Author's note: Hi everyone. Many thanks for your very kind reviews and emails. They really mean a lot to me - FirstCenturyBC

Chapter 8

Joey watched contentedly as Charlie played with one of the cubs. Charlie had put her finger in front of its mouth and it couldn't resist the opportunity to try out its teeth. They were sharper than she expected them to be, considering their tender age, but they did not hurt her. In fact, they tickled her a little. Its rough little tongue licked her knuckle and she felt its breath against her – so shallow from such a tiny pair of lungs.

Joey glanced over at Susan, awaiting the signal that they had arranged with Steve. Charlie picked up one of the male cubs and cradled it, gazing into its blue eyes. He squeaked – an infantile roar. Charlie and Joey smiled at the sweet sound.

Joey looked at Susan again, who nodded, having noticed that Charlie had picked up the cub that was the subject of her extra surprise.

Joey gave her another secret thumbs up.

"He's cute isn't he?" Joey began.

"He's gorgeous," Charlie exclaimed, hugging him gently and stroking his fur.

"So you like him, then?"

"I love him." Charlie beamed.

"Well that's good ...," said Joey in a soft voice, "... because he's yours!"

Charlie froze. She slowly lifted her gaze from the cub and looked up at Joey.

"What?" Charlie couldn't believe her ears. Joey must have been joking.

"Now ... he lives here ...," Joey began her explanation, so as not to frighten Charlie into thinking she would one day have to look after a fully grown lion in her bedroom at Leah's house, "... but he belongs to you. Steve, Susan and the others here will look after him and they will let you know how he's doing every month. And you can visit him every week if you want to. You'll be his guardian."

Charlie was flabbergasted. Her jaw dropped wider than ever before! She didn't know what to say. She could feel tears of joy welling up in her eyes. Her body quivered.

"Oh my god, Joey ... are you serious?" Her eyes widened.

Joey smiled warmly. "Yes." She was playing the whole thing very cool, but deep down she was filled with as much excitement for Charlie as Charlie was herself.

Charlie took several moments to process the news - laughing in disbelief and shaking her head. She thought about the words Joey had just spoken to her and her mind raced.

"What's his name?" she asked.

"Well, you see ... that's the thing ... he doesn't have one yet. You're going to name him."

Charlie looked at her incredulously. It was all too much for her to take in at once. She tried to speak but couldn't, so she leaned in and gave Joey a lingering kiss on the lips, still cradling her adoptive cub in her arms. She didn't care who saw them – she just needed to thank the woman who had thought of such a beautiful gift for her. Their lips parted but remained close.

"Thank you," Charlie whispered.

"You're welcome," replied Joey in the same whispered tone.

"You don't have to think of a name today ... okay? You can take a bit of time to decide. I'm sure you'll come up with something really great for him," Joey said, stroking the little guys tufty mane with her index finger.

Charlie looked down at the cub, and then over to the other two cubs that had been put back in the basket, now sleeping soundly after their feed. She tried to pick out a feature to identify hers from them. They looked almost identical, except her cub had a little pink blotch on his brown nose. That's how she would be able to tell him from the others. She showed his little distinguishing mark to Joey, who stroked his nose with her fingertip.

"So cute," said Joey. She gazed up at Charlie, seeing just how happy she was. Her idea had been a complete success and she was pleased with herself, and also a little relieved that it had all gone according to plan.

"Joey, I can't believe all this. It's incredible."

"Hold on a sec," Joey said as she reached into her pocket. She pulled out her phone and switched on the camera function. She held it out, angling it for the best shot. "Smile."

Charlie turned the cub around to face the camera, holding him up close to her. Joey took a photograph.

"Beautiful," she remarked, and showed it to Charlie. Charlie smiled at the image of herself snuggling her birthday surprise. She stood up and gently placed her little cub back with his siblings.

Susan entered the room and approached them.

"Did you have fun, ladies?"

"It was amazing," replied Charlie. "Thank you so much for all of this."

"Oh don't thank me ...," Susan said humbly, "thank the one who loves you. It was all her doing."

Charlie smiled and looked at Joey, who was blushing.

"Is Steve still here?" Joey asked Susan.

"Umm ... I think he's out in the park somewhere. He said to wish Charlie a Happy Birthday and he hopes you liked your birthday present."

"He's beautiful," exclaimed Charlie.

"Will you please tell him I'll call him tomorrow?" Joey asked.

"Sure I will," Susan replied with a smile.

Joey turned to look at Charlie. "So ... are you ready to go enjoy the rest of your birthday?"

Charlie took her by the hand, gazing into her eyes. "Yes!" She'd thank her properly later that night!

"I'll escort you back to reception," said Susan.

To be continued ...