Chapter 20 Scott
SCOTT
The delivery wasn’t as smooth as I initially thought. Duchess had three kittens, but when the third one lay frighteningly still for far too long, I feared the worst. No squeaks, no movement. My heart stops.
Winston nudges it with his nose, a scene so raw it cuts straight through me. He crouches beside Duchess, eyes low, and for once I understand him perfectly.
My hands shake, but I scoop up the tiny body, clear the mouth and nose just like I’ve seen trainers do with newborns on the farm where I grew up.
“Come on, little one,” I beg, rubbing gently, then lower my mouth to blow a puff of air inside.
For a second, nothing. I try again. Then again. Then the kitten twitches, lets out the smallest mewl, and its little ribcage expands and contracts.
Relief crashes over me. I place the fragile body close to Duchess, letting her lick her baby clean while Winston’s yowls soften into a low, surprisingly approving rumble.
When I glance up, Winston’s blue eyes lock on mine. Not hateful. Not suspicious. Different. Affection? Respect? Whatever it is, it feels like the moment we finally cross some invisible line together.
* * *
It’s been a crazy few days. Between caring for our cat family and my practice and game schedule, I’m exhausted. I never got to do the things for Holly around the house I wanted to, and I definitely hadn’t planned on her finding me sprawled on the couch napping when she returned.
I blink awake to the sight of her hovering above me; her smile wide, eyes misty. “Well, would you look at that,” she whispers. “The two of you are actually getting along.”
Winston is sprawled on top of my chest, purring like he owns me.
I stretch, careful not to disturb him, and grin. “We’ve been through some things. Delivered kittens together. Saved one even. I think we bonded.”
Winston lifts his head, gives me a slow blink, then head-butts my chin before settling back down. I take a risk and stroke his fur. For the first time ever, he doesn’t lash out with the claws, only purrs louder.
Holly chuckles. “If Winston accepts you, then there’s hope for us and our future together after all.”
Hope. Family. Love. For the first time, it feels like I’ve got all three—and I’m not letting go.