He was likely gauging her reaction to the cats.She hadn’t been enthusiastic about this adoption idea, after all.Did he expect her to change her mind at the last minute?What sort of person did he think she was?
Besides, now that she understood how important this adoption was to Riley, there was no way she would back down.She wished she could tell him that, but she was too busy watching the kittens as they peered out when the girls reached toward them.
One of the kittens was bolder than the other.It ventured toward the girls, curious but cautious.
“It’s okay, Dash,” said Riley, calmly coaxing the kitten.“We’re not going to hurt you.”
Sarah was proud of how composed her daughter remained.Sarah wanted to walk over and scoop up the kitten, but instead she dug her fingers into the arms of her chair and waited three or four of the longest minutes of her life.
The other kitten, Dot, emerged from her shelter and followed her brother, picking up her feet and placing them carefully in a straight line as though she were walking a tightrope.
“Look, Daddy,” whispered Sally as the smaller kitten approached.“She’s coming to me.”She squeaked a little, as though her excitement was leaking, and Riley’s shoulders relaxed as Dash continued his trek toward her.
“You girls are being very calm,” said Raven, breaking the silence.“They’re getting used to you.”
The girls continued holding out their hands while Sarah looked on, fully invested in the outcome.Her heart beat hard as the kittens edged forward, and a moment later a wave of relief came over her when Dash butted his head against Riley’s hand.
“You can pick him up now if you like.Gently,” Raven said.
Riley carefully took the kitten into her lap and turned toward Sarah.“He picked me,” she whispered.
“Yes.”Sarah smiled, tears threatening again, and Riley turned her head back toward the kitten, who was happy to be petted and sit in her lap.
Sarah was pleased to find that Dot had made her way to Sally’s lap while Simon surveyed the room, one foot crossed over his knee, sitting back with not a care in the world.
“Well,” he said.“It looks like we’re now the proud carers of Dot and Dash.”
Riley turned toward him and grinned, and Sarah, relaxing for the first time since she’d arrived at the center, released her grip on the chair and smiled.
“Yes, let the games begin.”
Simon stood.“If you give me your keys, I can grab the carrier from your car for you.Then you can stay here with the girls?”
“Sure, it’s in the back.”She relinquished the keys and watched him leave, reflecting that she never gave anyone her keys.Ever.What was it about this guy that made her feel so… safe?
She hung her purse on a nearby hook, leaving her cell phone and Graham’s message where they were and focusing instead on Riley, who was walking toward her, carrying the kitten.
“Mom, do you want to hold him?”
“I do,” said Sarah, taking the kitten from her.“Hello, Dash.Are you coming home with us?”The kitten crawled up onto her chest, lay against her, and emitted a small purr.
“I think he’s taken to you,” said Raven.“Purring is a good sign.”
“Dot isn’t purring,” said Sally, with a worried look.
“Dot seems to let Dash do things first,” said Raven.“Give her time.She just takes a little longer to adjust.”
“Okay,” said Sally, tucking her head down and petting Dot gently.“You’ll like living with me and Dad.He’s a nice guy.You’ll see.”
The door opened then, and Simon walked in, set down the carriers, and returned Sarah’s keys.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Any time,” he answered, in a low tone she hadn’t heard him use before.She caught an expression in his eyes for a fraction of a second.A longing.Or a knowing.She wasn’t sure.But whatever it was, it was already gone.
“Can I hold her?”he asked Sally.
“Okay.”Sally brought Dot to her father and placed her in his hands.The kitten sat on her haunches, dwarfed by his large hands, and stared up at him as though taking his measure.
