"Cat, stick your head back in! Your not a dog!" Cat sticks his head back and glares at me. "Well, I should hope not, Princess. But the outside world is so full of wonderful smells! Trees, fresh air….." "Cat nip?" I giggle. "Ah, catnip. It is a lovely smell, but alas my nose did not catch a whiff of it."

"We'll be to the garden center shortly," Mama says front the front seat. Cat and I are picking out a Christmas present for Papa. Its a little early, but Mama and Papa get so busy in the Christmas season, they don't have a lot of time, and Cat and I thought it would be fun to go on a date together.

The center is crowded, with kids picking out their pumpkins for pies and jackolaterns for Halloween is fast approaching. Others browse the flowers and plant mulch, and some simply are soaking in the warm October sun.

"Ooh! Princess! Look!" Cat points to a small stall selling apple cider and gingerbread cake. "Go ahead, you two. How about we meet back here in an hour?"

Parting ways, Cat and I stand in line, holding hands. "What's your favorite thing about Autumn, Marinette?" Cat asks. "Doing fun Fall Festives together, watching the leaves turn on the trees. Even listening to the sound of rustling leaves at night. How about you?"

"Spending time with you. Though we may have to have a do-over with the campfire." "Oh, no. You nearly set your claws on fire, let alone the marshmallows. But don't worry, Alya invited us to her Halloween party, remember? You'll get a second chance then."

We walk up to the counter and get our treats. The man winks at us. "Mighty fine apple cider we make here," he beckons us to move in closer. "Some say, its a love potion." I giggle. "Love potion?" "Yep. A cup of cider, and you'll be lovely-dovey for the whole day."

Love potion or not, the cider is spicy and hot, and the cake is excellent, with just the right amount of spice. "Princess?" I look up and Cat's cheeks are all pink. "Yes?" "I'm feline kinda funny." "Your not sick, are you?" "No, but I want to go for a walk under the apple trees with you." The softness of his eyes make my cheeks turn pink, and my tummy feels warm. "Okay."

I relax as we enter the orchard, the leaves shining with the sun peeking through the trees. "Christmas apples," Cat says, looking at the swaying red fruit. "What?" "When I was younger, my family always gave me a Christmas apple. Sure, we had apples other times of the year, but on Christmas my mother stuffed my stocking with the juices, reddest apple she could find." My mouth waters at the thought, and picture the thrill of excitement. A idea for Cat's Christmas present springs to mind, but I can think about….

Bonk! A apple suddenly hits Cat on the head, and it strikes me funny. "Cat, are you okay, love? I-hahhaha," I double over, thinking of his surprised expression. "Princess, it hurts. Do I have a lump?" "Come here, let me see."

He sighs happily as I tangle my hands through his fluffy hair. He winces at a particular spot. I kiss it, to make him feel better. "Thanks, Princess."

"Hold on, I wasn't done," and underneath the apple trees with their sweet scent I kiss Cat.

Back at the center, Mama has found a Garden Gnome for Papa. "Oh, he is going to love it." On the car ride home, Cat lays across my lap and falls asleep. His ears flap and twitch once in awhile, and I love him so much.

I lean back against the seat and close my eyes. We've had another fun fall adventure today, yet every day is special with I'm with my Kitty.