Epilogue
PIPER
“Y ou’re a cutie, you’re a cutie, and you’re a cutie.” I bop each cat on the nose. We’re up to three now.
That cat distribution system isn’t messing around. Okay, I might have gotten one from the shelter. You go down to volunteer, and the next thing you know, you’re bringing one home.
“All of you behave yourselves,” I tell them before I grab my bag to head out. I’m going to surprise Landon at the office today with lunch. I also need to talk to him about a few things.
When I exit the vehicle, I see an SUV I know all too well at the curb. “How did you know I was heading out?” I ask the driver, Tommy. He shrugs, opening the back door for me. “Does he just have you sitting out here?”
“Maybe.”
I laugh. “So you have to wait around all day for me in case I want to leave?”
“It gives me time to study, so I’m not knocking it.” That makes me smile, and I also can’t tell Landon now it’s a waste of Tommy’s time.
“Not in the car. How about from now on I’ll give you a heads up so you can go to a coffee shop or library?”
“Oh, Mrs. Adair, you don’t have to do that.” It never gets old hearing my last name.
“It would make me feel better.”
“All right,” he agrees as I slip in and he closes the door for me. It’s a short drive to the office.
It wasn't long ago that entering this building scared the crap out of me. Now I do it with a smile, waving to Linda at the security desk as I pass. It's interesting how things in the world aren't as scary when you have a person you love to lean into.
Even my fear of heights is nothing like it used to be. I won't be jumping on a roller coaster or out of a plane; I'm not sure the husband would allow that either way, but being on the top floor of a giant building or on a plane doesn't faze me any longer.
“Hey!” Scout pops up from behind her desk when she sees me step off the elevator. She rushes over to give me a hug. “How are we doing?” Scout's hand goes to touch my stomach but pauses.
“You can touch, Scout,” I laugh. I adore her. Her hand goes to the small bump that has already formed, and I’m only three months along. That’s what happens when your husband puts a litter inside of you!
“I still can’t believe you’re having triplets,” Scout laughs. “Landon really doesn’t half-ass shit, does he?”
“No, he doesn’t.” Once he had his mind set, Landon was always full throttle ahead. “Is he busy?” I ask. “I brought lunch.” I tap my bag.
“He has someone in his office, someone you’ll want to see.”
“Uncle Dino?”
“The one and only.”
“Yay.” I adore Uncle Dino too.
“You know you’re one of the few people who are excited to see him, right?”
“I’ve heard.” I shake my head, not getting it. Uncle Dino is an utter sweetheart to me. He’s more of a father figure, really. With me not having any family left, I love how he was able to slip into that role. He’s been as excited about my pregnancy as Landon has been.
"Stop back by my desk when you're done. I want to show you something I'm working on."
"Knitting?" She nods. Scout has already made three baby hats. I can't wait to see what else she is making.
I make my way toward Landon's office. It takes me a bit with everyone stopping me to say hello. Everyone in Landon's life has been so sweet and accepting. It was a lot to take in at first, but I love how welcome I feel here.
"Hey," I say when I go through the open door of Landon's office. Both he and Uncle Dino stand when they see me.
Uncle Dino reaches me first, pulling me in for a bear hug.
“Come on now, she’s my wife.” Landon nudges his way in, pulling me into his arms. “I missed you; I was about to head home.” He presses a kiss to my lips.
“You saw me two hours ago,” I remind him. He might have been late this morning; I'm not sure if that was his fault or mine. Either way, it was a pleasurable delay.
“Two hours too long.” He takes my bag from me, setting it down before guiding me back over to his chair; sitting down, he pulls me into his lap.
“How are the babies?” I ask Uncle Dino.
“Terrorists, both of them.” He shakes his head, but he’s smiling.
I might have talked him into adopting two sister cats. They are pure black with green eyes. People can be strange about adopting pure black cats. Not Uncle Dino. I don’t get it, but people can be superstitious.
"I actually came to talk about some kittens."
"Nope." Uncle Dino is on his feet. "My girls are territorial. They would be pissed if I brought home another cat."
"Can't have that," I giggle.
"You aren't used to women fighting over you?" Landon teases him.
"I've got two cats and triplets on the way. My hands are full." Uncle Dino comes around the desk, dropping a kiss on my head. "Call me tomorrow."
"I know; I always call after my appointments."
"Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow," I agree, saying our goodbyes. Uncle Dino closes the door behind him.
I shift in my husband's lap so that I can straddle him. One of his hands moves to rest on my small bump, while the other slips under my dress to cup my ass.
“All right, out with it.”
I place my hands on his chest. “The shelter called.”
“And?” He lifts a brow.
We know at some point I’ll be put on bedrest. That's the way of it when you’re carrying three babies. Landon already brought up not taking on too much.
I had a lot of time for the shelter before because I was pretty much a stay-at-home wife and cat mom.
I wasn’t stealing Steve’s job as the house manager.
I wouldn’t dream of it. That man is a saint.
Plus, Landon is already cutting back his own cases and not taking new clients.
We’re going to be all hands on deck when these babies come.
“Fostering. There was a stray mama cat that gave birth, and they need someone to help get them used to being around people and other cats in a home environment. It would be for about three months.”
“That should be fine.”
“Really?” I perk up.
“Babe, I’ll hire a kitten nanny if I have to if it makes you smile like that.”
"I love you so dang much." No matter what happens, Landon is always the hero of my story.
“I love you too.” He brushes a kiss to my mouth. “Anything else I should know before I eat my wife and then feed you lunch?” I lick my lips.
“I think that’s it.”
“Case closed?”
“Yeah, case closed,” I agree, knowing that when it comes to Landon and me, he’ll always have it handled.
Though I think other lawyers' cases in this law firm are only just beginning.
THE END!