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“Yes,” Henry said defiantly. “You’re lucky you’re getting that. Stay away from us at all other times, and don’t come to us without warning. Here.”
He spread the document out on the table with one hand and gave her the pen. After a cursory glance, she signed it.
“Fine. I get to see her whenIwant to, though.”
“You’ll have to clear it with us. Give us the proper amount of warning, and everything will be good.”
She nodded. “Can I at least hold her?”
Kirsten and Henry traded a worried glance. Sher could not get far if she tried to run. Henry handed Zara over, and Sher took her, gazing into her beautiful face.
“Thank you,” she said. “I’ll travel a few times a year to see her if that’s okay. I’ll go back to Thailand for good this time.” She touched Zara’s nose before looking up at Kirsten. “Thank you for being so good with her. You really are a cat whisperer.”
Henry and Kirsten looked at each other. This was the start of a new chapter in their lives, and he was glad to be spending it with her.
FORTY-SIX
KIRSTEN
Kirsten exhaled, and the news that Sher was returning to Thailand gave her relief from the chaos that their lives had become. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She shuddered, thinking of the way the tigress had locked her away, taking Zara from her. All of those hours she spent in that room, listening to Zara’s cry, unable to soothe her, was like torture. Zara was her daughter. Whether she had given birth to her or not, they would always have an unbreakable bond.
The sharp ding of the timer let her know her tea was finished. She walked over to the counter and pulled out a mug, filling it with the fresh brew. Kirsten had enjoyed taking the last few days to get back into the groove of things. With a few improvements, of course. She took the liberty of giving the cook the afternoons off permanently, leaving the dinners to her.
She wasn’t the greatest cook, but she knew her way around a hot stove. Plus, she loved the look on Henry’s face when he tried what she made for him. Glancing at the fridge, Kirsten wondered what she would make him tonight.
Zara’s sweet coo filled her ears, and she rushed over to get her. Taking her to the playroom, she placed her in her walker. Zara’s tiny body bobbled as she bounced up and down excitedly, kicking out her feet to move her forward. Kirsten placed a toy on the walker and turned on the radio.
Kirsten felt at home as she watched the excitement widen in Zara’s eyes at the sound of the nursery rhyme,Mister Sun.Zara began to dance, and Kirsten danced with her, enjoying every second of her giggles.
“Yay!” Kirsten shouted as the song ended.
Zara squealed, excitement putting a fresh flush on her cheeks. The door to the nursery opened, and Henry walked in, a smile on his handsome face. His green eyes glowed, a sight she would never get tired of.
“You’re home early,” Kirsten said, checking the clock.
Normally, Henry would be in his workshop until six or seven, depending on how many orders he was working on. Kirsten eyed him suspiciously as he walked up to her.
“I’ve got a surprise for you, well, for both of you,” he said, looking between her and Zara.
“Oh, what is it?”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret.” A sly smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
“I can get it out of you,” she said, walking over to him and scratching him behind the ears. “I haven’t met a cat that doesn’t melt at an ear scratch.”
Henry leaned into Kirsten’s touch, purring under her light scratches. She looked at him mischievously, knowing she had him exactly where she wanted him. Just as she was preparing for him to crack, he lifted his head and gave her a quick kiss.
“Nice try, but I have self-restraint,” he said.
He walked over to Zara, picked her up, and headed back towards the door. Looking back at Kirsten, he motioned for her to follow him. His long legs moved soundlessly across the carpet, and Kirsten half-jogged to keep up.Damn shifter swiftness, she thought.
He led her to her room, and there, a simple blush slip dress was laid across the bed. The material was elegant and soft, far finer than anything she had ever worn. Kirsten noted the matching strappy heels that sat at the foot of the bed and couldn’t help the blush that crept to her cheeks.
“Surprise, we’re going out to eat tonight,” Henry said. “So, take your time and get ready. We have reservations for a restaurant in Denver at seven.”
Kirsten heard the door close behind her as she walked to her bathroom. Her nerves danced beneath her skin at the thought of Henry putting so much effort into a surprise for her. She jumped into the shower, wasting no time in running a razor over her legs while applying a quick hydrating face mask. She wanted to look so good that Henry wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off of her.
Stepping out of the shower, she moisturized her body with jasmine and vanilla-scented body oil. Kirsten slipped on the dress and heels and went over to the mirror. The dress felt amazing on her skin, the cool, smooth fabric caressing her body as she walked.
