Page 69 of Keystrokes and Kittens
“You really love him.” Quinta nudged me as I grilled lean chicken on the barbecue.
Laurent was inside with Sam while they chopped vegetables. The couple had been here a day, and this was the first time they’d left each other’s company.
“That obvious?” I checked to ensure I wasn’t burning the meat.
“Uh, yeah. Totally.” She checked behind her. Apparently satisfied we were alone, she nudged me again. “And what are your intentions with my uncle?”
“To keep him here forever. To love him until the end of our days. To rescue cats and dogs until we’re too old to take care of them.” A tacit acknowledgement that Tibby, Peaches, and Jack wouldn’t be with us forever. Hopefully many, many, many years…but not forever. Nope. And I planned for my relationship with Sam to outlast them.
“Rescue animals? I like the sound of that.” She grinned. “I think Peaches is adorable. I wish I could have an animal. Maybe when we get married. Oh shit.” She pressed her fingers to her lips.
I laughed. “You think I hadn’t already figured that out?” I checked the chicken again and then added the shrimp kebobs. “Have you told Sam?”
“Nope.” She rolled her eyes. “The thing is…I guess about losing Mom, Dad, Nan, and Pappy that I sort of see life as…I don’t know. That tomorrow’s not guaranteed? I talked to a therapist. To make sure I wasn’t clinging to Laurent because of what happened to my family. She assured me that I’m healthy. Also, that Sam’s guidance has given me a great life, and toembrace love. She might’ve also suggested waiting until I finish undergraduate studies. I’m so lucky that Laurent secured a job in LA. I’d have followed him anywhere—”
“That wouldn’t go over well with Sam.”
“Hence me being glad he can stay. But I can transfer to another university or do virtual studies.”
I eyed the onions on the shrimp kebobs and worried they might singe. “You’re being very mature and responsible.”
“Grew up fast. Sam tried to shield me, but nothing to be done about it. You don’t lose most of your family and it not have an impact.” She tapped my shoulder. “I would’ve been lost without Sam.”
I met her gaze.
“More lost.” She nodded. “Yeah. But those early experiences shaped who I am. I’d do anything to have my parents back, but being raised by Sam was the next best thing. I know how damn lucky I am.”
“True. Okay, do you want to set the table?”
She laughed. “Sure.” She clicked her tongue.
Tibby stood, stretched, and then followed one of her new favorite people into the house.
Peaches and Jack were still relegated to the house. I doubted we’d ever let them outside unless they were on a leash. Another question to ask Noah. Not just the dog whisperer—he also did cats pretty well. We’d been practicing his socialization tips, and the kittens were learning manners.
“Hey.” Sam wrapped his arm around my waist and pressed himself against me. “We have two-point-two seconds to be alone.”
I chuckled. “Did you grill Laurent the way I’m grilling this food?”
He pressed a kiss to my temple. “You know it.” He pulled back and moved to put the salad bowl and tongs on the table. “He’s an amazing young man.”
“Trying to impress you?”
Sam shook his head. “Nope. Getting him to talk about himself was like pulling teeth. He just wanted to talk about how amazing Quinta is.” His expression sobered. “And to thank me for being such a great uncle to her.”
“Oh? That seems…a little odd.”
“I thought so too. But he explained that, if not for my caring for her, he was quite certain she wouldn’t be the amazing woman she is today.” He turned when the screen door opened. “Great! Plates and cutlery.”
“Duh.” Quinta smiled. “I think we can manage to set the table. Oh, I forgot glasses.”
“I’ll come with you while Laurent sets the table.” Sam headed toward the house.
Quinta followed.
Laurent watched them both go. Then he turned to me. “Is this some kind of test? Do I have to say the perfect thing to you?”
I chuckled. “Nope. Quinta’s happy. Sam’s happy. You’re responsible for a lot of that. Oh, I forgot. I’m happy. So as long as you feel the same way—”
