Trey laid the kitten gently down on the examination table and stepped back. He bumped into Misty. He put an arm around her shoulders and tucked her against his side. She clutched his waist and squeezed in response. Felt right as rain.
Sue Ann expertly placed a small mask over the kitten’s nose and mouth, stroking his soft fur in comfort. “These kits come with three mask sizes to fit dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and whatever other critter you might run across. Raccoon. Possum. Skunk. Folks save the lives of wild ones all the time and keep them at home.”
“Skunks?” Misty asked.
Sue Ann chuckled. “Good friends. Best if you take out their scent glands.”
“I’d think so,” Misty agreed. “They are pretty.”
“Sure are,” Sue Ann said. “But back to those animal oxygen mask kits.”
“They’re on our to-do list,” Trey said.
“Not high enough on it. Oxygen masks save lives. Animals are part of our families and deserve the same type of help we give humans.”
“I agree. But we’re tapped out of funds after the new station, apparatus, and computer system.”
“What about organizing a benefit for animal oxygen kits?” Misty asked. “I’d be happy to donate to the cause.”
“Who’s she?” Sue Ann glanced from the kitten to Misty and back again.
“Misty Reynolds,” Trey said. “And this is Sue Ann Bridges.”
Sue Ann looked up again. “You’re our Christmas angel?”
“I’m just here on vacation.”
“Good thing you showed up.” Sue Ann lifted the mask from the kitten’s face and set it aside. “You must’ve sprinkled angel dust over this baby, because he’s breathing on his own now.”
“Not me,” Misty said. “Morning Glory blessed him. You and Trey saved his life.”
“He’s not out of the woods.” Sue Ann cuddled the kitten in the crook of her arm and was rewarded with soft meows.
“What do you mean?” Misty asked.
“I can’t tell yet about the extent of his injuries.”
“But he’s breathing and he’s talking to you.”
“I know,” Sue Ann said in a soft, gentle tone as she stroked the kitten’s small head. “But it’s simply too soon to tell if he’ll make it.”
“You mean, don’t get our hopes up?” Trey asked.
“He’ll get the best of care. That’s all I can promise.”
“Thank you,” Misty said. “I’ll pay his expenses.”
“No, you won’t.” Trey glanced down at her with what he hoped she recognized as his no-compromise stare.
“It’s Christmas,” Sue Ann interrupted them. “This kitten’s health is on me.”
“Thanks,” Trey said. “I owe you one.”
“Now, who’s missing this baby?” Sue Ann asked.
“Slim Norton’s barn cat had a litter and hid them under Ole Man Winston’s house. That’s the building that caught fire.” Trey stroked a finger down the kitty’s soft back. “I’ll let Slim know one of his kittens is here.”
“She’s the mother who has fine polydactyl kittens, isn’t she?” Sue Ann checked the kitten’s paws. “Look at this baby. He’s got an extra dewclaw on every single paw. Special kitty.”
Misty reached out and tentatively touched one of the kitten’s oversized paws. “He’s gorgeous.”
Trey squeezed Misty’s shoulder, liking her better all the time. He had a soft place in his heart for a woman who loved animals.
“So Bert had another property burn?” Sue Ann shook her head as she stroked the kitten.
“Yep. But we kept the fire from spreading to the pasture or up to Slim’s house.”
“Good job.” Sue Ann turned to Misty. “You—Angel—see if you can finagle the powers that be to help us come up with those animal oxygen kits.”
“Stop right there,” Trey said. “Misty’s here on vacation. She doesn’t have time for that. I’ll see what I can do about a benefit.”
Sue Ann winked at Misty. “You gonna ride herd on him to get that benefit going?”
Misty chuckled. “Think it’s possible?”
“Right woman with wings?” Sue Ann laughed. “Might be at that.”
“Ladies, I’m still here, so don’t go talking about me behind my back.” Trey joined their laughter. “I said I’d see what I could do and I will.”
“When can we see this kitten again?” Misty asked.
“You just leave him in my hands. He doesn’t need to be stressed with folks looking at him and wanting to handle him.”
“You’ll let us know how he’s doing, won’t you?” Misty asked.
“Call the front desk or come by for an update.”
“Thanks.” Misty reached out and stroked the soft fur between the kitten’s eyes. The kitty looked up and licked Misty’s finger with his long pink tongue.
“Looks like you made a friend,” Sue Ann said with warmth in her voice.
“He’ll be fine.” Misty glanced at Trey. “Don’t you agree?”
“That kitten will do his best for you.” Trey knew it’d hit her hard if the kitty didn’t make it, but he had no power over life or death. He was just a cowboy firefighter who got lucky sometimes.
“And we’ll do our best for him,” Sue Ann said.
“Come on, let’s allow the little tyke to get some rest.” Trey steered Misty toward the door.
“We’ll know more in twenty-four hours,” Sue Ann called after them.
Trey glanced over his shoulder. “I’ve got you on speed dial.”