Several years later...

Nick practically sank into the plush bed. The open window nearby let in a pleasant breeze, the cool evening country air rustling through his fur like a gentle hand on his skin.

"Long day?" Judy asked from beside him, leaning over to rest her head on her fox's shoulder.

Nick just muttered his affirmative into the pillow. Outside, he could hear Halona still playing with her younger siblings. The sound made him smile and instinctively reach up and rest his paw on Judy's swollen belly, swearing he could feel the child inside kicking against him. He recalled the dream he'd had all those years ago, remembering that it had ended something like this. His smile widened as the realization dawned on him that he was truly living the dream; and he wouldn't have had it any other way.