by Sharon Coady
“Check out the kitten before you come, Kyle. We don’t know when he ate last.” She motioned for him to lean closer. “There is a tear in the screen behind Pop’s toolbox. When you come home tonight, you’ll have to fix that so nothing else gets on the porch, okay?”
“I will. I’ll see you in a bit. I love you. You did an amazing job, honey.” He kissed her softly on the lips. “Take care of my son.” He touched the little one’s hand.
****
Once she and the baby were loaded into the ambulance and whisked away, Kyle turned to the task of checking out the new kitten. He gave him the once over, listened to his heart and lungs with his stethoscope, and then mixed up some milk in one of the bottles Anne had cleaned and set out for the task. The little fellow took to it instantly and sucked everything down.
“Looks like he’s very healthy under the circumstances.”
He bent to put the kitten back in its box when Mavy walked over and sniffed at him. She meowed and the baby meowed back.
“Shoo, go on, girl. Not yet. This one isn’t yours.”
Mavy rubbed up against his leg, meowing louder.
“Sounds to me like she’s trying to tell you he is hers.” Pop chuckled. “I’m sure you learned in that fancy vet school of yours that animals will take in orphans or abandoned babies sometimes.”
“I know, Pop. I just want to make sure he’s healthy.”
“I think he’s fine and so do you. His mom abandoned him, that’s all.” Pop grumbled.
“Most likely. Speaking of that, I’ll take care of the porch either tonight when I get back from the hospital or tomorrow morning.”
Melanie came out of her bedroom with her grandmother. Her hair was fixed with a bow and she was wearing her favorite pink dress.
“Well, look at you, girl. You look beautiful. Want to come give Daddy a hug?”
Melanie smiled and ran to her daddy, throwing her arms around him as she kissed his cheek. “Do you love my dress?”
“I do. It’s almost as pretty as you,” he said, scooping her up in his arms and swinging her around. “I need you to be a good girl for Grandmother and Pop while I go to the hospital, okay?”
Instantly, her smile slid off her face and she wiggled for him to put her down.
“What’s wrong?”
“You love that stupid baby more than me!” She turned and ran into her room, slamming the door behind her.
“This is getting very old. It’s like she’s turning into a brat, someone I don’t even recognize. I’ll deal with her when I get back.” He grabbed his coat and stormed out the door.
Pop chuckled. “Like daughter, like father?” His eyes twinkled.
“I think it’s getting old myself. I’ve tried being patient and talking to her, so has Kyle. I don’t know what else we can do.”
“Aw, Nancy, she’s a kid who’s trying to figure out where she fits in this new family of hers. Everything was good until she found out about the baby. None of you seem to get that. This baby belongs to Kyle and Anne and she’s terrified it’s going to replace her. Come on, in that little girl’s eyes, she doesn’t understand how Anne can love her as much as her own real baby.”
“Well, that’s just ridiculous.” She huffed and stormed into the room to strip the bed. She called, “Anne loves that girl as if she gave birth to her herself.”
Pop grumbled, “For being so smart, sometimes you guys are pretty darn clueless.” He watched as Mavy leapt up onto the box that held the orphaned kitten. She meowed and jumped into the box, sniffing the little one and moving him with her nose. The next thing he knew, she leapt out of the box with the kitten in her mouth. “Yep, just like I thought.” He chuckled. “Melanie!”
“What Poppy?” She walked slowly out of her room, her eyes cast down. “Are you mad at me?”
“Nope. Just want you to come see something.” He motioned for her to come to him.
“What?” She smiled and skipped over to him. “What am I seeing?”
“Look at that.” He pointed to Mavy and her kittens.
“What’s she doing?” Melanie asked as she sat down and scooted closer to the box.
“She’s taking the new little kitten who lost his mommy. She’s going to take care of it and love it.”
“She is? Why would she do that?” Melanie leaned over and smiled when she saw the new kitten snuggled with the other two. Mavy was wrapped around them purring. “Why’s she purring?”
“Because she’s happy to have another baby.”
