to melt.
“They’re adorable. What are you going to call them?” she asked.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to call them anything. We’ll get too attached, then want to keep them.”
Bailey frowned. “And my landlord wouldn’t be happy if we adopted two kittens. I guess that means they’re going to the animal shelter.”
“I’ll take them there on Saturday. But first, these little rascals need a wash.”
“What do we use to clean them?”
“Zac said to use water. Anything else will be too strong.” Shelley carefully picked up one of the kittens and stroked its fur. “Considering they probably haven’t had a lot to do with people, they’re friendly little things.”
Bailey picked up the other kitten and sighed. “I can feel its heartbeat under my fingers.”
“Let’s get them washed before they get too stressed.” On her way past the linen closet, Shelley grabbed two hand towels and washcloths. She had no idea how the kittens’ first bath would go, but it was better than leaving them dirty.
While she ran a little water in the sink, Bailey stroked the kitten she was holding. “Do you still want to deliver the Christmas wish baskets with me tonight?”
“I’d love to. I haven’t delivered any since I’ve been here.”
“Not even with John?”
“He’s usually with you or Mabel. What are we delivering tonight?”
“We need to drop off two Christmas baskets for different families and a new sewing machine for Mrs. Arnold. The last delivery of the night is three laptops for the Donaldson family.”
Shelley handed her sister a washcloth and wet her own cloth. “I don’t know what the community would do without the church or Santa’s Secret Helpers.”
“Neither do I.” Bailey dipped her washcloth in the water and wiped some of the dirt off her little kitten. “Would you look at that? This little girl has a lovely coat.”
Shelley smiled as the kitten meowed indignantly. “I think she’d prefer to be a dirty brown color.”
“That’s because she doesn’t know how nice it feels to be clean. Isn’t that right, little one?”
A pair of large kitten eyes stared at Bailey.
“She’s so cute,” Shelley said to her sister. “Are you sure you don’t want to keep her? Steven could look after her at his house.”
“Mila would be over the moon with happiness, but I’m not sure Steven would share his daughter’s enthusiasm.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
Bailey sighed. “You know I’m a pushover for any animal in distress. But I can’t take her. Mila already has two kittens.”
Carefully, Shelley wiped the grime off her kitten. It was just as well they’d fed them before giving them a wash. The mushy kitten food was all through their whiskers. “We should be thankful Patrick found them. If they’d been outside for any longer, they could have died.”
With an extra gentle hug, she held the kitten close to her chest and heard a soft purr. Hopefully, after she took them to the animal shelter, they’d find a warm, safe house to call home.
John pulled his jacket close as he ran toward Bailey and Shelley’s front door. Shelley wasn’t expecting him but, after a busy day, he was looking forward to seeing her.
After a quick knock, he let himself into the entryway. “Is it okay if I come inside?”
Shelley smiled as she pulled up the zipper on her jacket. “Hi. I didn’t think you were coming over tonight.”
“I couldn’t keep away.” He kissed Shelley’s warm cheek.
“You’re frozen!” Shelley placed her hands on either side of her fiancé’s face. “Since you shaved off your beard, it must feel as though the temperature’s dropped another five degrees.”
“That’s why I asked you to marry me. Whenever I’m cold, I can snuggle into you.”
Her grin made him feel instantly better. “Where are you going?”
“We’re about to deliver some Christmas wishes.”
“There’s no time for snuggling,” Bailey said as she walked toward the front door holding a bag of kitty litter. “We’ve only got an hour to deliver the food baskets and Christmas wishes.”
John’s eyebrows rose. “Why are you carrying a bag of kitty litter?”
“Shelley found two kittens under her house. We’ve just washed and fed them, and made an area where they can stay while we’re not here. The kitty litter was for their tray.” Bailey’s eyes widened, as if she’d just thought of a great idea. “Do you want to see them?”
Shelley squeezed his hand. “Don’t be fooled by my sister’s innocent expression. She might have an ulterior motive.”
Bailey pulled John toward the laundry. “I’m sure Mr. Whiskers would enjoy having some playmates at The Welcome Center.”
When