Ali began to cry. “Everyone is going to be so happy.”

Beside them, Teddy huddled under the blanket. Ali wasn’t sure if he was too cold to talk or was still confused, but she decided that the best thing was to leave things to Digger now. Five minutes later, Cassie and Emily arrived with clothing: shirts, pants, socks, her father’s heaviest parka and winter boots. They turned their backs as Murray helped Teddy dress. He was just zipping Teddy’s coat closed when Digger’s headlights raced down the hill and the car pulled up at the side of the road.

Digger jumped out and raced over to Ali. “You are in such big trouble. We’re having a party! Everybody’s been frantic, and—” He stopped abruptly.

“Hey, Digger,” said Teddy.

Digger put his hand over his mouth and staggered backward. After a few deep breaths, he was able to speak again. “Teddy? Is it really you? Where have you been? I thought you were dead. . . .”

Teddy shrugged. “I kind of got lost for a while.”

Digger’s laugh was half bark, half laugh, and pure delight. Tears streaming down his face, he hurried to Teddy and pulled him into a hug. “I’ve missed you so much. I can’t believe you’re back.”

“Me neither,” answered Teddy.

The car door opened. Alfie stumbled forward. When he reached Teddy, he stared at his father. Neither of them seemed to know what to say or do.

Luckily, Murray was never at a loss for words. “Alfie, meet your dad. Dad, meet Alfie. Boy, are you two going to need a lot of therapy.”

And then everybody laughed, and Alfie and his father hugged for a long time, like they were trying to get twelve years’ worth of hugs into that first one.

“We need to get Teddy warm,” said Digger.

Alfie and Digger helped Teddy to the car. Once Teddy and Alfie were settled in the back seat, they began to whisper. Ali was dying to know what they were saying, but she knew the moment belonged to them and no one else.

“I’m sorry; I don’t have enough room to take all of you,” Digger said to Cassie, Murray, and Emily.

“No big deal,” said Cassie. “We’ll bike Emily back to your house so she can meet her dad.” She smiled. “I guess we’re part of the Copycat world now too.”

Digger shook their hands. “You absolutely are. Thank you for everything.”

Murray grinned. “No problem. Call us anytime you need someone saved.”

“How did you know the seal was Teddy?” Digger asked Ali on the car ride home. He kept peeking in the rearview mirror to make sure Teddy was still there. Ali supposed it would be a long time before the Sloanes let Teddy out of their sight.