Sam went after her with the same enthusiasm Charlie had shown for cobbler.

Hank and Ivy walked slowly, holding hands, letting Titus and his girlfriend, Zoe, get ahead of them. Hank released Ivy’s hand to slip his arm around her waist. He hugged her close and his eyes flickered with something halfway between amusement and consternation. “I know what you’re up to.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Then you’re not trying to fix my sister up with your brother?”

Ivy shrugged but didn’t dare look at him for fear her eyes would give the truth away. “Don’t blame me, blame nature. I can’t help it if Merrows are naturally attracted to Kincaids.”

He snorted. “Well, if that’s the case, any chance you have a non-criminal uncle you could introduce Birdie to?”

She laughed and finally looked at him. “As a matter of fact…”

“Oh no, you don’t.” He picked her up, and she let out a surprised whoop, which only made him look more pleased with himself. “You’re one of a kind, Ivy.”

She put her arms around his neck. “And aren’t you glad for that?”

He nodded. “I am. I’m also glad I’m the one who ended up with you.” He kissed her, a brief but promise-filled seal of their love. “I hope there’s whipped cream.”

She made a face. “Whipped cream and ice cream on your cobbler? Really giving that shifter metabolism a workout, huh?”

“Oh, the whipped cream isn’t for the cobbler, my love.” Wicked intent gleamed golden in his eyes as he brought her closer for a kiss. “It’s for later.”