Melanie scrunched her brows, her eyes narrowing. “But it’s not her baby so why is she happy about it? They look like her but this one is orange and white. She knows he isn’t hers.”
“Just because she didn’t have the kitten, and it didn’t grow inside of her, doesn’t mean she can’t love the kitten and take care of him like he’s her own. It doesn’t matter to her that he doesn’t look like her kittens.” Pop glanced up at Nancy as she leaned in the doorway smiling at him.
“It doesn’t?” Melanie looked up at him with her head cocked.
“Girl, there are many miracles in this world. We are capable of loving more than one person at a time, same with animals. Animals may be smarter than us about it. You see, when a baby needs a mommy, it doesn’t always have to be the mommy who gave birth to that baby. But when the mommy wants that baby for her own, she can love it just like it was her own baby. Mavy saw this little guy and decided it was her baby now. So she put him in her box with her other babies. From now on, she’ll take care of him, and if you didn’t know which ones were hers, you would never know she didn’t give birth to him as well.”
Melanie leaned over the box, scrutinizing the kittens and Mavy. She watched her lick each one and snuggle closer to them. Mavy glanced up at Melanie and meowed, sniffing her kittens. She lay her head down and closed her eyes. “Can people do that, too?”
“Yes they can. You know how much you love me?”
She nodded her head and a smile that showed her dimples spread over her face. “I love you to the moon and back.”
“Yep, and I feel the same about you. You came to me because your daddy brought you, right?”
The smile fell from her face. “You’re not my real Poppy.” Her little bottom lip stuck out as her shoulders drooped.
“Yes I am! Just as if Anne had you, I sure am. It doesn’t matter to me that you had another mommy who gave birth to you. I love you and you are my great-granddaughter.”
“So…Mommy can love me as much as my brother?” She sat back on her heels, eyes narrowed.
“She can and she does. She loves you very much. You’re her daughter. Remember when Daddy and she were getting married, and she bought you and her those matching mommy daughter necklaces for the big day?”
Melanie nodded.
“Well, if you weren’t her daughter, would she have wanted to do that?”
“No.” He watched as her eyes went round and her mouth made an O shape. “Poppy!”
“What?” He leaned forward.
Tears streamed down her face. “I’ve been so mean to Mommy. Do you think she still loves me?”
“I know she does. Just because you doubted her, doesn’t mean she doubted it for one minute. She loves you no matter what. It’s what mommies do. But I’ll tell you a secret.”
“What?” She stood in front of him, sniffing as he took a tissue and wiped her face.
“When you see her, you give her a big hug and kiss and tell her you love her. She will be the happiest mommy around. Her face will glow, and her mouth will be turned up into a big grin. She’ll hug you so tight, you won’t be able to breathe, and she’ll tell you she loves you right back. You can mark my word.” He pulled her tight and gave her a hug. “No more tears now, girl. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Poppy.”
Chapter Sixteen
Melanie, Pop, and Nancy sat waiting for Kyle and Anne to come home with the new baby. Melanie was wiggling around in her seat.
Nancy rea
ched over and patted her leg. “They’ll be here soon.”
“I can’t wait to see Mommy and tell her I love her and I’m sorry.” She swung her legs in and out.
“Mommy will be very happy to hear that. Just wait for her to get in the door and sit down, okay? She’ll be carrying your brother, and we don’t want her to trip or anything. I bet if you sit down next to her, she’ll even let you hold him.”
“Do you think so? I can’t wait to see him. I didn’t look at him when he was born. I’m sad about that. Do you think he grew a lot?”
Nancy smiled as Pop chuckled and answered her question. “No, he won’t have grown that much in two days.”
The front door opened and Anne walked in beaming. “It’s so good to be home. Where’s my girl?”
Melanie jumped up, her eyes wide. “I’m right here, Mommy.”
“Nancy, can you take him for me? I missed Melanie so much.” She smiled as Nancy carefully took the baby from her, talking and cooing to him all the while.
Anne opened her arms and Melanie flew into them. “Mommy, I missed you. I love you so much. I’m sorry I was mean.” The words flew from her mouth.
