Several weeks had gone by since the couple returned from vacation. Work had been insane. It felt like all the crazies had come out of hiding. Never letting the police rest. But while the couple was exhausted everyday after work they were still excited to get home to their kids. The kids were thrilled to learn that their parents were looking for a new bigger home for all of them to live in. While Riley didn't really understand what that meant Allie was all for it and was giving her input on what they needed in a new house. Kim and Adam just wanted a few extra bedrooms, at least one more bathroom and a larger backyard for the kids to play. And maybe a three car garage. Kim insisted they also needed to have a fireplace. She loved a good fire in the winter when the snow was falling. Adam agreed knowing he would give her anything she wanted.
They had visited several houses over the weekend and none of them were perfect so they decided to keep looking. There was no rush to buy anything since they had plenty of room for their current family and they weren't adding anytime soon so they could wait. They also wanted to ensure they stayed within certain school districts so that made things slightly harder as well but it would be worth it in the end. The couple spent the rest of the weekend with the kids playing outside in the unseasonably warm weather. March was normally very cold and filled with snow but for some reason it was warm and the kids had energy to burn. The park around the corner was the perfect place to let the kids run loose and play with other kids. Adam had invited the Halstead's to the park as well to let the kids run around with Drew. Drew was like the middle child between Allie and Riley and the three were thick as thieves when together. He was also the perfect mix between Erin and Jay. Sassy as hell but sensible. Smart mouthed but didn't cause trouble. He didn't mind rolling with the flow.
As the kids played the adults stayed close chatting. "How's house hunting going?" Erin asked watching her son running to the slides. "Uneventful. Nothing felt right. Most houses were the same size we have now just smaller bedrooms, or an ugly kitchen that needs to updated or a smaller backyard. I don't want to think I'm being picky but maybe I am. I just don't want to lower my standards though. Especially with how much we have decided to spend. It kind of sucks though." Kim sighed. "Hey don't rush it. You will find the perfect house. It just takes time. Don't stress out about it." Erin went to talk about some new drama with her mother but Kim couldn't help but hear the excited squeal from her daughter. All 4 adults turned to see the kids all walking to them carrying something small. "Oh no! What did she find!" Adam looked panicked. "Look li,e an animal dude!" Jay laughed seeing the horror on Adams face.
Kim walked slowly towards them not wanting to scare the small animal. "Sweetheart. What did you find?" Kim asked softly. "Look its a baby kitten! Can we keep it?" Allie squeaked excitedly. "Oh hunny I don't know. It's so small, it's going to need a lot of attention and care." Kim looked at the small kitten then to the adults. "Maybe you guys can show me where you found it? Maybe it's mom is close by?" Erin asked looking around to see if she could more or hopefully the mom. The boys showed her while Kim assessed the kitten. "We have to take it to the vet. Hopefully it just needs proper food and nothing serious." Kim looked it over a bit more while Adam looked at her like she was nuts.
"Kim your not seriously thinking of keeping it are you?" He couldn't think of anything worse. "Maybe. It is cute. I don't know. Kitten this small are a lot of work. I wasn't joking about that." The kitten curled up on her chest to sleep a bit. They noticed Erin came back empty handed. "Didn't find the mom. Sorry guys." Erin noticed the kitten sleeping. "Alright we can give it a try. But the kids have to help out for finding it." Adam jokes knowing he could say no with how happy Allie looked. "Alright let's take him to the vet. Adam can you take the kids to lunch and then home." Kim knew the kids going would not be helpful. "Yeah that's fine. Keep me in the loop as the little dude is doing." Adam putted the little cats head before gathering the kids to leave. Allie was in full tears at not being able to go with Kim. "Baby we don't have enough cars here. I need you to go with daddy Adam. Please?" Kim hoped she would just relent but she was overly tired.
"Allie how about I help you get in your car seat and carry you the whole way?" Jay offered knowing she would crash before they even got to the car. "Okay." She was still sniffling but she calmed down a bit. "Okay perfect! Let's head out then." Jay scooped her up and carried her while Adam took Riley and Erin took Drew. Kim got a Uber and headed to the vet. She was scared that the poor thing would die and that kids would be crushed if that happened. As predicted the kids fell asleep on the ride home so Adam had a peaceful ride home. Kim let him know that she had arrived at the vet and was waiting to be seen. It was crazy how attached she was to the kitten already.
They were eventually brought back to an exam room where the nurses and doctors fawned over the tiny kitten. Thankfully the kitten appeared to be in good shape and had probably gotten lost when the mother was moving from one location to another. They suspected it was only alone for a couple hours based on how well it was doing. It would take a couple of weeks of kitten milk and kitten wet food but the kitten should live a long happy life. It would need shots at some point in the future as well as being neutered. They suggested a brand of food and milk that would be best. As Kim waited for the kitten to return from getting a quick bath she ordered all the supplies they needed and had them delivered to the house.
