“I understand about work. But not so much about adopting three cats at once,” her father joked.
Tricia exhaled. If her father was joking, everything was going to be all right.
“My father said the same thing,” Ben replied. “But they are cute, and we’ll always need mousers.”
“And a sweet cat for our future home,” Tricia said.
Ben’s expression softened. “Indeed, we will need that, if it will make you happy,” he murmured and kissed her forehead. Right in front of everyone!
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Tricia, if you think we need a kitten, then we will have one.”
Tricia felt a lump rise in her throat as she realized her parents were watching her intently.
Then, to her surprise, her father chuckled. “It seems we better meet your father and start planning a wedding. The sooner the better, too. I have a feeling you two are determined to marry with or without our blessing.”
“I want your blessing, sir,” Ben said. “I love Tricia. I want to be everything she’s hoped for. That means I want you to feel the same way, too.” He straightened his shoulders. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn your respect and trust.”
Tricia was blown away. She had known Ben was upstanding and she knew he cared deeply for her, but for some reason, she’d never imagined he would make such statements.
Looking from one of them to the other, her father nodded. “Then you shall have it.”
“Forgive me for making you wait,” Jay announced as he joined them. “I was the last to have the shower.”
“That’s okay,” her mother said after all the introductions were complete. “We’ve been doing just fine getting to know your sons.”
Moments later, her parents followed Jay into the kitchen. Tricia had offered to accompany them, but all three of the parents told her and Ben to relax with the boys and the kittens.
She needed no further instruction. Sitting down next to the box, she peered in and saw that the mom cat was sprawled on its side and one of the kittens was fast asleep. But the other kitten, one with tawny-colored eyes, was staring right at her. She carefully picked it up and set it in her lap.
Ben sat down next to her. “You doing all right today? I’ve been worried about you. Actually, I’ve been praying for you all day.”
“Your prayers were answered, because it’s true. I really am good. Better than I thought I would be, actually.” After glancing around the room and seeing that Ben’s brothers were busy eating some cheese and crackers that someone had set out on the coffee table, she said, “We had kind of a rocky start, but after I spoke from my heart, everyone settled down. Isn’t that something?”
“It’s a blessing, that’s what it is.”
She grinned. “Indeed. God truly works in mysterious ways.”
“Have you thought of a date?”
“Yes. Is October twenty-second too soon?”
“As long as the preachers and bishop agree, I’m fine with any date.”
“And you are still okay with having the wedding and reception at the Orange Blossom Inn?”
“Perfect. I don’t want a huge wedding anyway.”
“Me neither.” They shared a smile, and for a moment, Tricia was sure Ben was going to kiss her cheek, but the tension was broken by the kitten wiggling in her arms. When she set it on the braided rug, it darted right over to William. In the box, the other kitten began squirming and Mark took it out.
Next thing they knew, the four of them were laughing at the kittens’ antics, just as if it was the most natural thing in the world for them to be together. But when Tricia heard her father laugh at something Jay said in the other room, she relaxed completely. This moment was worth everything.
Everything in the world.
Just then they heard a knock at the door.
Jay came out from the kitchen. “I’ll get it.”
“Who’s here, Daed?” Ben asked.
“Emma and the girls.” Looking a little self-conscious, Jay added, “I didn’t think you would mind, Ben.”
“I don’t mind about Emma and her girls being here at all. I think it’s wonderful-gut. Don’t you agree, Tricia?”
Tricia smiled. “I’m glad they are here.”
William scrambled to his feet and trotted to the door. “I didn’t know Lena was coming over.”
“I hope you don’t mind,” Jay said, looking over at Tricia’s parents who had followed him in from the kitchen. “Emma and her girls have become special friends of ours. I thought they might enjoy meeting you, too.”
“And seeing the kittens,” William said with a beaming smile.