Megan trailed her fingers over his chest. “Things are going really well now, and I’m really looking forward to the future. I mean, after all my years of worrying and fretting over the bad choices Kathy was making, I can’t believe she ended up with someone like Juan. He’s so kind, and smart, and—so not like the type of ruffian she used to end up with. I’m thrilled she found someone who can finally make her happy.”

Frank kissed the top of Megan’s head and rubbed her back. “He’s a good egg. Though I never expected she’d end up with a city guy.”

“Franklin, are you serious? You knew she couldn’t stand ranching. She needed to get away.”

“I always figured it was a phase. So, have they decided when they’ll tie the knot? And are they doing it here?”

“They’re talking about this December. Some big shindig over near where they are.”

Frank groaned. “I need a monkey suit, don’t I?”

She smacked his chest. “Yes. And no boots, you hear me?”

“Yes, ma’am. Any word on grandchildren?”

“Franklin! They’re not even married yet! Give them time. I’m sure it’ll happen. And speaking of love and babies…” Megan looked over at Jasper, who was curled up on the recliner. “What about our Jasper?”

The huge chocolate lab lying near the fireplace opened one of his eyes.

“What about him?”

“Jasper,” Megan said, “do you need a girlfriend? Would you like one?” She blew Jasper a kiss and looked up at Frank. “You know, I think we could handle a second dog. Can you just imagine what kind of puppies Jasper would have? He’s so big and smart. They’d be absolutely adorable!”

Franklin shook his head and sighed. Once Megan set her mind to something, there was no stopping her.

Author’s Note

Well, that’s the end of Darwin’s Cipher, and I sincerely hope you enjoyed it.

If this is the first book of mine you’ve read, then let me introduce myself, and how I came to this whole writing thing.

I’m one of the most unlikely novelists you’ll ever encounter. I’m a practicing engineer/researcher, first and foremost, and have been for quite a long time. My formal background is in the sciences, with a focus on both the biological sciences and physics.

I started writing fiction when my sons were old enough to appreciate bedtime stories. And for them, the stories they enjoyed were almost always epic fantasy. The more goblins, dragons, and ogres there were, the better they liked it. However, it was never anything I took too seriously. I did it because it made them happy.

But something unexpected happened after a few years.

I’d caught the writing bug.