"Keep them closed, now," Molly said, her voice full of excited anticipation. "NO peeking, Gregory Lestrade," she warned playfully.
Greg grinned, his eyes obediently kept shut. He wasn't sure which was more enjoyable – hearing Molly's enthusiasm at revealing her surprise, or the surprise itself.
Well, depending upon what it was, of course…
"Just out of curiosity, Molly… what exactly were you planning to do if I DID, say, happen to peek a little bit…?"
"You wouldn't DARE ruin something I've worked WEEKS on just for you, Detective Inspector?" she purred.
Greg chuckled at her tone. It was one he was becoming well familiar with as their first date had turned into several… and now they were most decidedly "an item."
Briefly, while he pondered what on earth it could possibly be that she had planned for his birthday, (beyond the obvious, which had been the centre of the previous night's "pre-birthday" festivities), a small subtle grin playing on the corners of his mouth.
"Are you ready, darling?" she asked mysteriously.
Smiling broadly now, he nodded.
At that, Greg swore he heard her purr.
Or… he heard SOMETHING purr.
Opening his eyes, they grew wide with shock as Molly presented him with a tiny silvery grey tabby kitten.
"Happy Birthday, darling… congratulations… it's a boy!"