Free Cats in Cahoots (A Klepto Cat Mystery Book 18) by Patricia Fry

delicious,” Brianna said.
    “Mmm, it sure is,” Iris agreed. “Tell me, Max, do you share recipes? ’Cause I’d love to have this one.” She turned to Craig. “Do you think the boys would like it? Teens can be fussy eaters.”
    “I can’t imagine they wouldn’t. It’s really good. Excellent,” he said, nodding toward Max.
    “Thank you all. And, Iris, to answer your question, sure; I’ll give you the recipe. I’ll email it to you.”
    “Great, thanks.” She grinned across at Max. “Or you could come over every few months and make it for us.”
    Margaret scoffed. “Yeah, that’s not going to happen.”
    “Iris, how are your boys?” Gladys asked. “I’ve always been impressed by the way you hung in there with them when their father abandoned the family. It must not have been easy taking the mother role with someone else’s children, especially since you weren’t exactly a spring chicken at the time.”
    Iris stopped eating and gazed at Gladys. After a few seconds, she said, “I guess I never really thought about it. The boys needed a home and I had one. There was never any question in my mind.” She took a breath and smiled. “They’re doing great. Really great. I’m proud as punch of them both.”
    “As you should be,” Savannah said.
    “Amen,” Craig added. “All of Iris’s boys are good kids. I sure lucked out there.” He set his fork down. “It’s like having a second chance to be a dad, and these kids make it a pleasure.”
    Iris reached over and patted her husband’s hand.
    When no one spoke, he continued, “You never get over losing a child, like I did, to drugs, but being with Brett and Chris and Damon is like someone smoothing salve over the wound.”
    “How…poetic,” Iris said, dabbing at her eyes.
    The room fell silent until Lily began to babble. Everyone laughed upon hearing her sweet voice.
    “She sure seems to know what she’s saying.” Gladys observed.
    “I think she’s mimicking us,” Brianna offered.
    Margaret laughed. “Do you mean that’s what we sound like to her?”
    “Sure it is,” Max said, chuckling.
    Gladys pulled back from the table. “Well, that’s all I can eat. Max, it was wonderful—just like I remember my grandmother making.” She thought about it. “Only better.” Standing, she asked, “Can I take your bowls?”
    Iris and Savannah also stood and began clearing the table while Margaret continued a conversation with Craig, and Brianna wiped Lily’s hands and face.
    Releasing the toddler from the high chair, Brianna asked, “Want to play blocks?”“Blocks,” Lily repeated, rushing toward the living room.
    “Anyone want coffee?” Savannah offered. “We also have peach pie.”
    “Maybe later,” Margaret suggested. “How about we play one of your trivia games, Vannie? I might actually have room for pie after a few rounds.”
    “Sure,” Craig said. “I feel at the top of my game tonight.”
    Iris began to laugh. “Oh babe, you lost miserably last time we played. Remember?”
    “You must be thinking of someone else,” he said, winking.
    Max rubbed his hands together. “Well, I’ve been practicing.”
    Margaret squinted at him. “You have?”
    “Sure. I answer trivial questions all the time.”
    “Funny,” Margaret said, grinning at her husband.
    ****
    Nearly two hours later, the lively trivia challenge wound down with Max and Brianna claiming victory.
    “Yeah, I would have edged you out if I hadn’t been lured away from the game by the princess,” Margaret complained.
    “Me too,” Craig said.”
    “Me too, what?” Iris challenged.
    “I was distracted from the game twice when I read Lily that story.”
    “I played ball with her for almost half an hour and I still managed to win,” Brianna bragged.
    “Well, I think the little distraction is ready for bed,” Savannah said, holding the sleepy baby on her lap. “Mom, would you like to put her to bed while I serve dessert?”
    “Sure,” she said, reaching for