“Dean? Was that a?—”
“Kitten?” He takes the shoelace from my hand and dangles it over the floor, letting the plastic end clack against the wood. Within seconds, the fluffiest, most adorable ball of white fur comes bounding into the entry, going head over tail in a fumbled pounce.
“Oh my God,” I breathe, dropping to sit cross-legged on the floor. “Is this for me?” While I have a mini emotional breakdown, the kitten climbs into my lap, then leaps back out.
Tears fill my eyes.
“You said you always wanted a pet,” Dean answers softly, joining me on the floor.
I think back and realize I did mention it back at the charity dinner. He remembered.
“But we’ve only known each other a couple of weeks.” I’m so stunned that I can’t help but question how this is possible. How could I end up with a man who wants nothing more than to make me happy, regardless of rules and social norms?
“And?” he asks, as if proving my point. He takes thetiny fluff ball in his giant hand and holds it out to me. “It’s a girl. She’s only eight weeks old, but she does well going in a litter box.”
“Of course, she does.” I take her and cuddle her to my chest. “My sweet princess is perfect. Aren’t you, precious?” I smother her in kisses, and she starts to purr.
When I look back at Dean, tears are pooled in my eyes. “You tryin’ to make me fall for you, Dean Malone? Because I think it’s working.”
He hooks his hand around the back of my neck and pulls my lips to his for a kiss.
“Good. I don’t want to fall alone.”
We kiss again until the kitten gets bored and squirms free. I pull back to watch her bound away.
“What are we going to call her?”
“Your cat, your choice.”
“Hmm … she’s very white.”
“Cool Whip?” His playful suggestion has me laughing out loud.
“Good one, but not sure it’s quite right.”
“You can’t do Snowball or something common like that.”
“Obviously. It could be something Christmassy, since that’s the season,” I muse, watching as the kitten bats at a red ball Dean must have gotten her. The sight gives me an idea. “What about Cindy Lou Who?” I asked excitedly. “She looks just like her with those big blue eyes whenCindy Lou holds the big red ornament that fell off her tree.”
“I think it’s perfect.” Dean flashes a crooked smile. “Welcome home, Lou Lou.”
His nickname has me grinning ear to ear. “Will she be staying here or at my place?”
“Either. Both. Whatever you want.”
I consider the options. “She’d have more room here, but I’ll miss her if she’s not with me.”
“Hmm, it’s a tricky situation. Might mean you have to move in here.”
“Dean!” I gape at him. “Were you planning to suggest that all along?”
He shrugs, mischief glinting in his azure eyes. “I would never.”
I shove his chest playfully. He grabs my wrists and pulls me on top of him as he rolls back to lie on the wood floors, laughter filling his chest.
“Happy New Year, baby.” His adoring gaze sweeps reverently across my face. “Hope it’s the best year ever.”
I beam down at him, bringing my lips a breath away from his. “With you in my life, I don’t know how it couldn’t be.” Then I kiss him with every ounce of love pouring from my soul.
Thisis a wonderful life.
