involved to even notice us. The chateau is warm and decorated in holiday greenery, the air spiced with cinnamon and sweetness. A huge Christmas tree glitters beside a wide fireplace, the flames inside crackling happily as the snow intensifies outside.

Up ahead, Mousey and the cat from the painting are grooming each other. He’s … well, to be kind, I’ll say he’s ‘unique-looking.’

“Look at that.” May beams. “It’s love under the mistletoe.”

I glance up. She’s right; a swag of mistletoe hangs from a chandelier overhead.

“I suppose–” She lets out a sad sigh. “I suppose the case is solved. It’s over.”

“It is.”

“So that means …” She trails off, her eyes downcast.

I pull her around to face me. “It means that now you and I can spend the holidays together without working on a case.”

Her eyes brighten. “Really?”

“May, you’re never getting rid of me.” I walk her backwards until we’re under the mistletoe.

“Do you promise?” She licks her lips.

“Count on it.” I glance up then back to her sweet mouth. “May I?”

She bites her bottom lip, her cheeks going a beautiful rosy shade. “You never have to ask.”

“That’s my girl.” I kiss her again, sharing my passion with her, showing her who I am, showing her that I’m hers, forever.

EPILOGUE

MAY

“They love you. Seriously. I think my dad might be in love.” I laugh as Carson pulls into the hotel. “He was so into your tales about survival in South America. I mean, you could’ve talked to him about purifying drinking water and eating bugs all the way until Santa showed up. He would’ve been into it.”

“Your mom was into him, too. Now I see where you get your hussy traits from.” Mousey purrs in my lap.

“She was not!” I scold her.

“If you say so.” She licks her paw and wipes her ear. “Hussy.”

“I think he was more interested in how you’re expanding the shelter.” Carson squeezes my thigh, his hand resting in its usual spot. “He’s so proud of you. I love to see it.”

“Well, I’m expanding because of your help, moneybags,” I say cheekily. “So really, that’s you too. My parents are totes in love.” I can’t stop the smile that’s spreading across my face, at least not until a yawn hits me.

“It’s late. I better get you to the room before you turn into a pumpkin.” Carson doesn’t let the valet open my door. Instead, he strides around and helps me out.

“How’d you like the yurt?” I ask as he leads me to the elevator.

“It was … cozy,” he hedges.

“Cozy or tiny?” I elbow him a little. “I mean, you are a giant. There’s no way you would’ve fit in there easily.”

“You are getting way too much amusement from my size.” He grins and corners me in the elevator.

“Now you’ve gone and done it,” Mousey says slyly.

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