I stay at the diner long after Edward's left and head home around twelve-thirty. It's still early, and I have some things I need to do around the house before Emmett gets home. My laundry still needs to be washed and the dishwasher unloaded, so I start on those things first. While I'm in the laundry room, I remember my sign in one of the many boxes I still need to unpack and go find it.
I've slowly been leaving my things around—a blanket on the couch, a throw pillow on the chair, a picture frame in the bookcase, and little knickknacks in random places. Since I have no idea how long I'm going to live here, I decide to make it my home too.
If he's noticed, Emmett hasn't uttered a word—not that he'd probably care, to be honest. The kitchen I've completely changed, but the rest is still mostly his house.
I grab a nail and hammer from the garage—our dad's old tools—and make quick work of hanging my, "Laundry Today or Naked Tomorrow," sign on the door. I smile and think it fits perfectly.
"Bells! You around?" I hear Emmett call out from downstairs. He's early, which probably isn't good.
I go down the stairs and instantly see a pet carrier in his hands and my eyes widen. I've always wanted a cat, but Mom was allergic and so was Carlisle, and Kate was completely opposed. If he got me a fucking cat …
"Is it … ?"
He grins. "A patient of mine mentioned they had a litter to give away during their post-op appointment. Is an orange one all right?"
I fly down the last four steps and grab the carrier from him, sitting it down on the floor. "They're not flavors; they're all perfect," I say, eyeing the little fluff ball as he walks toward the door. "Is it a boy? Most ginger cats are, you know."
He nods. "It's a boy. He's supposed to be super friendly, according to my patient. I couldn't help myself when she told me, so I took off early to pick the little guy up. I grabbed some supplies, so I'm going to grab them while you decide what to call him."
I open the carrier, and he instantly crawls in my lap. He loves it when I scratch his chin and lets me pick him up, holding him above me. "Aren't you the cutest thing!"
I'm in love.
Like, I think he's my soulmate.
Emmett brings in the litter box, food, and other necessities while I sit on the couch and get to know my little fella. "Could your name be Hamilton?" I ask, testing to see if the name fits.
"Nah, call him Burr," Emmett says, laughing as I roll my eyes.
"Nope, he's definitely Hamilton," I decide. "Now, he just needs a little bowtie collar. Thank you, Em. I love him."
He nods. "I figured he can keep you company when I'm not around. It just seemed to be a good idea when I heard about the kittens. You've always wanted one, and I work a lot of nights, so you won't be lonely. He's sleeping with you though. The idea of cat hair on my pillow sounds awful."
I giggle, holding up my new boy. "I won't mind, Hammy."
If I can't have Dr. Lumberjack, at least, I have him.
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
