Page 66 of Galen's Redemption
They stepped into the glass enclosure Galen had seen when they entered the building. The volunteers were busy changing litter boxes, giving the cats water, and putting food in their bowls.
“As you can see, we’ve got feline friends ranging from kittens to older ones. Any of them would make a wonderful addition to a family, though I would caution you to look at the signs onthe door for each of them. Some of the older ones wouldn’t do so well if there are children or other pets in the room. They would prefer all of the attention to themselves.”
Galen couldn’t believe he was actually going to do this. He knew less about cats than he did about people.
“If you see someone you want to look at, let me know and I’ll open their door so the two of you can meet.”
WithRobert behind him, Galen walked the halls of the enclosure, doing his best not to be swayed by the plaintive meowing coming from the cats, who each seemed to be vying for his attention. Every one of the cats looked sweet and adorable, and there was no way he would be able to make up his mind, but then they got to one enclosure that held a tiny gold-and-white kitten with startlingly blue eyes thatlooked far too young to be by herself. He tapped on the window, wanting to get its attention.
“Sir, please don’t tap on the glass.”
Galen’s cheeks heated. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. We just ask people not to do that so it doesn’t disturb the animals.”
“I understand.” He stepped back a little and checked out the information about the kitten, whose name was listed as Berty. The sign said she wasa special needs kitten. She lifted her head and peeked up at him with deep, soulful eyes, then lay back down and went to sleep. Galen turned to Amanda. “What’s wrong with her?”
“She was found in a parking lot, snuggled into her mother’s body. We think the mama got hit by a car. There weren’t any other kittens around, so we don’t know what happened, but someone found her and brought her to us.She’s been in isolation, getting bottle-fed and being checked by the vets. I’ll be honest, we weren’t sure she was going to make it. She’s a fighter, though. Today is her first day out.”
“What do you mean, she’s a special needs cat?”
“Physically she’s much smaller than she should be, but she’s healthy and, occasionally, active. She tires easily, and whoever adopts her will have to make sureshe follows up on her vet appointments to keep an eye on her. She might not have anything wrong, but we want people to be aware that adopting her could end up being costly in the long run. And they need to remember that adoption is a lifetime responsibility. She’s going to entrust herself to your care, and we hope that no one lets her down.”
Galen stood there and stared at the tiny gold-and-whitepuffball. Of all the cats he’d seen, this one called to him. How could he adopt her, though? He had no money. Still….
“Can I see her?”
“Of course.” Amanda stepped up and unlocked the door.
Robert and Galen entered, and the kitten looked up at them. Then she opened her mouth and the most adorable squeak came out. “Oh my God, that’s precious.”
“Feel free to pick her up. Just be gentle.”
Galenturned to Robert. “Should I?”
“Sure. Go ahead.”
Galen reached out and picked the kitten up. She was barely bigger than his hand, but he cradled her gently in his palms.
“Why not sit down on the floor and let her get to know you?”
Galen sat and put the kitten down. She stood on shaky legs and stumbled over to him. With tiny claws, she climbed his pant leg, pulled herself up his shirt, and madeher way onto his chest, where she snuggled in, purring loudly.
“Oh, damn.” He reached a hand up and rubbed it over the tiny creature that now resided on him. “She’s so cute.” He leaned in closer to the kitten. “You know you’re adorable, right?”
She turned sleepy eyes in his direction and squeaked again, which sent Galen into peals of laughter.
“I think he likes her.”
Galen looked up at Robert,who gazed down at him with affection in his eyes. “Is that okay?”
When Robert knelt down beside him and ran a hand over the kitten, then down to Galen’s stomach, warmth rushed through him. Whowasthis guy who was willing to look past the awful things Galen had done and still gaze at him like he mattered?
“It’s perfect. Is this the one you want?”
Galen leaned in. “I don’t have money.”
“Don’tworry, I’ve got it covered. But I want visitation rights to the both of you.”
