Wilding Springs never felt so like home. I stepped out into the kitchen with my kids at my side to find Gram and Demetrius waiting for us. Sassafras stood on the table, tail thrashing, and I knew he was going to give me a lecture on leaving him behind. But before he could say a word I scooped him into my arms and bussed him on the top of his head with noisy lips.

"Oh, Sass," I said. "You're the bestest puddy tat EVER."

He snorted. ...