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By Root 754 0

Winter family since they’d gone home two weeks ago. Don had called Alex telling him they’d arrived safely, and that was it. Not another word. Kate thought this odd, but didn’t mention it to Alex. He’d had enough on his mind the past few days. Bella was delivering early, just as she’d anticipated. Alex spent most days and nights at the kennel with Gertie. Jay, their vet, had spent the last twelve hours with Bella. She was having a rough delivery. Kate prayed she and her pups survived. Alex was worried, and it showed. He’d barely slept the past week. Kate had supplied hot coffee and plenty of sandwiches for him and Gertie while they remained at Bella’s side. Dinnertime rolled around. Kate still hadn’t heard a word on Bella’s condition from Alex or Gertie. She decided to visit the kennel to see for herself. She grabbed a sweater from the hall closet, slipped on her sneakers, and stepped outside.

Kate shivered at the shock of cool air that greeted her when she opened the back door. A cold front had moved in from the north. She hoped it wasn’t a sign of a bitter winter ahead. While she loved fall-like weather, cold weather sometimes depressed her. Both her parents had died in a terrible car crash on a bleak winter day in January. Even after all these years, driving in snow and ice still made her nervous. Though it was chilly, winter was still months away. She was glad.

She entered the kennel. Voices raised in excitement greeted her.

“That a girl! I knew you could do it.”

“Would you look at . . . him! He’s one big boy!”

“Wait . . . wait, I’ll be damned! Here comes another!” Jay shouted.

Kate stood in silence as Alex, Gertie, and Jay surrounded the laboring Bella. Alex held one puppy; it looked as though Gertie had two. Jay was about to deliver another.

“And would you look at this! I think she’s the runt of the litter.” Jay held the pup up for inspection.

Whimpering puppies and a happy Bella. Tears moistened her eyes. A beautiful sight for sure.

“I see I arrived just in time,” Kate announced.

“Looks like a happy crew to me.”

“Bella had four pups! I can’t believe it. She’s such a good girl, aren’t you?” Alex rubbed between Bella’s ears. She growled. “I know, I know. It’s hands off for now.”

Jay checked to make sure all of the puppies were healthy. Bella was worn-out from labor and delivery; but other than that, she appeared to be in good health. Kate saw the happiness in Alex’s eyes as he stared at the puppies. She could only imagine how happy he would’ve been to be a father.

“I think this calls for a toast,” Kate said. “I’ve got a bottle of champagne I’ve been saving just for such an occasion. I’ll run up to the house. Be right back.”

She returned within a matter of minutes and poured champagne into red plastic cups. “I’d like to propose a toast.” Kate viewed the smiling faces surrounding her. “Here’s to Bella and her crew for making it the perfect day. And to Alex. For making all my days perfect.”

Cheers were given by all. After they finished the rest of the champagne, Kate and Alex left the puppies with Gertie and Jay. Both were tipsy. Their mood exuberant.

Kate was reminded once again how good her life with Alex really was. It was almost too good, she thought. No, it was just perfect. Nothing would ever change her feelings for Alex. And Kate knew Alex. He would always love her, stick by her, no matter what. They would make it to the “till death do us part” for sure.

Arms wrapped around one another’s waists, they made their way to the kitchen. Kate brewed a pot of coffee. It was too early to call it a night. Besides, they knew Gertie and Jay would come up to the house when they felt Bella was ready to be alone with the pups. Maybe she’d be a little more sober by then.

She drank two cups of coffee to Alex’s four. She wasn’t much of a coffee drinker, but it was the only beverage she knew to lighten the load when she had one too many.

“I’ll have one more cup, and that’s it. This crap tastes like . . . crap,” Kate said to Alex.

“Then why drink it?”

“’Cuz I had too many glasses of champagne.” Kate’s words were