Once the kitten was returned to Kim she paid the bill and headed home. Once she arrived Adam met her at the door to help bring all the items in the house. "So is it going to live?" He asked quietly. "Yes it's surprisingly healthy. Only alone maybe a few hours. We have an appointment in a few weeks for the first shots and to him fixed. Last thing we need is this dude getting out and knocking up the neighbors cats." Kim gave Adam a knowing look. "Well at least it's a little dude. No pregnant cats in this house please." He helped Kim set up the small litter box with accident pads just in case. Then setting up a bed and food and water dishes. She even got a few toys to help the kitten learn how to play and hunt. It also helped build trust with humans.
"This all seems a bit much Kim." He looked at all the stuff this kitten needed. "Oh I know but this isn't even all the stuff we need. We still need a scratching post, grooming supplies, kitten proofing items. It's a lot if you do it right. And if you care about them." She sighed hard. "I can't explain it but I feel connected to this little one." They took the kitten to the couch with them to sit down. "You know I had a cat growing up. I had him for 17 years before he passed away. I was crushed. But this little guy fills that void a bit." She patted the cat sweetly. Adam looked at the kitten then her looking confused as to the odd sound he heard. "He's purring. He's happy." Kim just smiled looking at the little kitten. "I guess it's meant to be. You rarely look that peaceful and when you do it's because we were just intimate." He winked at her making her blush. "Cats are good for the soul. And yes it's a scientific fact." Kim smiled turning to see the kids coming down the stairs.
Allie squeaked seeing the kitten in her mother's arms. "Allie sweetheart. Please don't scare the kitten. We need to keep our voices down." Adam was stern but soft letting her know he was serious but she wasn't in trouble. "It's it okay?" She asked looking at it. Riley was in Adam lap looking as well. "Yes he's okay. We need to think of a name for him?" Kim stated. Adam was helping his son pet the kitten gently as he wasn't used to petting animals yet. "Can we call him Tiger?" Allie asked softly. "Sounds good me Allie Cat. Since you guys slept through lunch how about we get a snack now?" He asked the kids. They both nodded and headed for the kitchen. Kim carries the kitten to the kitchen following behind her family. She set the kitten down with some kitten milk and wet food making sure Tiger ate while the kids enjoyed a snack.
Once the family was done with their snack they moved into the living room to play with Tiger. Kim reminded them that he was still young and learning so they needed to be gentle patience with him. Riley loved chasing the kitten around and Allie was trying to get Tiger to play with the feather dancer toy. It was adorable and Kim enjoyed watching them care for the young animal. Adam even caved and started making videos of the kids with the kitten but refused to hold it. Claiming he didn't like cats. Kim didn't buy it she thought he just hadn't had the best experience with a cat yet. And this little one would win his heart. She was sure of it. And while she didn't use social media often she posted a photo of the cat introducing him as the newest member of the Burgess-Ruzek family.
When Tiger finally wanted to sleep the kids wouldn't leave him alone so Kim picked him up and moved him to the laundry room with his bed and litter box. He needed to be able to sleep in peace. As the temperature gotten cooler as the day went on they decided to have a movie night to not only calm the kids but help the house get quiet again. The whole day had been crazy and Kim needed the quiet time too. After the movie finished Kim started making dinner and opened the laundry room so the cat could move around if wanted. He was already learning it was his safe place to hide from the kids and he was grateful. Adam played a game with the kids while Kim cooked keeping them distracted so they weren't bugging her in the kitchen. She loved cooking with the kids but never at night when they school in the morning.
The family gathered around to eat together as it was the rule when Adam didn't have a case. They all sat together and talked. No tv, no phones. Kim felt it was the best way to stay connected with busy schedules. And it allowed for everyone to be in the loop. It was something neither her nor Adam had growing up so it seemed like a good idea. Adam loved it as he missed a lot with work so this was his favorite time of the day. His family talking about their days. It couldn't get any better for him. But today the kids only wanted to talk about Tiger. Kim answering all the questions the kids had the best she could. It was also good for Adam to learn about caring for the kitten as well since he never had one before.
Once dinner was finished the kids played with Tiger again before Adam took them up for baths and ready for bed time. Kim had cleaned up after dinner then cleaned up after the kitten before heading to the living room. She decided to let the kitten explore the downstairs in his own for a bit. It was best for him to learn the home from his litter area so she let him be and waited for Adam on the couch. She seriously couldn't believe how crazy the day had been. Having a pet was something she was completely against for a very long time. But this little kitten just got her. She didn't regret it but she knew Adam wasn't thrilled about it. "The kids finally asleep." She asked seeing him sitting on the couch next to her. "Yeah. It was hard to get them to sleep. They were overly excited about the cat." He pulled Kim close relaxing with her in his arms.
