I carefully remove the top of the cage as we crowd around. Jax puts a leaf next to the hut, and we watch as two pigs immediately begin sniffing in the direction of the vegetable. Quickly all five turn toward the offering, and Becca puts down two more leaves. I watch, quite transfixed, as all five pigs surround the food and begin to nibble. Becca then places strawberries sporadically throughout the cage.
“I bet that one with the white fur immediately goes for the strawberries,” Jax comments quietly. He looks at me and winks before continuing. “Out of our six pigs, it’s only the ones with white fur who love strawberries. Makes ‘em look like murderers.”
I choke out a laugh. “Oh, wow. I hadn’t even thought about that.”
“So, what do you want to know?” Jax asks. “You’re doing great with a cage. Five pigs is tight for this size, though, so youmay want to get a second cage or something pretty big for all five of them. They love most fruits and vegetables, but there are all kinds of treats and toys for them you can find online.”
“Oh, I didn’t intend to keep them all,” I answer hurriedly. “I know if I send them to any of the humane societies here, they’ll likely be euthanized. I was hoping to find a foster for them until I can find homes for them.”
Jax stares at me. “Did Jamie tell you I’d foster them?”
“No, he specifically said he didn’t know, but that you traveled a lot, so the care would fall onto your wife, and he wouldn’t answer for her.”
“I think Jamie is my favorite of your friends, Jacob,” Becca says with a smile. “I love our girls, but I don’t think I can take on five more. Plus we have a dog, too.”
Jax turns to her. “You know I’d never ask you to care for all of them. I was only teasing about bringing one or two home. Mostly.”
She cups his cheek lovingly. “I know. And as cute as they are, it pains me to say no. I don’t want to overextend myself.”
“It’s fine, darlin’. I’d never ask you to. I’m sure we can help Audrey find homes for them.” He smiles adoringly at his wife, and the pang of jealously I feel is instantaneous and immense. They’re such a beautiful couple, and to bear witness to it is remarkable.
“So I should probably buy some other kind of cage in the meantime?” I ask, forcing myself to look away from Jax and Becca before I either begin to ask them inappropriate questions about their life together, or I make an even bigger embarrassment of myself by starting to cry.
“You know what? I’m pretty sure I have a spare caging system that we aren’t using. You’re welcome to it if you’d like. It’s not put together currently, but I still have the directions. Ican have it sent over to you tomorrow.” Jax’s expression is odd, and Becca looks confused. What is going on right now?
“Uh, okay. Yeah, that would be great. Can you send it to my house instead of here? Today is a quiet day, but most days we have at least one loud dog in here. I’d hate for them to be frightened. And I don’t want them to be alone during the weekends.”
“Sure. As soon as Becca gets your number, you can send her your address. Once I know when the cage can be delivered, I’ll let you know.”
“Are you taking new clients, Audrey?” Becca asks suddenly. “I have a vet, but I’d prefer to use someone I know, and you give off good vibes.”
Touched, I beam as I reply. “I’m always accepting new clients. I’d be honored to take care of your pets. What do you have?”
“A ball of fluff with five working brain cells,” Jax quips.
“Be nice! A golden retriever named Thunder,” Becca explains.
“A meteorologist with a dog named Thunder? That’s amazing.” I jump when I realize Chelsea is right behind me. “Sorry, Aud. Didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s fine. Oh, if you get more pets, I hope you keep with the weather names! You could have a cat named Nimbus, or a rabbit named Cyclone.”
Becca smiles widely. “I don’t think we’ll be adding any more animals to our menagerie anytime soon, but I do love Nimbus for a dog name. Maybe for our next golden?”
Jax looks at her, deadpan. “Baby, I’m gonna need a dog with a little bit more working memory next time.”
“Goldens may not be the smartest dog out there, but they’re one of the most loving, and they’re one of the best for living withkids. You know, if you ever think about having children, I mean.” Good God. I need a filter.
Becca looks triumphantly at her husband. “See? If you want a basketball team of little Jax Juniors, we’re sticking with goldens.”
Jax groans, but the smirk on his face tells me he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Becca happy. If she wants a dozen golden retrievers, he’ll make it happen. They’re so cute together.
As they’re heading out, Becca reminds me to send her my address. “I can find a cage. I don’t want to be an imposition.”
“Nonsense. It’s not being used, Audrey. I’d love to donate it to some piggies that need it,” Jax says with a wink, then waves as he guides Becca outside. Not being used? His inflection hints this isn’t what I expect. Something tells me that Jax Mitchell doesn’t do things lowkey and basic.
And the next day, when a brand new four-level wooden cage that’s taller than me and a massive box of every kind of toy and treat imaginable shows up at my house, I’m not even remotely surprised.
While I didn’t hearfrom Audrey for a few days, Jax supplied every minute detail of his visit to her clinic. Not only that, but he continues to give me his thoughts to this day.
