“It’s good you two found her when you did,” Dr. Kennedy told us. “Otherwise, the kittens might not have fared well.”
I exhaled, feeling the gravity of her words hit me. Not only had we saved the life of this cat, but her kittens as well. My chest tightened in gratitude and relief.
“Well, she seems pretty healthy, despite being cold and annoyed,” Dr. Kennedy said. “I would just keep a close eye on her.” She paused. “But you said this wasn’t your cat, correct? Just that you found her?”
“That’s right,” I said hesitantly.
“Hm...” Dr. Kennedy put her stethoscope back around her neck. “In that case, we can call the local animal shelter to see if they have any opening - ”
The thought filled me with indescribable dread. Imagining this mother cat giving birth in a cage…
“Wait,” I interrupted. “What if we take her home?”
It hit me the moment after the words left my lips. I didn’t sayI.I saidwe- right in front of Griffin.
I watched him intently from the corner of my eye, wondering if he would say anything, or react at all. But he didn’t. He remained calmly seated, his hands on his knees. Then he turned slightly in my direction with a nod.
“Yes,” Griffin added, “is that something we could do?”
Dr. Kennedy nodded, looking pleasantly surprised. “Of course. I’ll run a microchip scan on her just in case, but she’s not wearing a collar, and was obviously dumped, so I doubt her original owners are coming back for her.” She smiled at us. “If you want her, she’s all yours.”
“I do want her,” I confirmed.
Dr. Kennedy glanced to Griffin. “And I’m assuming you agree with your partner?”
I nearly choked. I looked at Griffin in a panic, wondering what his reaction would be - but once again, almost infuriatingly, he was completely calm.
“Yes, I’d like to keep her as well,” Griffin replied.
He didn’t even deny that we’re partners!I thought in disbelief.
Dr. Kennedy must have seen the dumbfounded look on my face, because she seemed like she wanted to apologize, but since nobody else interrupted she didn’t pursue it. “I’ll run the scan now.”
Griffin smiled at me, his eyes sparkling with innocent joy. “Isn’t this exciting?”
In the midst of my disbelief, I’d almost forgotten about the cat. “Uh - yeah. It is pretty cool.”
“No microchip,” Dr. Kennedy announced. “She’s all yours, gentlemen. Now, I’d like to see her again in a week, to see how she’s feeling and how her pregnancy is coming along. Sandra can book your appointment up front.” She ushered the cat gently back into the carrier before handing it back to me. “Thank you for helping her out.”
I nodded, still feeling a bit speechless. “Thanks. See you in a week.”
We left for the front desk. Not only was I stunned at the idea of being a new cat owner - a newpregnantcat owner - but also at Griffin’s behavior. He’d acted so naturally at the assumption that we were together.Partners,the vet said. And he didn’t deny it.
Sandra smiled at our return. “So, a week from today… February 15th.” She gave us a mischievous glance. “You could come in the day before, too, but I’m guessing you wouldn’t want to do that on Valentine’s Day.”
Griffin froze. He spaced out for a split second, just long enough for me to notice, before he said, “Yes, the 15th is fine for me. Jake?”
“I’m not scheduled that day, so yeah,” I mumbled. “This time next week?”
Sandra nodded. “You’re all booked.” She wiggled a finger at the carrier. “See you soon!”
I waited outside the door in a daze as Griffin called another ride home.
“My place or yours?”
His question jostled me from my thoughts. “Huh?”
He smiled gently. “The cat. Is she living with you, or me? At least in the meantime.”
I stared, not knowing how to feel - and apparently, how to talk. When I didn’t reply, Griffin said, “You have more knowledge of cats. I think the safest bet would be to live with you, at least until the kittens are born and grown. Is that fair?”
“Yes. That’s fine.” Then, a flare of panic hit me out of nowhere. I grasped his sleeve. “Will you stay?”
“Stay?”
The panic turned to scrambled words that fell out of my mouth. “In my apartment. I can’t do this by myself. She’s gonna have kittens, for god’s sake! I need your help. Please, Griffin.”
His expression was kind and gentle. “Yes, Jake. I’ll stay as long as you need me.”
