Page 47 of Falling for the Grumpy Orc
"Oh, we understand each other, don’t we, beautiful?" Bernice coos, scratching under Marigold's chin. "Gerralt came to see me about your little stray problem a few days ago. It seems like he learned his lesson on the proper way to win over a skittish female. I’d say he learned fast, didn’t you, dear boy?"
Bernice lifts her brow in a way that cannot be interpreted as anything else but suggestive, and I feel heat creeping up my neck as Cassidy turns to me with surprise written across her face. It’s clear by the expression on her face that she didn’t catch Bernice’s double entendre.
But I did.
"So you're the reason Marigold finally came inside?" Cassidy asks, something warm in her eyes that makes my chest tighten. “I don’t even know where to begin to thank you! I was so afraid something terrible was going to happen to her. Now she’s safe and sound, thanks to you.”
Before I can respond, Bernice scoops Marigold up, examining her with experienced hands. The cat melts into her touch, purring even louder.
"What a beautiful little lady you are," Bernice keeps on cooing, her fingers finding exactly the right spot behind Marigold's ears. Thecat stretches her neck in obvious pleasure, a purr rumbling from her tiny frame that seems impossibly loud. "Healthy coat, bright eyes. Someone's been taking good care of you."
I watch as my grandmother expertly handles the cat, those same weathered hands that bandaged my scraped knees now gently stroking all over Marigold's slim body. The feline goes limp in blissful surrender, completely won over.
"I've had seventeen cats in my lifetime, you know," Bernice continues fondly. "Each one special in their own way. This little one has quite the personality, I can tell."
A few moments later, and with a satisfied nod, Bernice sets Marigold gently back on the floor before turning her attention back to us. The cat lingers at her feet, rubbing against her ankles as if they've been friends for years.
"Well, it’s a good thing I came this morning," Bernice says, her voice taking on that particular tone I've dreaded since childhood, the one that means she's figured something out and is about to make everyone uncomfortable. And love every second of it. Her amber eyes, so like my own, sparkle with mischief as she looks between Cassidy and me. "It seems a certain little lady has been quite busy in the sheets, if I may be so bold."
Cassidy's face instantly flames red and her mouth opens in a comical O.
"Gran," I chide, my voice low. "This is totally out of line, even for you!"
"What’s out of line?" she asks with such fake innocence I almost believe she’s sincere. Almost.
Bernice blinks innocently, pointing to Marigold, still lingering around her legs. "Your little lady here is expecting. I'd say about four weeks along, maybe five."
"Expecting?" Cassidy echoes faintly, then understanding dawns. "Oh! Marigold is going to have kittens!"
"Of course," Bernice says, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she sets them on me. "What did you think I meant?"
Cassidy laughs nervously, pressing a hand to her cheek. "Nothing. I just… didn't realize she was pregnant."
"Oh yes." Bernice nods, then gives the cat a warm glance. "She's got that glow about her. I'd say you'll have kittens running around in about a month. We'll need to prepare a nice, comfortable birthing box for her. Then I’ll help you find good families for the lot."
"I had no idea," Cassidy murmurs, watching Marigold with new eyes.
Bernice clasps her hands together, looking far too pleased.
"Well, I'm glad we've finally met, considering the amount of time my grandson spends with you. And the amount of time he’s going to keep spending with you."
Cassidy's blush deepens, but she only laughs, brushing past the implication with the same effortless charm she seems to apply to everything.
"I've been keeping him busy for sure." Cassidy casts a playful look my way. "I quite enjoy bossing him around."
"Oh, I have no doubt he gave you a fair share of trouble in that department." Bernice chuckles. "He's had a stubborn streak since he was in diapers."
I sigh, knowing this conversation is only going to veer further out of my control.
"Gran, what brings you here, really?"
"As it happens, I could use an extra pair of hands at my herbal stall for the festival this weekend." She waves a hand, feigning innocence. Bernice’s gaze shifts between Cassidy and me, one brow quirking up.
I groan. "Gran."
"And you two lovebirds would make a wonderful team. Maybe even gather enough attention to beat Mrs. Goffin’s little pie stand. That one needs to be taken down a peg or two since winning the contest last year."
I frown, not buying a word of it.
