Uncompromising (Age Gap, gxg)

Chapter 8

"What do you think of our little ones?" I asked Gracie and Jashanna as we drove home that Friday. "Are you sure about the names?"

"They're perfect!" Jashanna said softly. The kittens, a brother and sister that the girls decided to name Swiftie and Karma, were in a cat carrier on the back seat between the girls, who were happily petting them through the hatch on top. Swiftie was a light grey kitty, while her brother Karma was a dark grey with a white tuxedo chest. Yes, the girls were diehard Taylor Swift fans, which is why they loved watching the tour concert online all the time. The kitties we'd picked out were extremely friendly and had loved being cuddled. Just what we needed. Hopefully they would continue to like that as they grew up.

"I can't believe we got cats," Gracie added. "I'm so happy!"

I smiled while glancing at the pair in the back seat. They certainly seemed happy, which I liked. The little fluff balls would hopefully be just what we needed in the house, though I knew they'd need care and attention too. I might have already ordered four cat trees in various sizes to help them find good places to rest and scratch too. I figured I could put one in my office, my bedroom, the family room, and in the bedroom that the girls shared since it was obvious Jashanna never used her guest room anymore. In the trunk was a litter box, a bag of litter, cat toys, and kitten food to help us get them settled.

"I'm glad we found them. They'll fit in well with us, huh?"

"Yeah, but now I won't want to go away for college!" Gracie whined. She had a point, even if she went to the University of South Florida in Tampa, she'd likely stay on campus or in an apartment, so she'd miss them.

Jashanna was quiet at that too, which had been happening a lot. Was she worried about them going to different schools? I knew that could be a death knell for a lot of high school relationships, but maybe theirs would survive. The good thing was that no matter where they went to school, they would always be more than welcome to meet up back at our house for vacations and long weekends. I didn't think it would be easy, but I could see how much they already cared for each other, and I wasn't going to minimize their feelings because of their ages. If they were truly in love, they'd make it work.

"I'm sure they'll be happy to see you whenever you visit. I'll just have to spoil them when you're gone."

When we got home, we brought in all the kitten loot and started setting everything up while the little furry ones started to explore. I had no doubt there would be growing pains, kittens can get into trouble by being inquisitive, but we'd handle it. They were still small, being just old enough to be spayed and neutered, and were up to date on their shots. Best of all, the woman who had been fostering said they were very good about using a litter box, so we shouldn't have to deal with any messes from them missing the box.

The rest of the day, and through the early afternoon the following day, was spent with our new housemates. They had started the night sleeping in the girls' room, which the two teens loved because they loved the snuggles and purrs, but when I woke up, they were tucked in a little pile against my ribs. Personally, I thought that it was good that they could sleep with all of us, and I was sure that at some point they would get set in their routine. Luckily, they both needed sleep too, and they were getting worn out.

"Nana should be here soon," I reminded the girls. "If you get dressed, then we can get a little shopping done before dinner. I think you both deserve a back to school outfit or two, right?"

They both smiled at that, though they shared a quick glance. "Mom, will Nana be okay with us being together?" Gracie wondered nervously.

I nodded quickly. "Of course. I lived with her as my mom since I was twelve, and she knew about all my relationships ever since. I dated a couple girls before I started dating your dad, and she never had a problem with it at all. Trust me, she'll be thrilled that you're both happy, and nothing else will matter."