Page 113 of Crazy Love

Addy turns to look at me, her eyes wide. “You know…they do look bigger and saggier than when we got her.” She tilts her head. “And so does her stomach.”

We stare at each other in horror.

“Oh, hell no,” I say.

“You don’t think she’s…”

“No, no, no,” I cut in.

Jezebel blinks slowly at me.

“So help me if Jerry didn’t tell us this little vixen is about to have offspring,” I yell.

Addy bursts out laughing and scoops her off the couch, nuzzling into her.

“I don’t understand how you can cuddle with that thing, but you do you,” I tell her.

“The kids will be home soon and I’m about to start dinner, but…maybe I should run her to the vet really quick.”

“Do we have to know today?” I ask, following her into the kitchen.

“No, but…wouldn’t you rather know what we’re dealing with?”

“I’m not sure,” I admit.

Addy checks the oven. “It’s easy to get in and out of Pet Galaxy, right? As long as Dr. Amber isn’t too backed up? It used to be anyway.”

“I have no idea. I’ve never had a pregnant naked pet before.”

Addy laughs again and shakes her head. “You’re hilarious.” She leans up to kiss me. “Sorry to leave as soon as you’re getting home, but I’ll hurry.”

“I’ll come with you,” I sigh. “I was hoping we could bury ourselves under the covers before the kids got home, but…”

“Responsibilities,” she finishes.

“Right.”

Addy hustles around the kitchen and then the laundry room to get the ridiculous little cat carrier.

“This is unacceptable, Jezebel. We don’t condone teenage pregnancy!”

Addy can hardly get Jezebel in the carrier for laughing. “You are too much.”

Jezebel yowls like she’s wounded once she’s in the carrier. I lean down and lock eyes with her.

“I’m judging you,” I tell her.

She swipes at the air with her wrinkly paws.

I point at her. “Exactly.”

An hour later, we’re back from Pet Galaxy. Addy’s still laughing. I drop the keys on the counter, and Addy and I look at each other.

“You ready to be a grandpa?” she asks.

“There is no part of that sentence that I’m ready for!”

“At least Jerry offered to take the kittens off our hands once they’re old enough.” She lets Jezebel out of the carrier and Jezebel skulks off, miffed that she was inconvenienced.

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