Anne took her hand and walked her over to the sofa; she sat down and motioned for Melanie to climb into her lap. She hugged her tight. “Oh honey, I love you, too. I missed you while I was gone.”
“I was mean. Are you mad at me?” Tears spilled down her cheeks.
“I’m not mad at you. You weren’t mean, you were just a little confused.” Anne took the tissue Pop handed her and wiped the tears off her face.
“You know, Mavy took the kitten you found. She put it in with her babies so she’s adopted it.” Pop grinned. “Melanie and I talked about it the other day.”
“Well, she knows she has room in her heart for another baby.” Kyle held his arms out. “Does Daddy get a hug?
“Yes!” She climbed down from Anne’s lap and ran to Kyle. He picked her up and twirled her around. “Mommy, can I hold my brother?” she asked as soon as Kyle set her down.
“I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. Why don’t you come sit down next to me, and your grandmother can put him in your arms. I’ll help you, okay?” Mavy scooted out from underneath the dining room table and jumped up onto the sofa next to Anne, purring and rubbing against her arm. She stroked down her back and glanced at Kyle. “Could you get her for me?’
“Sure.” He picked up the cat, which snuggled close, purring even louder. “You can see the baby later.” He chuckled
Melanie squealed and ran to climb up next to Anne; she snuggled close and held her arms out while Nancy placed the tiny bundle in her arms.
“Hold his head.” Anne put her arm under Melanie’s to help her support the baby’s head. “What do you think?”
“He’s so little. Who does he look like?” She scrunched up her nose and studied her brother. “I think he looks like Poppy.”
Everyone laughed and Anne glanced at the baby. “He kind of does. He’s bald like Pop, too.”
Melanie started giggling. “Yes, he is. And look, he scrunches his face like Poppy, too. He’s so cute.” She leaned down and kissed his little forehead. “Mommy, we haven’t thought of a name for the new kitten yet. It makes me sad, but Poppy said he has to have a special name because of how lucky he was that you found him when you did.”
“There you go, why don’t you name him Lucky?” Anne ran her hand through her little girl’s silky hair. “That seems perfect to me.”
“I like that, Mommy. He is lucky. You know what?”
“No, why don’t you tell me.” Anne sighed and glanced up at Kyle, who was grinning from ear to ear.
“I’m very lucky, too. Daddy found you again and you love me just like I’m your own little girl.”
“You are my little girl.” Anne felt such contentment in that moment. She was with her family and everyone was happy and loved. The Christmas tree twinkled with all the lights and Gram’s beautiful ornaments. Her eyes fell on Gram’s favorite, the angel holding the baby. This Christmas, the ornament now held another special memory for her, thanks to this wonderful man, this special little girl, her grandfather, Nancy, and the new baby.
****
Christmas morning came quickly. It had snowed during the night, and she loved how quiet the blanket of snow made the morning. The baby had almost slept through the night, and Anne felt more rested than she had in months. She slipped out of bed and checked on the baby before grabbing her robe. When she opened the door, a multitude of scents hit her nose. She smelled coffee, turkey, stuffing, and pies as voices came softly from the kitchen. When she walked in, the sight of Kyle making breakfast greeted her. Pop sat peeling potatoes and Nancy was checking her fresh baked pies.
“Why didn’t someone wake me up? I would have helped.”
“You were sleeping so peacefully, we didn’t want to disturb you. Sit down and I’ll get you a cup of tea.” Kyle kissed her cheek.
“You need to get all the sleep you can. Babies tire you out quickly.” Nancy gave her a hug. “I hope you don’t mind that I made the pies?”
“Why, no I don’t mind. I appreciate it. I still get tired very easily these days. Kyle keeps telling me that’s normal.”
“It is. You just had a baby, and it will take a while for you to heal up and get all your strength back.” Pop winked at Kyle. “I learned that from your gram.”
“I can’t believe it’s Christmas again.” Anne sighed. Another one without her gram. But this one would be happy with the new family. Anne felt so content with the love that surrounded her. “I wonder what Melanie is going to say when she sees her gift?”
