Epilogue
“Stop shoving broccoli in your pocket, Kyle!” Macie ordered. “Sanford doesn’t like broccoli any more than you do.”
Five year old Kyle stopped guiltily, then rallied with his usual optimism and charm. “But Momma, he needs treats!”
Macie rolled her eyes as she lifted two year old Chloe out of her booster seat. “I guarantee that Sanford doesn’t need any more treats. He’s getting fat because you bring him five or six apples a day.”
Kyle’s eyes, so like his father’s, shifted to the apple orchard that Edward and Kyle planted, specifically so that Sanford and the other horses would have fresh apples as often as possible. “Should I go pick more for him?”
“No!” Edward replied with exasperation as he walked into the dining room again. He lifted Kyle into his arms, tickling the boy’s tummy. “Sanford doesn’t need any more apples today.”
“What about for the kittens? Sanford protects them just like he protects me.”
Macie laughed as she set Chloe on the counter to wipe her hands. “Sanford is creating a veritable zoo in your stables, Edward.” She tossed the dirty washcloth into the laundry basket. “Your previously grand ducal estate is looking a bit wild around the edges.”
Edward sighed, nodding his agreement. “I know. How did a pregnant cat even find her way into the barn?”
Macie shrugged. “I have no idea, but now that Sanford is protecting the momma and her kittens, you know that they are here to stay.”
“Can we go play with the kittens?” Chloe asked, reaching up in a silent plea to be carried.
“Since all of the animals need to be fed, then yes, we can go visit the stables.” He turned to Kyle, “Could you possibly explain to Sanford that we can’t take in every village stray that happens by? We already have four dogs, two cats, five kittens, ten horses, a donkey…and I still want to know how a donkey suddenly appeared…and Sanford is even protecting a family of raccoons now! There has to be a limit. No more animals!”
Macie smiled, then her whole body warmed as she gazed up into her husband’s eyes. “Is this everything you hoped for when you married me, Your Grace?” she whispered, balancing Chloe on her hip.
Edward lowered his head, brushing his lips against Macie’s. “It’s even better, Your Grace.” Then he laughed when his beautiful wife grimaced, knowing full well that she hated her title. Yes, life was pretty darn good!