Page 41 of You Can Leave Your Hat On

“You have a bond with that dog. You and that dog are the only ones who could see his mistresses, and that means something.” Aaron stepped toward her, then held out his hand. “Come on. Let’s go pick up our dog and go home.”

“I have some clothes I kept. You’re welcome to them if you want them,” Carly said with a smile.

“No. I promised Aaron that I’d never, never wear anything that wasn’t brand new again. But thanks. Oh! I’ve gotta get going! We’re finding out the sex this afternoon!”

“Ooooo, how exciting!” Cherilyn called out. “Let us know!”

“We’ll have a party. Nothing over the top. See you guys later.” Maisey headed for the door and straight to the car. Aaron was meeting her at the doctor’s office, and she couldn’t be late.

As soon as she was on the table and the ultrasound technician came in, she smiled at the tech. “It’s a boy.”

“Oh, has somebody already done this for you?” she asked.

“No. I just know.”

The lady laughed. “I get that all the time! Let’s just see.” The wand was cold, and Maisey sucked in a breath. “There it is. Healthy little bugger. Looks like about four and a half months.”

“And?” Aaron asked, gripping Maisey’s hand tightly.

“See that right there? That’s an outie, not an innie. You’re right, Mrs.Friedman. You’ve got a little boy here!”

“I told you! I told you it was a boy!”

“What made you so sure?” the tech asked.

“A couple of ghosts told me it would be a boy.” She heard Aaron chuckling beside her.

The tech gawked at her. “A… couple of… ghosts told you?”

“Yep. Sure did.”

She watched the tech glance at Aaron. “Hey, she’s not lying. They really did.”

“Okay. Well, I’ve never had anybody saythatto me before, but okay. You sure knew, so I’ll give you that! You can wipe off and get dressed. You two have a nice afternoon, and congratulations,” she told them as she stepped out of the room.

Maisey grinned at Aaron. “Happy?”

“I’m in a room with the most beautiful woman in the world, looking at my little son on a screen. The only way I could be happier would be if I was holding him in my arms.”

“Agreed. And now I want a milkshake.”

“We’ll get one. What do you think Murielle will say when we tell her it’s a boy?”

“I think she’ll say to make it stay in there until it changes its mind and comes out a girl,” Maisey said, laughing.

“I’m pretty sure you’re right.”

Damn, it was cold out! Maisey curled up into the corner of the sofa, little Joseph in her arms and sucking away at her left nipple. “We’re gonna have to move you to the other one. You’re wrecking that one,” she mumbled as she gazed down at the perfect baby.

“Can we watch The Blueberry Brigade?” Murielle whined.

“Sure. I don’t care. Where’s your dad?”

“Getting out of the shower.” The words were no more out of Murielle’s mouth than Aaron walked into the room in his fleece lounge pants and a long-sleeved tee. “See? There he is.”

He grinned at her as he sat down. “Hey, babe. Is he asleep?”

“No. Wanna hold him?”

“Sure!” Maisey handed the baby off to Aaron, then buttoned the front of her gown and stood. “Time to feed Bruno.” At the sound of his name, the big dog stood and headed straight for Maisey. He’d gone from skin and bones to a healthy, sleek fifty pounds of muscle, and he’d become a great family dog. She loved having him there, especially when Aaron was out working.

After she’d fed him, Maisey sat back down on the sofa and looked around. Murielle was watching the TV show and singing along with the songs. Aaron was playing with the baby, who smiled occasionally, even though Maisey was sure it was just gas. And the big dog was curled up on the rug next to Murielle, waiting for her to pat him occasionally. She never disappointed him.

Her family. Her world. Maisey thought about the coat, the boots, and the hat. A few more boxes had shown up on their porch, but she’d had Aaron take them straight back to the sheriff’s department so their owners could pick them up. No more of that stuff for Maisey. She’d leave sleuthing to the professionals. Everything she’d ever looked for in her life was right there in that room. There was nothing more she could ask for.

But maybe someday she’d have one more adventure. Her brain chuckled at the thought. There was a new consignment store on the other side of town, and that sure was a cute sweater they had in the window…

---