Ember
SIX MONTHS LATER
Rachel and Lyn cooed at the bundle in their arms and I smiled as they fussed. It had only been a couple of weeks since we’d brought Melody home, but she’d captured the hearts of everyone she’d met so far with her big blue eyes and perfect pink nose.
“You know, I really didn’t think I was a cat person,” Lyn exclaimed as Melody reached one paw up and out of her purrito blanket to bap him on the nose. “She’s lovely.”
I laughed. “Thank you. She’s been terrorising Oakley’s plants, and I found her in Nick’s bookcase the other day, but other than that she’s been so good. I’m going to harness train her so I can bring her to the bookstore with me.”
The front door opened and closed and two sets of footsteps rang out in the hallway that led down to the lounge. Nick rounded the corner first, his eyes going soft when he spotted Melody, and Oakley wasn’t far behind him, calling out a greeting to everyone as he appeared.
“Hey.” I kissed Nick on the cheek as he passed me to go and pick up the cat and then did the same to Oakley when he came to stand at my side. “Good day?”
“Better now,” he murmured, wrapping an arm around my waist.
We’d told everyone a few months ago about our unconventional relationship and everyone had been surprisingly supportive. In fact, Harper had said it was ‘beyond obvious’ and my friends had agreed. Naturally, I was thrilled to have been spending time worrying for nothing.
“I definitely thought you would be more of a dog person,” Rachel said as they relinquished Melody to Nick, who cradled the cat in his arms like a baby.
“Next time,” Oakley said. “Not really enough space in the apartment for a dog. Maybe when we move.”
Lyn hummed. “Have you found a place?”
I smiled. “We’re not actively looking, we’ve not been here long.”
Rachel stood to tickle Melody under the chin while Nick held her.
“I’m sure this little one will keep you all on your toes.
Anyway, we’ll get out of your hair so you can relax for the evening.
” She kissed the boys and wrapped me in a hug before her and Lyn were out the door.
They stopped by to see us whenever they were in the city and we were always glad to see them.
We were heading back to their place on Christmas Eve this year, Melody in tow, and I couldn’t wait to see how they’d fuss over their grand-cat over the holidays.
Nick walked over to join Oakley and me, Melody purring up a storm in his arms, and as the apartment settled around us, we relaxed as one.
“Who’s cooking tonight?” Nick asked and Oakley and I looked at each other.
“Not it,” we said in sync and Nick rolled his eyes as he placed Melody onto her cat tower.
“Fine,” he said, sighing. “But before I cook, I want a different kind of meal.”
He leapt for me and I squealed, laughing, and when Oakley helped pin me down with a kiss, I melted. It had been six months of bliss, and I couldn’t wait for more.