Page 65 of Auryn

A local animal shelter was hosting an adoption event today. Several of their adoptable cats would be here at the pet store for people to come meet. As soon as I saw the notification online about it, I flashed back to the conversation Ripley and I had about her mother never allowing her to have a pet when all she ever wanted was a cat.

Hopefully, today she would find that cat.

As we entered the store, we were greeted by a large sign showcasing the adoption event and the name of the shelter hosting it. Ripley’s eyes grew wide. She glanced back and forth from me to the sign.

“We’re here for a fish or something, right?” Her voice quivered, like she couldn’t let herself believe it.

It killed me that something as basic as adopting a cat meant this much to her. Mostly because I couldn’t imagine how cruel her mother had to be to look into her wide blue eyes and say no.

“Absolutely not.” I pulled her along past the sign and into the store, quickly spotting the area off to one side where several cats in metal enclosures were on display for people to meet. “Take your time. Browse around. If you find one that tugs on your heartstrings, he or she is all yours.”

Ripley’s blue eyes filled with tears that she furiously blinked away. Swiping her cheek when one escaped. “I can’t believe this. Nobody has ever done anything so thoughtful for me.”

She threw her arms around me, hugging me tight. Choking back a sob before it overwhelmed her. I gave her a gentle nudge toward the enclosures, staying close enough to be supportive but letting her take the lead.

She walked up to each enclosure, reading the little info card on the cat inside. Speaking softly to each cat before moving to the next.

“Oh my God, Auryn, I want them all. How will I ever choose?”

I chuckled, loving her reaction. “Let’s start with one. Maybe when we get our own place, we can have a small herd.”

I’d grown up with dogs myself, although I wasn’t opposed to cats or any other pet. I understood how powerful the love of an animal could be. Ripley deserved to have that.

She moved on ahead while I lingered, sticking my finger between the slots of an enclosure while a little tabby kitten swatted it. Sure, I could be a cat person. What an adorable little creature.

It took me a while to realize that Ripley hadn’t budged for some time. Curious about what had captured her attention, I joined her at an enclosure containing a raggedy little black thing with only one eye. He looked like he’d really gone through it in his time.

“His name is Lucky,” Ripley said softly, running her fingers over the information sheet attached to the enclosure. “It says he was found outside. They’re not sure what happened to him. Sounds like he was pretty beat up. He’s had medical care. Physically he’s doing pretty well now, but it says he needs someone patient. Willing to take their time getting him to come out of his shell. I think I want it to be me, Auryn. I don’t think I can walk away from this little guy.”

Her voice broke, and she quickly wiped her tears with the sleeve of her hoodie. Sliding an arm around her shoulders, I pulled her in close against me, studying the little cat inside the enclosure.

With his one green eye, he stared back at me. Then he looked at her. Maybe I was crazy but it felt like we shared a moment. A thought. I suspected he needed her as much as she needed him.

“I’ll find the person in charge and fill out the application. Don’t worry about a thing, doll. I’ll cover all the costs. You just give him all the love he needs. Like you do for me.” Pressing a kiss to the side of her head, I went in search of the person hosting the event. I was going to get this cat for my girl if I had to bribe said person with thousands of dollars to do it.

After making a substantial donation to the shelter and filling out all the appropriate paperwork, little Lucky was ours. I didn’t think I’d ever seen Ripley so happy.

We filled a shopping cart with supplies from the pet store. Everything we would need to give Lucky his best life. When he was moved from his enclosure into the pet carrier we bought, Ripley touched him for the first time. Right away he leaned into her, nuzzling her hand. Two silent tears streaked down her cheeks as she smiled at him.

God, I loved watching her heart melt. I wanted to always make her this happy.

I had to laugh to myself. The me from several months ago would have punched this me in the face. This woman had changed me, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“Thank you so much, Auryn.” Ripley threw her arms around me when we got out to the car. “You’re such a good guy. I fucking love you.”

I hugged her back, savoring every damn second. “What can I say, baby girl? I’m love’s bitch.”

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