CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
“Cassidy,” gasped Blair. “It’s perfect. It’s, it’s spectacular.”
“Cassidy, it’s absolutely amazing,” said Knox. “It looks so much like him, so much like what I thought he would look like as an adult. We will treasure this always.”
“I’m so glad you like it,” said Cassidy. Cade has his arm around his wife, pride for her evident by the look on his face.
“Here’s the check for the remainder of the commission,” said Knox.
“No,” said Cassidy. “I’d rather you donate it to a charity of your choice. Something that would have meant something to Fletcher.”
“That’s incredibly generous of you, Cassidy,” said Blair. “We were planning to give a large donation to the home where his mother lived when we adopted him.”
“I’m sure she’d like that,” said Cade. “Did you, did you ever get an opportunity to meet her?”
“No. We didn’t even know what she looked like. The home thought it was best that way. But we’d look at Fletcher and see her sometimes,” smiled Knox. “We pictured her as a gentle, kind, creative soul.”
“I’m sure she was,” said Cassidy. “Please let us know if we can ever do anything for either of you.”
“We will,” said Knox. “We’re going to take some time and travel, just get away and try to find our new normal.”
“I think that’s a great idea. Best of luck to you both,” said Cade shaking their hands.
In the car, Cassidy held tightly to Cade’s hand.
“Do you think she’s found her peace? That she’s spoken to him?” she asked.
“I think so. She hasn’t returned to the property and I feel like that’s a good sign.”
Cade and Cassidy told the team about their meeting with the Cordels. Everyone seemed pleased that things had worked themselves out. With the cold beginning to lift and discussions turning toward plans for Mardi Gras, Belle Fleur seemed to be returning to normal.
When they spotted Gaspar walking with intent toward the cafeteria, he opened the door as if looking for someone to kill.
“Mother!”
“Mother?” murmured Baptiste. “This must be serious. He never calls her mother.”
“Mama!”
“Gaspar, really. Do you have to make so much racket?” said Irene gliding toward him.
“Mama, do you want to explain to me why I just had to sign a bill of acceptance for a truckload of animals I did not approve or order?”
There were soft chuckles in the room and Gaspar glared at them, hoping to quiet their mocking. Instead, it only made it more palpable.
“Gaspar, how would you know that I had anything to do with it. After all, I’m not a living person,” she smiled.
“Mama, I’m tempted to kill you all over again,” he growled. “There are two jaguars in this group. Jaguars, Mama. They have the strongest bite force relative to their size, of any cat in the world!”
“I’m surprised you knew that,” she smirked.
“Mama! Those two animals could kill anything here,” said Gaspar frowning at her.
“Caraway and Poppy wouldn’t hurt anyone,” she said laughing.
“You named them? You named the damn killer cats?” he snapped. “What the hell kind of names are those?”
“Well, their spots look like seeds. Caraway and Poppy. It makes sense. Besides, they’re not gonna kill anything. They don’t have teeth. The zoo that owned ‘em took all their teeth out. We’ll have to mash their food for them.”
“We? It’s not we, Mama. It’s me. You left me with this mess.” The door opened again and Semu walked in with Alvin who happened to have two Jaguars seated on his back. “Un-fucking-believable.”
“Alvin says they are very nice cats,” said Trak grinning at his friend.
“I’ll never win this argument,” said Gaspar. “Fine, Mama. But I mean it. No more animals unless you speak to me first. Understand?”
“Perfectly, Gaspar. I think this is sweet of you.” The jaguar called Poppy stepped off Alvin’s back and nudged Gaspar’s hand. He closed his eyes, releasing a long breath and then looked down at the cat. Her eyes were mesmerizing and she appeared to be smiling at him.
“She’s either going to eat me or make fun of me,” he murmured. Trak leaned toward his friend and whispered.
“I’m going to vote for making fun of you.”
“I really hate you guys sometimes. You could take my side just once about these damn animals.”
“You’re the one that can speak to them now,” smirked Nine. “Maybe ask them what they want for dinner.”
Gaspar frowned at his friend, flipping him off as the others laughed. He looked down at the cats and shook his head.
“Anything mashed,” he muttered. “Give them anything mashed.”
With the excitement of their new residents over and done, Matthew grinned at his wife.
“You really are trying to kill him,” he smirked.
“Nonsense. I’m tryin’ to get him to embrace his gift. The animals need him as much as the humans. He’ll get there.” Matthew kissed her cheek, laughing.
“With you helping him, I’m sure he will my love.”