Page 15 of Keystrokes and Kittens

“Yikes. So the kittens arriving when they did couldn’t have been worse timing.”

“Nope. But then surprises rarely happen at good times. And, in my experience, they’re never good.”

That comment took me aback.He’s never had a good surprise? Is that from his childhood onward or just since the accident? And why does it matter so much to me?Because I wanted him to smile more. To have good things happen to him. Still, I didn’t respond, and we fell into a companionable silence as we ate our dinners. I was capable of cooking more complicated fare, but I’d aimed for easiest tonight. Getting everything done in time for Noah’s arrival was most important.

Just as I had that thought, the doorbell rang.

Sam startled.

“It’s just Noah.” I rose. “Give me a second, and I’ll grab your plate.” I put mine down on the coffee table and made my way over to the front door.

Noah stood on my stoop with a grin on his face. His eyes glittered and his dark skin shone in the waning light.

“Good timing. I just need to put the dishes in the kitchen. Come on in. Don’t worry about your shoes.” I offered a ruefulsmile. “I have a dog who loves the lake and who sheds. I spend a lot of time sweeping and mopping the floor.”

“Oh, I get that. I’m lucky Christian doesn’t mind sharing that stuff. Well, I do more because, frankly, he’s a better chef.” He stepped inside and I closed the door. He stepped forward. “Oh God, that view is amazing.” He continued toward the wall of windows.

Accustomed to that reaction from visitors, I headed toward the couch—only to find it empty and all the plates and glasses gone. I peeked into the box to find the kittens asleep. I caught movement from the corner of my eye and turned to see Sam step back into the room. I smiled. “Thanks for that.”

“My pleasure. Hey, Noah.” He stepped toward the man.

They had the same dark skin, but Noah was significantly shorter. Like half a foot. Since Sam and Christian were the same height, Noah was a sight shorter than his husband as well.

They always made a striking couple of opposites. Redheaded and fair-skinned Christian and handsome Black Noah.

Noah extended his hand to shake Sam’s. “It’s been what, three days? How much trouble have you gotten yourself into?”

Sam winced. “A bunch.”

“We’ll get it sorted. You’re here and getting help—that’s what matters.”

At that moment, Sam’s alarm went off. He switched it off. “Feeding time.”

Noah grinned. “Awesome. I get to watch, right?”

“Sure.” Sam rummaged in his backpack and pulled out the container of food and the feeding bottle. “I’ll be right back.” He caught my gaze. “You can introduce him to them.” With that, he took off.

I beckoned Noah over and gestured for him to sit on the opposite side of the box from where Sam had been sitting.

He peered into the box. “Three?”

“Yep. The white-and-orange one is Peaches.”

He chuckled. “But, of course.”

“The black-and-white one is Jack, and Carlos is the gray one.” I glanced toward the kitchen, but Sam had yet to appear. “Dr. Genner is worried about that one. Sam couldn’t really articulate why.”

“They’re all to be worried about at this size. How did he wind up with them?”

“I think he said someone left them in front of the store. Anyway, they need regular feeding, and he can’t handle that and managing the store.” I shrugged.

“Which is why I’m grateful you invited me to stay.” Sam rounded the corner and came into the great room. He caught Noah’s gaze. “I’m so far out of my element.”

The trainer smiled. “I’m here to help. I’ll watch while you feed them, and we can talk about how to integrate Tibby into this little group. That’s why I’m here, right?” His gaze shot between Sam and me.

I nodded.

Sam sat in his spot on the couch. He put a pile of tissues in the box and gently lifted Carlos.