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Hummer’s big front fender. When that task was done, he gave a thumbs-up to his son.
    Noah slid into the backseat beside his brother. “Nice job on the Hummer, Dad.”
    â€œRepaired under schedule and under budget,” Reed said proudly. “Our contract was extended for two years. Anytime you want me to look at your fleet vehicles and give your boss a service estimate, I’d be glad to oblige.”
    Noah shot a glance at Grace. “I’ll pass that on. Money’s a little tight right now.”
    â€œWhere do you work?” Grace’s feet were finally starting to warm up. She tucked them under her and turned back to check on the kittens. Leaning over the seat, she folded down the edge of the towel and caught one wriggling form as it tried to escape beneath Noah’s arm.
    â€œThe building near the corner.”
    â€œDown the street from the art gallery? The one with the big fence?”
    He nodded.
    Grace noticed he said nothing more. “I saw half a dozen trucks parked in the back. The windows were reinforced with steel bars. Are you in law enforcement?”
    â€œI work for the government,” Noah said quietly. A look passed between the three men, and he said nothing more to clarify the statement. Grace realized that he wasn’t going to tell her anything else.
    â€œHey, get back inside here.” Noah looked down and caught another kitten making a bid for freedom.“These guys are going to be real escape artists. We may need a perimeter gate and security lights.”
    â€œMom won’t like it if they pee on her furniture, that’s for sure.” Noah’s older brother crossed his arms, smiling a little. “But that’s one scene I might like to see.”
    â€œNot in this lifetime. Your mother will know how to handle them,” Alex McLeod murmured. “She raised all kinds of animals when she was a girl.” His voice warmed. “Here we are, Ms. Lindstrom.”
    â€œCall me Grace, please.”
    â€œGrace, then, and a warm welcome to our house. Wait, please, so that Reed can help you over the snow.”
    â€œReed will not,” Noah said curtly. “Reed will be a good little boy and take the babies inside while I carry Grace over the snow.”
    â€œBoys. They are always boys,” Alex muttered. He parked the Hummer as easily as if it had been a Prius. At the front door his wife emerged in a hooded coat that looked four sizes too big. Snow dusted her face as she moved onto the front porch. “She was worrying. She always worries.” Alex’s voice filled with love.
    The sound made something tug at Grace’s chest. There were deep emotions here. She could almost feel them tug at the air around her.
    She smiled when Alex leaped out and grabbed his wife, lifting her as if she weighed nothing. “See. I brought them back safely, just as I said.”
    â€œAnd if you’ll show some sense, you’ll put me down so we can all get in before we freeze.” His wife’s eyes shone as Alex kissed her. “Enough of that, you big pirate. Was that a cat I heard?”
    â€œFour of them,” Noah said, scooping Grace up off the front seat. “Grace, meet my mother, Tatiana McLeod. Mom, this is Grace Lindstrom, and there are three kittens, a mother cat and a puppy inside that bundle Reed is carrying.”
    Grace tried to smooth her hair and tug down the hem of her black dress, which was difficult considering she was still cradled in Noah’s arms. “I’m sorry to intrude on you like this, Mrs. McLeod.”
    â€œIntrude? I love guests, and unexpected ones are the best. I heard this storm could go on throughout the night so I’ve been cooking all afternoon. Now we are ready to eat. You can tuck your babies in before the fire. I have some old sweaters we can use for blankets.”
    As soon as they were inside, Tatiana bustled away, giving orders over her shoulder to her two sons.
    The