Page 16 of Her Sweet Surrender
Just like the whoopee cushion adventure, Brie had fun while she walked around Rytsar’s home, placing the silver packets in places she hoped would surprise him.
Hours later, when they were finally done hiding all sixty-nine of the bombs, Master Anderson let out a satisfied sigh. “I can’t tell you the feeling of accomplishment I am experiencing right now, young Brie. Durov is in for some fun times ahead.”
She laughed. “I doubt he will see it that way.”
“I wholeheartedly disagree. He’ll appreciate the time and effort that went into this gift and be humbled by it.”
Brie snorted with amusement.
After bringing Little Sparrow back in and double-checking to make sure everything looked the way Rytsar had left it, Master Anderson commanded Brie to lock the door behind them.
He chuckled, grinning like the Cheshire Cat as he escorted her back to their house. Once inside, he announced, “Thane, old buddy, it’s time to celebrate!”
Sir stood up from the couch as he turned to greet them. “Well, that certainly took a while.”
“You can’t rush perfection…” Master Anderson’s jaw suddenly dropped and he muttered,“Et tu, Brute?”
Brie glanced in the direction he was looking and saw Ghost laid out on his back with his eyes closed, purring loudly as Hope cuddled between the two cats.
“The three of them have been like that for hours,” Sir told him.
Master Anderson shook his head in shock. “I can’t believe Ghost went soft like that. I thought he and I were kindred spirits.”
Brie bumped against him. “Maybe you are. I think you should spend an afternoon with Hope and find out what you’re missing.”
“Hmm…”
She smiled at him in surprise. “What? Are you considering it?”
Master Anderson stared at Hope, then nodded his head slowly as if he were seriously contemplating it. “I’m not the kind of man to shirk from a challenge. I suppose it could prove interesting…”
“Our daughter is not to be used as an experiment,” Sir grumbled.
Master Anderson chuckled. “Of course not, I’m just saying… If you ever have a need, I’d be willing to watch her. One time. But not overnight.” He shuddered. “No way could I handle a whole night.”
“We’ll keep you in mind,” Sir said in a sarcastic tone.
“Anyway…” Master Anderson muttered, changing the subject. “It’s time to celebrate.” He walked into their kitchen and got out three glasses and a bottle of whiskey. “Do you want your whiskey neat or on the rocks, young Brie?”
“Neither.”
Master Anderson frowned slightly. “Okay…”
Turning to Sir, he asked, “What about you, buddy?”
“I’m afraid I must abstain, as well.”
Master Anderson’s face suddenly fell. “No…”
He looked at Brie. “Say it ain’t so.”
She giggled, rubbing her stomach tenderly. “It’s true.”
He looked back at Sir, shaking his head. “Can’t you let the poor girl have a breather? Back to back babies are a bit much.”
Sir smiled, enjoying his reaction. “I’m afraid when you get to be our age, it becomes a necessity.”
Master Anderson got a troubled look on his face. “Hadn’t considered that…”
