Page 54 of Herding Cat

Catherine shook her head. “Serves you right for asking her to cook.” Pansy was hardly domesticated. Everyone knew it.

Pansy made a face and tossed a wad of wrapping paper at her, which started a whole wrapping paper war that had them all howling. Cat looked on, her heart full and her soul at peace.

While she’d been in Hong Kong avoiding Steven’s minions, Pansy had been under attack as well. But during it all, she’d met Mason—just like Cat had met Garrett. And Mason, another member of the Stone Hard SEALs Services team, had not only protected her niece from danger, he’d captured Steven and garnered a confession that had ended the threat forever.

At this moment, and for the next two consecutive lifetimes, her sister’s erstwhile brother-in-law was in prison for murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

They’d finally gotten justice for Marla, whose only crime had been falling for the wrong kind of guy.

And yeah, that thought made Cat nestle deeper into Garrett’s arms.

How foolish she’d been to push him away because there were a few years between them. He was a keeper, one of the good ones, and she was damned blessed to have him. Every day, she thanked God for helping her see what an idiot she’d been and for putting this wonderful man in her path.

Life was nearly perfect.

The adoption had gone through. Mae and Lui were now hers—theirs.

After all this time, she and Garrett were still together. Still exploring.

And every day was better than the last.

“Well, I think we opened all the presents,” she said. “How about we clean up and have breakfast?”

“Oh, there’s one more present,” Garrett said.

Catherine blinked. “There is?”

“Mmm hmm.” He gestured to Mae who, with a gamine grin, pulled a small package from the boughs of the tree and brought it to her.

“What is this?” she asked, preternaturally aware that a silence had fallen and she was suddenly, and inexplicably, the center of attention.

Even Lola was staring at her. Quivering so hard the bells on her jingle hat tinkled, but staring intently.

“It’s for you,” Garrett said with a glimmer in his eye, one that made her belly shift.

“What is it?”

“Open it.” He swallowed heavily when she hesitated; she had the sense he was nervous, but she couldn’t imagine why.

So she ripped into the package and—

Her heart stopped then began a manic pounding as she stared at the contents of the small box.

It was a ring.

A diamond.

It wasn’t huge, but it was perfect for her.

Perfect for him.

“I thought it was time to ask,” he said, shifting from the sofa onto the carpet. Onto one knee.

“Oh, Garrett.” She was speechless. Elated. Delighted beyond words.

“Well?” he asked.

“Well?” Pansy parroted.