“She’s going to be one happy little girl. I think she won’t know what to say.” Pop chuckled. “Good thing she’s been so busy with the new baby that she hasn’t paid attention to the little shed being converted into a pony stable.”
“Do you realize she hasn’t even asked to go sledding yet?” Kyle flipped another pancake out of the griddle. “It’s all she talked about when it first started snowing.”
“I guess we lucked out with the baby being here. What time are they bringing the pony?” Anne asked quietly.
“Jerry dropped her off this morning. She’s all settled in with hay and some oats. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees her.”
“A little girl’s dream comes true. When I was her age, I wanted a pony in the worst way. We couldn’t afford it, though. I read everything about horses I could get my hands on. Pop and Gram would have bought me one if they could have. Pop told me that all the time.”
“I wish we could have done that for you. It broke my heart to tell you no.” He mumbled something under his breath. “I’m happy you can make this little girl’s dream come true. It’s something she’ll remember the rest of her life.”
They heard Melanie’s door open and heard her little hands clapping. “Santa came! Mommy, Daddy, Santa came.”
They all smiled as Kyle helped Anne up from her chair and they made their way into the living room. “Grandma! I didn’t know you were here already.” She ran to her grandmother and gave her a big hug. “Poppy look, Santa came.” She ran to hug him as well. “I can’t wait to see what I got. Poppy, can we sit where we sat last year?” She was so excited, looking all around; her curls were bouncing everywhere.
“Yes, we can. Let me sit down and you can sit next to me.” He shuffled over to his chair grinning from ear to ear.
Kyle picked up his Santa hat and declared he would be the one giving out the gifts. Anne watched Nancy wipe a tear off her cheek as she watched him walk to the tree, pick up a big one, and hand it to Pop. “This tag says it’s for you.”
Pop chuckled. “Well now, what is this?” He started opening the paper as Kyle reached for another gift under the tree.
“This one is for you, Melanie.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” She sat by Pop, waiting for him to open his gift first. Anne couldn’t help but smile at how cute and polite she was.
“Okay, here is one for Grandma and one for Anne.” He handed each their gifts. He picked up one with his name on it and sat down next to Melanie. “Okay guys, open your gifts.”
“I’m waiting on Poppy to open his first. It’s special from me and Grandma.”
Kyle raised his eyebrow. “Oh, is it now? I wonder what it is?”
“You’ll have to wait for him to open it.” Melanie giggled.
Pop finished opening it and his jaw dropped. He pulled out the picture from Kyle and Anne’s wedding reception. The picture was a candid one of him and Melanie that someone had taken. Pop wiped a tear off his wrinkled cheek. “This is beautiful,” he croaked out. “Did you know about this, girl?” He put his arm around her and gave her a hug.
“Yes, I did. I kept the secret. Do you love it, Poppy?”
“Yes I do. I love you, too.” He pulled her closer and gave her a big hug.
Melanie opened her gift next. “Pink slippers! I love them.”
Nancy went next. “Oh my goodness, a pink scarf. I wonder who picked this one out?”
“I did. Do you love it?” Melanie was wiggling with excitement. “Mommy, open yours next!”
Anne was so happy just to hear Melanie call her Mommy that she didn’t care what was in the beautifully wrapped box. She opened the package and started to cry. There, inside, was a picture of her and Melanie during the reception. Both of their faces were full of so much love. Anne thought they looked like any other mother and daughter happy to be with each other on that special day.
Melanie slid off the loveseat and ran to her mother. “Don’t cry, Mommy. I wanted you to be happy.” Her little bottom lip quivered as she wiped her mommy’s tears away.
“I am happy, baby. I’m crying because I’m so happy. Thank you for the beautiful gift.” She pulled her daughter into her arms as she hugged her close.
“You’re welcome. Daddy, can I give Mommy the other one from me?”
“You sure can. It’s right here.” He handed her a package that was wrapped haphazardly in pink paper with a white bow taped on the top.
