He was a shameless flirt when he wanted to be.
Ten minutes later we arrived in the courtyard of Greenwood Abbey. I dragged Bennett to the parlor where I had set up the crate for Misty’s birth, nearly running into Lady Vanessa, Tizzy, and an unfamiliar witch at the threshold.
“Misty was having a hard time,” Tizzy said, wringing her apron, “so Lady Vanessa and I thought we’d hire some help.”
The witch introduced herself as a midwife for animals. “I never understood why birth must be so difficult,” she said, waving her hand toward the blanket-lined crate. “You will find your kitty in perfect condition.”
I gasped when I saw the litter of kittens curled against Misty, already feeding.
I thanked the three profusely and hugged Lady Vanessa. Somehow in the panic of the moment, I never thought to give Misty magical assistance.
Lady Vannessa laughed, patting my hair. “There now. Go on. She’s waiting for you.”
Bennett followed close behind as I knelt before the crate. “I’m sorry I missed it,” I said to Misty, reaching in to stroke her head.
Misty nuzzled my hand.Don’t be. It wasn’t the most pleasant thing.
Pippin hovered over the kittens, staring with wide eyes.Look! Those are mine, he meowed. He nudged Bennett’s arm, purring deeply.
There were seven kittens in all. Three were identical to Misty and three were gray tabbies. The last was ginger, like Pippin. I marveled at how tiny they were.
Bennett stroked Pippin’s ears. “They’re precious.”
Would you like to name them?Misty meowed.
“Really? You want that?” I asked.
Of course.
I turned to Bennett, who was waiting patiently for my translation. I had gotten into the habit of telling him everything the cats were saying.
“We can name them!” I said, barely able to contain my excitement.
He broke into a smile. “An honor.”
I rested my chin on the edge of the crate. I had been stewing over names for the past two weeks, but I didn’t want to assume Misty and Pippin would let me name their children. It was, as Bennett said, an honor.
“Stormi, Dima, and Rani,” I said, pointing to the three gray kittens in the center. I turned to Bennett. “What about the others?”
“Iris, Lumi, Sol,” he said without hesitation to the three black cats. He laughed at my raised brows. “Like I said, drafting laws gets boring.”
Misty purred, pleased with the names. She nuzzled the ginger kitten.And this little darling?
“May I do the honors?” Bennett said.
Pippin preened.Only fitting. Sheisthe best-looking one.
“Daffodil,” Bennett said with a soft smile in my direction. “The springtide flower.”
Perfect,Misty said. She rested her head against the blankets, blinking slowly.Now. I’m in dire need of rest.
We left her to sleep and the kittens to nurse. Pippin insisted on staying.I am a father now, after all,he meowed, puffing up his chest.
Bennett took my hand and led me into the gardens. We walked to my old spot before the stone fountain. “Do you have a moment, Cissa?”
I took a seat on the bench. He didn’t let go of my hand.
“Don’t you need to go back?” I asked.
