I marvel as I look around at the faces who have joined me for this glorious feast. Jasper’s three brothers and his sister, Ella, have stopped by—including Ella’s husband and their seven-month-old daughter, Willow. Macy, my mother, and Huxley are here. Georgie and Juni, and that guy with the jelly belly Juni picked up at the Happy Hour bar a few weeks back have shown up.
Macy is here with Hunter as her date. My brother had to bring Mackenzie, much to my dismay, and I’ve been biting my tongue this entire time not wanting to ruin this perfect meal by accusing her of two-timing Huxley. Jordy is here, too, having a lively conversation with Hux at the moment.
Leo and Emmie are canoodling at the other end of the table while everyone finishes up with their meal.
And last but never least, I have Jasper Wilder by my side, handsome and strong and every bit the naughty detective as he flirts merciless with me all through dinner—telepathically, of course.
Fish and Sherlock sit by the fire, along with Emmie and Leo’s dogs, Cinnamon, a labradoodle that looks like a bona fide teddy bear, and Gatsby, a handsome golden retriever. Nessa’s little dog, Peanut, and Sprinkles, Juni’s Yorkie, are here, too. And the kittens are most certainly here. All three of them have enjoyed tumbling around with the dogs while Fish does her best to mind them like a mama bear, or in this case, a mama cat.
It turned out, not a single guest was here to have dinner at the inn. Each of them went off to celebrate with family in the area. I tried sending both Grady and Nessa home early, but after they insisted on helping every last guest, I insisted they have a bite to eat with us before they left. And they both happily complied.
Since the grand dining room would be empty, and the buffet gone to waste, we moved our private party into this room. It’s a far more fancier setting than pulling a few tables together in the café.
The fireplace is roaring, and the wood paneled walls are decorated with swags of maple leaves. The expansive table is dotted with pumpkins all the way across, and sitting in the very middle is a cornucopia brimming with gourds and corn. But the real showstopper is the food the Country Cottage Café provided. A smorgasbord of every offering this holiday requires, including three different turkeys cooked three different ways—smoked, roasted, and fried. And suffice it to say, I ate more than my fair share of each.
Grady comes over while slipping on his jacket. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Bizzy.”
Nessa rises from the table as well. “Thanks for having us. My mother is going to kill me when I show up to her house with a full belly.”
Emmie stands. “I’ll walk you out. I’ve got pies that need to be brought over from the café.”
Jordy jumps up. “I’ll help. The sooner they get here, the sooner they get in my stomach.”
Soon, the entire room is on their feet as if this were the seventh inning stretch. Because, let’s face it, we all know this meal is far from over.
Jasper bows in and lands a kiss to my cheek. “Dinner was wonderful. You’re wonderful.” He brushes the hair from my eyes. “You did it. You solved another case. November may have been a whirlwind, but I predict we’re going to have a calm and peaceful December. It’s Christmastime, it’s practically a requirement.” He hitches his head toward the crowd to our left. “Let’s head over to my brother’s. I think they’re eyeing your mother with less than chaste intent.”
A laugh bumps from me. “It wouldn’t be the first time,” I say just as Macy and Hunter step this way. “I’ll be right there.”
Jasper takes off just as Macy offers me a hug.
“It’s been real.” She pulls back with tears in her eyes. “Thanks for facing a gun-toting madwoman just to clear my name. I would like to think I’d do the same for you.” She shrugs. “I most likely wouldn’t, but you never know.”
The three of us share a laugh as the kittens run over and practically claw their way up Hunter’s pants.
“Whoa.” He quickly scoops them up into his arms. “I don’t think I can get enough of this cuteness.” He dots a quick kiss to each of their foreheads.
Georgie strides up with Fish in her arms. “Looks like the terrific trio has finally found a home.” She slaps Hunter on his back. “It was fate, kid. Stop by my new shop and I’ll set you up with a wonky quilt these cool cats can call their own. They were destined to be yours. Sometimes we choose the sweet treat, and sometimes the sweet treat chooses us.”
Macy shakes her head. “That’s too much dessert for one person.”
Hunter shrugs as he looks my way. “I don’t know, I think I can handle it. What do you think, Bizzy? Can I be the good home these girls need and deserve?”
All three of the kittens mewl in turn, begging and pleading with me to let it be so.
Fish sighs. Go ahead and do it, Bizzy. But only if we can see them again.
I take a deep breath. “Then let it be so, indeed. Congratulations, Hunter. You’re the father to three baby girls. And I have no doubt you’ll take good care of them. Just be sure to visit the inn with them again. We’re going to miss them like crazy.”
Macy sighs his way. “I don’t suppose you’ll have room for one more girl in your life, would you?”
He chuckles at the thought. “For you, kitten, there’s always room.”
Georgie leads them to the fireplace as she formally introduces Hunter to the rest of the menagerie while the furry cutie pies do their best to lick his face clean.
I’m about to head over to Jasper when Leo steps in front of me.
He looks handsome in a casual
