Epilogue
Mason
one year later
“Alright I really need you to work with me here,” I beg. “Violet’s going to be home any minute and I would really hate if this surprise is ruined because you refuse to stay inside this cozy little box I made you.” The only response I get is a high-pitched ‘Meow’ while the small Calico kitten stays a firm three feet away from said box. I placed a little bed inside and planned to cover it with a blanket just for a few seconds so I could unveil this adorable little gremlin to my wife.
If you had told me a few years ago I would’ve spent the last three months visiting shelters and inevitably falling in love with a small but rambunctious kitten who was only slightly bigger than my hand, I would’ve laughed in your face. But after a few weekends cat-sitting Penny, and the longing in Violet’s eyes each time she had to say goodbye, I knew I had to do something.
Violet had completed her dissertation proposal a few days ago and was under the impression that dinner at her favorite restaurant in the North End and the most expensive bottle of champagne was the main celebratory act. I knew this kitten would steal the show.
Glancing at my watch, I know Violet will be home any minute. I need to take charge of the situation.
“Okay friend. Can I call you that? I saved you from the shelter, so I feel like we’re friends.” Another small meow comes from the kitten. “Great. So, here’s the thing. Your mom, my incredibly smart and talented and beautiful wife, will be home any second now and you’re my big surprise. But for you to be a surprise you need to stay, well…hidden. So, if you could just get in this comfy little box?—”
I jump at the sound of the front door opening which spooks the little gremlin in front of me. I watch in horror as she jumps off the bed and scurries underneath it. Fucking hell. The Deja vu hits hard.
“Babe, I’m home,” Violet calls from the living room. I rush out of our room, slamming the door behind me.
Even after a year of marriage and nearly twenty years of having her in my life, my heart still stops every time I see that beautiful smile. I bring her into my arms and pepper soft kisses on her temple, nose, and finally, her lips. Violet’s hands move up my arms until her fingers run through my hair. I relish in how her entire body melts into mine. I would’ve gladly stayed in her arms for the rest of the evening, but I had a small problem to solve, and I needed to keep Violet distracted long enough for me to fix it. “I was thinking maybe we could order some takeout tonight?”
“How do we feel about Thai?”
“That sounds perfect.” I bring her into the kitchen and sit her down on one of the barstools while I pour her a glass of wine. “Let me just run to the bathroom, and we can put our order in.”
I try my best to remain calm as I enter our bedroom. The good news is nothing seems to be torn apart or ripped to shreds. The bad news is the kitten is still very much under our bed, and no matter how far I stretch my arms, I can’t reach her. “Alright little gremlin. I realize you have all the power right now. I want you to know that I am not above negotiations and bribery.” The furball just blinks at me, cowering in the corner. “I’ll give you catnip every day for the next week if you come out.” More blinking. “Okay fine, every day for the next month?—”
“What are you doing?” Violet’s voice comes from behind me.
Shit. “Just dropped something underneath the bed.”
“And you’re talking to it?”
“Nope, just myself.” I glare at the Calico kitten, who has now taken to licking her little paw and completely ignoring me.
“Need any help? I can probably crawl underneath.”
“Nope. I got it.” I swat my hand to grab the thing, but I spook her instead, drawing out a loud screech.
“What was that?”
“I nicked my hand on the bed frame.”
“Mason, just let me help you.” She crouches down next to me, and I accept defeat. “Now what are we looking for—OH MY GOD.”
“Surprise?”
“Mason there’s a kitten underneath our bed.”
“I’m aware.”
“No wonder you sounded so stressed.” Violet lets out a small chuckle before crawling under the bed and scooping the furball out. “Hello there cutie. How did you even end up under here?”
“She was on the bed earlier,” I grumble. “And then she got spooked and decided to hide under the bed.” Despite my irritation my heart clenches as I see the little kitten curl up to Violet’s chest and let out a small purr. Of course she would immediately fall in love with Violet. Who wouldn’t ?
“Did she come in through the window? She doesn’t have a collar, so I don’t know how we’ll get her home.”
“She’s already home.” I walk closer to Violet and smile as the little kitten lets me rub her head.
“What?”
“It was meant to be a much cooler surprise. I had this fun little box I was going to hide her in and give to you, and then the little gremlin refused to play along and ruined the big reveal.” I roll my eyes. “It’s a good thing she’s cute.”
“That’s what you say about me.” Violet looks up at me, tears of joy forming in her eyes. “I can’t believe you got me a kitten.”
“I’d give you the world if I could. I thought you knew that already.”
She steps up on her toes to kiss me. “She’s ours?”
“All ours. Do you like her?”
“She’s perfect. You’re perfect.” She steps into my arms and adjusts the kitten so it’s curled between us. “I love you, Mason.”
“I love you too, Violet.” With her head tucked into my chest I know with absolute certainty all I could ever want is right here in my arms.
The End