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“Meow. Meow. Meow.”
“Really?” His smile broadened as the kitten continued to talk to him. “You’re a chatty one.”
“He likes you.”
Kent held the kitten against his chest as he continued to pet him. “You think so?”
She nodded. “But don’t get too attached. He’ll be going home any day now.”
“Do you still believe that?”
“Sure. Why wouldn’t I?”
He petted the kitten’s head. “I don’t know. You two seem happy together. I thought maybe you’d want to go take down the flyers and keep him.”
A smile lifted Sara’s lips and puffed up her cheeks. “We are getting used to each other.” Her gaze moved to the kitten. “Aren’t we?”
Sara stepped up to them and reached out to the pet the kitten. “Maybe you’re right. After all, if someone was going to claim him, they’d have done it by now.”
“I totally agree.” He took in the sight of Sara looking lovingly at the kitten. “So it’s official. You two are now a family.”
Instead of smiling at his comment, Sara frowned. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.Oh no. What had he said wrong?
He gently set the kitten on the floor and then turned to Sara. “What’s the matter? What did I say wrong?”
She swiped at her eyes and then she smiled at him. “You didn’t say anything wrong.”
“I don’t understand. You look like I upset you.”
“You didn’t. I promise. It’s just been so long since I had family around me. And now I have the kitten. He is so sweet and insists on sleeping on my pillow every night. And Cari is coming home. This is going to be the best summer ever.”
He released a pent-up breath. “I’m so glad it’s all working out for you. I hope this summer all of your dreams come true.”
“They will.” There was a distinct note of confidence in her voice. “Now let’s get some food.”
“Wait. I have one more gift.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of catnip mice.
“Aww… That’s so sweet.” Her tears were replaced with a big smile. “The kitten will love them.”
Kent opened the package and placed a little white mouse on the floor in front of the kitten. At first the kitten wasn’t sure what to make of it. But after a sniff and a tentative pawing, the kitty set about batting the mouse around the living room.
“I think he approves.” Kent continued to watch the kitten as it got too rambunctious and fell over.
“I think you’re right. Now let’s eat.”
As Kent followed her to the kitchen, he told himself not to let himself enjoy this evening too much. It wasn’t like it was going to lead anywhere. Even if the past was finally left in the past, he wouldn’t let the evening get out of hand. It was best for both of them.
Dinner was only okay.
But the company was excellent.
Sara sat on her deck with Kent next to her. The sun hovered low in the horizon. Its last rays of gold splashed over the ocean. It was a beautiful sight and one she would never tire of seeing.
But it was his company she’d enjoyed the most. They’d kept their conversation centered around the inn, as though each of them was worried about treading into personal territory.
She knew why he was holding back. It was her fault. She’d jumped to the wrong conclusion about him years ago, and it had left an awkwardness between them. They’d worked hard to overcome it, but it wouldn’t be fully resolved until she spoke up and fixed things.
“You really didn’t have to do all of this.” Kent’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
