“Speaking of which.” I spin around to find one of the men in black has entered the kitchen area.
This one’s name I know. Griff told me if I ever needed anything that I can always ask Henry. I think Griff picked Henry to help me because he’s gay. I find Griff’s jealousy adorable. I was invisible to everyone around me for so long that I’m relishing the attention Griff gives me. I love that he can’t stand the idea of someone else having mine.
“Is something wrong with them?”
“No ma'am. I wanted to let you know the veterinarian is here. I showed her up to your room.”
“What’s wrong?” I rush past Henry and dart up the stairs. He hurries behind me.
“Nothing, ma’am. Just a check-up,” he reassures me, but I still don’t stop until I see them for myself. When I burst into the room, I find two women. One is in scrubs with bright yellow hair like the sun, and the other is in a doctor's coat. I watch as she looks Mama over while the one in scrubs pets the two babies.
“I heard you found them outside,” the one I’m guessing is the veterinarian says.
I nod.
“I’m Dr. Lombardy, but please call me Amelia.” She gives me a giant smile while holding Mama. “Unless my husband is around. He likes it when I use his last name.” She gives a playful roll of her eyes. “And this is my assistant, Mariana.”
“Hi!” the assistant chirps. “They’re beautiful.” She coos at them.
“But are they okay?” I ask, my stomach in knots, worrying about whether something is wrong.
“They’re purrfect.” Amelia gives Mama a kiss on the head before setting her back into the gated area. “In a few weeks, I’d like to give her and the babies a few shots. Do you plan to keep them?”
“Yes,” I blurt out without thinking. “I mean…” I start to backtrack. I’m actually not sure if I can keep them. I want to, but this isn’t my house.
“We’re just asking if you want us to put out some feelers for adoption. I know you found them outside, so I wasn’t sure if you were planning on keeping three cats.”
“I want them all. Who doesn’t want cats?” I mutter. There would have to be something wrong with someone to not want a kitty. My only concern would be that Griff thinks this is temporary and that I’ll be getting rid of them once they get a little bigger. I’m not sure if he planned on letting me have them long term.
“Right? Everyone needs a cat,” Amelia agrees, breaking me from my line of thinking. “A few really.”
“Not something we have to settle on right now.” Mariana gives me a reassuring smile.
“But they’re all good?” I double-check, wanting reassurance.
“Promise.” Amelia packs up her little bag. “I think I’m all done here.”
“I didn’t know that the vet did house calls,” I say as I lead them back downstairs. My eyes flick towards Griff’s office. The doors are open. I’ve noticed they have been lately. Not that I venture near them. Amelia, however, is heading straight for them and not the front door.
“Your husband must know how much they mean to you.”
I open my mouth to correct her but can’t find it in me to do it. I love the sound of her calling Griff my husband. It feels right.
“Wait!” I suddenly shout when she’s almost to the open doors of the office. “You can’t go in there.” I go to cut her off and block her path so she doesn’t get in trouble. No women are allowed in the office. Ever.
That was my parents’ rule. Business is sacred. No interruptions. Both Amelia and Mariana are now giving me perplexed looks.
“Everything okay?” An arm wraps around me from behind.
I know it’s Griff from the yummy smell of him alone. He pulls me back into his office where two other men in suits are. Amelia and Mariana both scurry over to the men, who open their arms to them.
“Everything is fine.” I want to melt into him, but I’m stiff. I tell my body to relax, but it’s not listening. Griff spins me in his arms, his eyes searching my face.
“Doesn’t seem fine. Is Mama okay?”
I nod.
His brows pull together, and I can tell he’s irritated. He hates when I only nod my responses.