As we settle into the couch, Abby curls into my side, and Powerfluff purrs contentedly in her lap. I once heard that family isn’t defined by blood but by love and understanding.
I twirl a strand of Abby’s hair around my finger. “My family always has a big New Year’s Eve party. Would you like to come? Powerfluff’s invited, too.”
A slow smile spreads across Abby’s face. “I’d love to. Are you sure your family won’t mind?”
“They’d be offended if you didn’t come. I’ll let my grandma know tomorrow.”
Abby laughs, the sound light and carefree. I want to make her laugh like this as often as possible.
“We’d be honored to attend.” Her posh accent makes me grin.
Her hair is tangled from the drive, and her cheeks are flushed. She is so beautiful, both inside and out.
“You look deep in thought,” Abby says.
I kiss her. “Just thinking how lucky I am to be with you.”
Abby rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling. “Now who’s being cheesy?”
“Hey, it’s Christmas. I’m allowed to be cheesy.” I kiss her again.
As we sit there, trading kisses and soft laughs, Powerfluff purrs contentedly between us. A sense of peace and rightness fills me.
We lie on the couch together, and Abby falls asleep in my arms. It’s not the most comfortable position, especially with Powerfluff nestled at our feet, but I wouldn’t move for all the money in the world.
In Abby and her diva cat, I’ve found my family.
My home.
And I’m going to hold on to them tightly.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Abby
Light hits me directly in the eyes.Ugh. No way will I be able to sleep more, especially with how stiff my neck is. That’s strange because my bed and my pillow are two things I splurged on. As I blink my eyes open, I’m aware of two things: I’m on the couch, which explains my neck, and John’s arms are around me.
We must’ve fallen asleep together.
I can’t believe we’ve slept this way all night, but it doesn’t suck. Well, except for my neck. His warm breath against my temple feels oh so right. I know I can’t get used to this, even if I’d really like to.
Powerfluff meows. She is lying between us, and her grumpy expression suggests she would prefer to have the couch to herself. I smile first at John, who is my no-longer-fake boyfriend but still my boss, and then at my diva furry companion. Being together like this is cozy, and after Christmas with my family, waking up like this feels like I had the best dream ever.
John shifts slightly and opens his eyes. A slow smile forms on his lips. “Good morning.”
I yawn and smile back. “Good morning to you.”
He glances at the clock on the wall, squinting slightly. “I can’t believe we slept here all night.”
“We had a long day yesterday.”
Powerfluff bats at John’s leg, and I extricate myself from our little nest on the couch. I scoop my cat up and snuggle her. “She’s ready for her own space again.”
John rubs the back of his neck. “I’m sure. I need to get home, but I’d love a cup of coffee first.”
I head to the kitchen. “I can manage that.”
I set Powerfluff on the floor, and she trots off to her favorite spot by the window, casting a final disdainful glance over her shoulder as if to say, “Finally, some peace.” John follows me into the kitchen, still stretching and yawning. I fill the coffee pot, eager for a cup myself.
