CHAPTER 3:
The next morning at about 8 a.m., Ken was in the kitchen having his morning coffee when Grace came downstairs.
"Morning, Dad," Grace said.
"Morning, Grace. Happy Birthday!" Ken said.
"Thanks. Where's Mom?" Grace asked.
"Oh, she went out to do some stuff. She should be back soon," Ken said.
"I hope so. I wouldn't want her to miss my party today," Grace said.
About an hour later, Alice returned.
"Ken, Grace, I'm home," Alice announced, coming in through the front door.
"Hey, honey. Need help carrying stuff?" Ken asked.
"Absolutely," Alice said as Ken followed his wife to her car.
Inside the car were a "Happy Birthday" balloon, Grace's birthday cake, and a cat carrier that had Grace's new kitten inside.
"So, you picked up our new kitten today?" Ken asked.
"Yep. Fran was at the animal shelter, ready for me to pick her up. Grace will be so excited," Alice said.
"I'll bet," Ken said as the two unloaded the car.
Alice grabbed the cat carrier and brought it into the house, hoping Grace would be downstairs.
"Grace, are you down here?" Alice asked.
"Right here, Mom," Grace said.
"Well, are you ready for your first birthday present of the year?" Alice asked.
"Yeah!" Grace said, excited.
"Well, here it is," Alice announced, setting down the cat carrier and opening it up.
"Miley!" Grace squealed excitedly.
The new kitten came out of her carrier immediately, and Grace gave her a welcoming hug.
"I knew you'd love it," Alice said.
"Of course. Thank you so much, Mom! Welcome to your new home, Miley," Grace squealed.
Grace took one glance at her new kitty and loved her so much. Her parents knocked on the door and came over to check on her as she was holding Miley.
"How do you like your new companion?" Alice asked.
"Oh. She's so adorable and everything I've ever dreamed of!" Grace said happily.
"I'm glad you're enjoying her, sweetie. Remember, we talked about how a pet is a big responsibility. I hope you're prepared to take good care of her," Alice said.
"I will, Mom. I promise I'll learn all I can," Grace said.
"Atta girl. Now come on, let's get everything ready for your party. Some of the Bellas will be coming," Alice reminded her.
"Okay, Mom," Grace agreed, setting Miley down onto the floor.
While Grace took Miley up to her bedroom, Alice and Ken were downstairs blowing up balloons to decorate the house with. While they were decorating, they couldn't help but think about how much fun their daughter would have with her new companion.
Later that afternoon, many of the Bellas and their families were at Alice and Ken's house for Grace's birthday party. While many of the Bellas spent the time catching up with one another, Chloe took a moment to talk to the birthday girl.
"Happy Birthday, Grace," Chloe said, handing her a wrapped gift.
"Thanks, Chloe," Grace said.
"Of course. I heard you have a new pet kitten," Chloe said.
"Yep. She's already one of my best friends," Grace replied, petting Miley's back.
"She is really cute," Chloe acknowledged. "So, are you ready to take care of a cat?"
"Oh yeah, my mom and I already have her litter pan, her toys, and everything," Grace said, excited.
"That's very good. Sounds like you're all prepared," Chloe said.
"Yeah, I hope mom will be proud of me," Grace said hopefully.
"I'm sure she will be. You know, I used to have a cat back when I was six. She was just like yours, in a way. Back then, my grandmother taught me what she knew about cat care. And if you'd like, I'm willing to pass on what I learned to you," Chloe offered.
"Please? Will you do it, Chloe? I want to know everything!" Grace asked, excited.
"Sure. I'll come over after you get home from school tomorrow," Chloe offered.
"Sounds great," Grace smiled as Alice came over to them.
"Hey, birthday girl, are you ready to see all the wonderful gifts everyone here got for you?" Alice asked.
"Yeah!" Grace said, excited.
"Well, come on then," Alice said as Chloe and Grace followed her to the kitchen.
Once everyone was gathered in the kitchen, Alice lit the birthday candles on Grace's birthday cake, and everyone sang Happy Birthday before Grace blew all the candles out.