Page 76 of Homecoming

“You do you know how much I love you though, right?” Digby kisses the home-loving cook before he turns to watch as the guys file one by one into the kitchen.

“Oh man, thatuh, that smells so good!” Bud also takes a long sniff as his stomach rumbles. “Any chance of me getting some now? I’m ravenous.”

“No!” comes Helena’s snappy response. “The sauce, it need ten more minutes.”

“Okay, well, in that case, I’m gonna go wash up. But did I mention how hungry I am? So please make sure you keep a big plate full for when I come back.”

“You did. And I will,” Helena smiles. “So did you’s all get back alright? Hey, Mister Digby, are you okay there?”

“Yeah, we all got back fine,” Digby offers a smile. “Did you make up the spare room like I asked when I called? Only Zak and QT still haven't patched things up yet.”

“I did. But no worry, I sure it won’t be for very long. Love alwaysfinda way. Fate and love will always find their path even if we no see it sometimes.”

“Well, I damn well hope socuzI've triedeverythin’I could think of. I just didn't realize how goddamn stubborn QT could be until now. That commitment ceremony meant a lot more to him than I thought and I think Zak might have really pushed him to the limit bycallin’it off.”

“Mister Digby, you hear me and I say don’t worry. Here, sit. I give you some food.Shhh… don’t tell the other boys.”

“Helena, you really are my kinda girl. I'm so glad you came to stay with us all”Digby looks down and notices the two empty baskets in the corner of the kitchen by the housekeeper’s feet. “So where are the pups? Did you get rid of the cat already?”

“No. No, not yet. The woman who is re-homing her, she come later this evening after work.”

“But you've found her a home already? Wow, that sure was quick. You know, I’ve still gotta break it to the boys yet. That’s also not gonna make QT any happier.”

“Mister Darius, he was the one said that was to happenandhe was pretty insistent.”

“Well then, he can be one that tells them. QT’s really grown a soft spot for that cat.”

“Uh-huh… he sure has. Mister QT already take her to his room but I no say nothing about her leaving. Like you say, it for Mister Darius to explain to him.”

“So where did you say Kat is?”

“Ah, Mrs. Kat, she went for another run and the pups are still at the nursery.”

“At nursery? Really… ‘til this time?”Digby frowns as he checks the clock. “What? Even Evelyn? Has Kat stopped Luna fromfeedin’her?”

“Yes. Mister Digby, I worry about that. Mrs. Kat, I think she takes it harder than shewantto admit. I very worried because she has been distracted while you have been gone. Oh no…moly-holyis that the time? I need to go get the pups. I so sorry, I was doing the dinner and I forget the time. I was late getting started because I was talking with Mister Marco—he has gone into the city to talk with his cousin abouthavinghis restaurant and…”

“Wait, Marco’ssellin’the pie store?”

“No. No, he rent the lease to his cousin. Mister Marco, he makes good pie—I tasted it,” she smiles.

“Wait… You’ve tasted Marco’s pie?” Digby grins.

“Sure. He give me the recipe to make it.”

“Marco… Marco-Marco, gaveyouthe recipe forhispie? You mean his apple pie? Holy shit!”

“Uh-huh.Sí, the apple pie,” she grins.

“Thenmoly holyindeed. Wait… did you and Marco ‘get it on’?”

“Mister Digby, don’t be so crude.” With a coy smile, Helena winks, “I think I will make apple pie tomorrow.”

“Way to go, Helena,” Digby smiles. “Right, well, you carry ondishin’up that dinner and while you do that, I’ll go fetch the pups. But make sure you save some for me—don’t let Bud eat it all. And I can’t believe Marco really let you taste his pie? You are one shifty-shifter,” he grins.

“Mister Digby, go before I beat your pert little ass with this spoon.” The large chubby woman teases with another smack of her large spoon before he disappears out of the back door.

Thenurserylightsarestill on as Digby arrives and he can now see his pups laying in the playpen surrounded by toys. “Hey there Rosie, I see the pups are still here. I wasn’t sure if Kat had picked them up already.”

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