"You have to admit it's adorable! And it's better than the dog Allie wanted." Kim said watching the kitten run around the living room with the fake mouse Kim had bought. "It's cute. I admit that. But this wasn't something I thought was in the cards. I never even thought about getting an animal because I knew you were dead set against getting a dog. But you grew up with a cat so I guess this feels normal to you." He watched it playing. "Yeah I always loved having a cat. He never left my side after the rape. He would lay on my chest, his nose touching my pulse point. Like he was trying to feel how out of control it was. He would always purr loudly for me. And at night when we slept he would always lay up against my side with one back leg across my belly and his front legs on my chest. His head on my shoulder. I loved that cat!" Kim smiled thinking back to that cat and all the comfort he provided her.
"Sounds like a good friend during a tough time. Maybe this will actually be good for the kids. Teach them some responsibility. And hey we don't have to walk them in the rain and snow. Works for me." Adam watched as the kitten started to walk over to him. He watched as the kitten climbed up his pant leg. "What are you doing little man?" Adam looked at Tiger climbing his nails digging into his skin. Adam hissed looking at Tiger. "Looks like he wants to make a friend. And he hasn't had time with you yet. So maybe he's trying to get your attention." Kim smiled at them. "Maybe he's not so bad." Adam petted the kitten as he climbed up onto his chest. "What is he doing now?" He was freaking out a bit not knowing what was happening. "I think he's moving to rub against your face. Making you his." Kim watched as they settled together on the couch. It was adorable and quite funny seeing the tiny kitten playing on Adams broad chest.
"I got to admit this is relaxing. I think he's purring." Adam had no idea but it felt like a rhythmic wave on his chest. Kim leaned over to listen to Tiger. "Yup. It's soft but you can hear it. It's really cool sounding when you press your ear against his body while he's purring. It's crazy loud." She kissed his little nose before returning to her spot next to them. "I like this. It's been a good weekend off with my family. We need his more often." He sighed pulling Kim closer. "Yeah we do. It's been pretty crazy at work lately. But this was good. We should plan a weekend off soon for all of us. Maybe a getaway or something." She wasn't sure it would happen for a bit but she at least wanted to suggest it. "Sounds like a plan darling." Adam closed his eyes relaxing with his girl and his cat.
The couple eventually headed to bed after placing the kitten back in his own bed. He wasn't big enough to jump into bed yet so they wanted him to sleep in his own bed till he's older. Adam checked on the kids before joining Kim in the bedroom. He had been thinking about something Kim had said. He wanted to ask about it but was afraid to at the same time. He started to undress zoning out as he did. Kim had been watching him, she knew he was thinking about something. "Adam just ask me whatever it is?" Kim watched his shoulders sag. "I want to but I'm scared to ask too." His head down as he turned to look at her. "Please just ask me. Whatever you want to know just ask me." Kim looked up at him wondering what was on his mind. "I was thinking about what you about the cat never leaving your side after the rape. Did you ever think about ending it? Your life I mean?" He settled in front of her reaching out to hold her hands. "No. Never. But I did feel broken, ruined. I spent a lot of time wondering if someone could ever love me after that. Knowing I was damaged goods." She paused looking into his eyes. "I heard my parents calling me those words often as they fought. It was always something they bitched about to each other. How I was never going to be loved now that I was damaged." She watched his expression soften.
"Why did they say you were damaged and ruined? I don't understand." He knew her parents divorced due to the blame her father put in her mother. The anger between them was the final straw that broke the marriage. "I was raped. That made me damaged goods in their minds. I was ruined because I was no longer a virgin in their minds. I still was since I was raped anally and not vaginally but it didn't matter to them. I was so sure no one would ever be able to love me because of that without hearing their words. But that all but confirmed it to me. I guess it's why I always dated losers after that. I was just happy someone was interested in me. It took a lot of therapy to understand that I'm not broken, I'm not damaged, I'm not ruined. And it took a lot of family therapy to repair the relationship with them. They had to learn that the way they viewed things was antiquated. That the world saw rape differently now. While still sad and shouldn't happen it wasn't life ending. That you could still live a full and happy life after being raped. Doesn't happen for everyone but it could if I wanted that to happen. I had to work for it. It was never easy but I'm glad I did the work. Because it brought me back to you." Tears were in her eyes as she spoke about her past.
She was right it hadn't been easy but it had worth it in the end. "You were never broken, damaged or ruined in my eyes. But I'm also happy you got the help you needed. This life we are living here and now makes it all worth it." He wiped her tears with the pad of his thumb. "You truly are my miracle Kim. Never forget that." He pulled her into his lap holding her tight letting his own tears falling thinking about all the pain his girl had been through. "No more tears tonight. Only happy thoughts planning our future together." Kim smiled wiping his tears before kissing him softly. And as Kim stated they spent the next hour laying bed planning their wedding. Looking at locations near the beaches, restaurants with a view, color schemes and themes. It had been fun but they put no pressure knowing they had all the time in the world to plan. They were together, their family was happy, they were all healthy and they loved their jobs. Life couldn't get much better.