There’s a recognizable clench in my chest. “It’s the same for me.” Even if I can’t actually say the words yet.
“And now we have a kitty!” Ronnie pets the little fella behind his ears. “What should we call him?”
I give his scruffy fur a thorough inspection, discovering a white spot at the base of his throat. “How about Tux? It kinda looks like he’s wearing a tuxedo and this”—I point to the only splash on his black body—“is his bow tie.”
She’s already nodding. “That’s perfect! Daddy wouldn’t let me have a cat. I can’t wait to show him. Thanks for getting Tux for us.”
Which drops a rock into my stomach. But that’s a fight for later. I smooth any trace of worry from my features.
“Do you want to hold him?”
“Yes!” She holds out her arms for me to pass him over and immediately clutches him against her. “Wow! He’s light as a feather.”
“Probably needs food,” I muse. “And a bath.”
Concerned eyes search mine. Tux might be glaring too. “But cats don’t like water.”
“Let’s start with dinner. I bet there’s a can of tuna in the pantry. He’d probably love some milk too.”
Her smile is blinding. “Uh-huh! I bet he’s super hungry.”
“Maybe he’ll let us clean him up a bit once his tummy is full.”
“Maybe.” But the little girl doesn’t sound convinced.
I lead us to the kitchen. Ronnie cradles Tux to her chest like he’s her most precious baby doll. An unmistakable purr rumbles from the tiny kitten. The sight chips away at my charred soul. That cat is going to be fat, spoiled, and lazy within days. My lips twitch into a grin. As he should be.
After gathering the supplies, we get settled on the tile floor. Tux immediately chows down on the tuna. Ronnie hums and it’s a peppy tune. A cozy buzz fills my veins. This feels right. Settled. It’s home.
That’s how Byron finds us. Brown eyes the color of toasted chocolate are blown wide while scanning the scene we’ve created. I wince and prepare for battle. Damn, I didn’t even hear him come in.
“What’s this?”
Ronnie isn’t bothered by his clipped tone. Her pearly-white teeth are on sparkly display when she gives him a megawatt grin. “Hi, Daddy! We found a kitten. Isn’t he cuuuuute? We named him Tux like a tuxedo with a white tie. Dottie and Darla don’t mind him. We’re all family!”
“You already named him?” Like the good father Byron is, he knows what that means.
I wink. “Sure did.”
His frustration shifts to me. “You brought in a stray?”
In a fluid, graceful motion, I rise to my feet. “You’re one to talk.”
“Wasn’t my idea,” he grumbles.
I park a hand on my hip. “Are you complaining about the outcome?”
His glare loses its sharp edge as he gives me a leisurely once-over. “Nah, it’s working in my favor. That cat is another story.”
Tux understands the assignment. After licking his chops, he stretches and stalks his target. His lithe body twines around Byron’s legs like they’re long-lost buddies. The grump scowls at the feline trying to make friends.
“Smart pussy,” I mutter under my breath. “Catch more fools with flirting.”
But his grimace isn’t impressed. “I don’t like this.”
“What’s all the fuss about?” Dennis appears out of nowhere, much like his nephew. Must run in their genes.
“Uncle Dennis!” Ronnie launches off the floor to drag him into the kitchen. “You gotta meet Tux. He’s our kitty.”