Epilogue

Two weeks later – King House

Amanda, Lee, and Dotty stood in the baby's new nursery. It was the first time Amanda had let anyone in besides Lee; she'd wanted it to be a surprise. Philip and Jamie's old baby crib had been scrubbed clean and done up in soft, delicate blues that would work for a boy or a girl. With the slightly changed floor plan – which now included a master bathroom, much to Lee's delight – and the fresh wallpaper and paint, it didn't even look like they were in the same house.

"Oh, Amanda," Dotty turned in a circle, admiring the finished product. "This is just adorable!"

A few framed pictures of rocking horses with whimsical saddles and flowing manes dotted the walls. A brand new glider rocker with accompanying glider foot rest graced one corner of the room – a gift from Lee, and the bureau drawers already had neutral baby cloths and packages of diapers waiting for Little Bit's arrival.

"Yeah," Amanda looked around the room. "It turned out well." She glanced over at Lee and snickered. "Of course somebody wanted to hire a decorator, tell him how much we wanted to spend, and let him do the work while we went on vacation."

Lee turned and looked at her with a wink. "Well, sure! Isn't that how things are supposed to be done?"

Dotty clapped her hands together and set her chin on her pointed fingers. "Can you believe in another month and a half, there's going to be a new little one sleeping in here?" She looked over at her daughter, her heart in her eyes.

"Aw, Mother." Amanda went to her and wrapped her in a hug.

"Hey, where is everyone?" Philp's voice reached their ears from the stairs.

Lee responded. "We're in the baby's room, Philip!"

In moments, Philip and Jamie sauntered into the room, and Jamie's jaw dropped. "Ma! This looks gnarly!"

Lee and Amanda exchanged an amused glance. Gnarly? Lee mouthed. Amanda just shrugged.

"Yeah," Philip agreed looking around. "Now it just needs some framed pictures of motorcycles, and it'll be all good to go."

Dotty shot him a glare. "Motorcycles?"

"Yeah, why not Grandma? Motorcycles are awesome!"

"Hey, Ma." Amanda turned to her younger son. "We're done with our rooms. Can we go to Buck's and work on his car?"

Amanda sighed and glanced over at Lee. He seemed to like the man, but Buck was still the strangest neighbor she'd ever had. He was always popping in when Lee wasn't around for the day. It was weird.

"Aw, let 'em go, Mom," Lee teased, amused that she had no idea just why Buck lived next door. "He's a good guy."

She stared at Lee for a moment, then turned to the boys. "Alright..."

"Yes!" Philip pumped the air and, following his brother, rushed out of the room and down the stairs. "Don't slam the..."

The back door slammed shut, and Amanda blew out a breath. "...door."

Dotty glanced at her watch. "Oh!" She grabbed her purse and headed out to the hallway. "I'm late for my flying lesson with...

"Captain Kirk." Amused, Amanda glanced at Lee. "Yes, we know, Mother. Have fun!"

"Oh, I will! See you later!"

Quiet descended on the house. "Well, looks like it's just you and me..."

The twinkle in his eyes told her all she needed to know about his intentions. "Looks like, Big Fella."

Lee took her by the hand and led her into the hallway and toward their bedroom. "You know, I think this relaxed pace has been somewhat good for us. What do you think?"

Amanda chuckled. "Are you kidding? It's a good thing we're at least going to the Agency every day for lite cases, or you'd be bored stiff."

They reached the bedroom, and Lee took her into his arms. "Bored stiff? How can I be bored stiff when we get moments like this in broad daylight?"

Amanda smiled adoringly into his eyes and ran her hands up his chest and around his neck. "You'd better enjoy it while you can, Big Fella. In about six weeks there's going to be another little one demanding all our attention. You'll forget all about me, and I'll be too tired to remind you."

"Well..." Lee placed the palms of his hand on either side of her belly. "...I admit I can't wait to meet this little ray of sunshine, but there's no way she's going to make me forget about you."

Amanda's eyes crinkled at the corners. "Still think it's a girl, do you?"

"Think?" He leaned down and gently deposited a kiss on her lips. "There's no think about it, Darling. Little Bit is definitely a girl."

"Well, far be it from me to argue with you."

Lee pulled his head back and raised his eyebrows. "Seriously?"

Amanda's eyes twinkled. "Well, okay. So I argue with you all the time. That's not the point."

Tongue in cheek, Lee wrapped his arms around her and rocked her from side-to-side. "Oh? So what is the point?"

"This..." Threading her fingers into his hair, she pulled his head down to meet his lips with hers. It was a new beginning, and this was a great way to celebrate.

The End