“It’s—I don’t know,” Laura realized. “I forgot to ask. It’s probably on one of the papers I filled out.” With one arm around Ali’s shoulders, she walked after Kayla. “The puppy’s a boy, and both big cats are boys because that’s what Michael wanted.”

“Because he likes boys better?”

Uh-oh. “No, honey. I guess he figured tomcats would be meaner, and he wanted mousers.”

Her eyes went huge. “He’s going to let them eat mice?”

“Baby, I’m afraid that’s what cats do.”

Ali pressed the little ball of fluff to her cheek. “Mine won’t.”

Kayla’s voice was already echoing in high, excited chirps, accented by the yaps of the pup, who had raced inside the stables with her. When Laura stepped in and her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she saw Michael and Kayla crouched together on the brick floor, taking stock of Templeton House’s new mutt.

“Looks like a good dog to me,” Michael stated, giving the pup an energetic scratch between the ears.

“So you can teach him tricks, right, Mr. Fury? How to sit and play dead and shake?”

“I expect.”

The pup sniffed curiously at one of the cat boxes and was rewarded with a spitting hiss. Yelping, he streaked away and cringed behind Laura’s legs.

“He’s already learned something.” With a grin, Michael opened the first box. “Don’t mess with a cornered tom. No, honey.” Michael took Kayla’s hand before she could reach in to pet the cat. “I doubt he’s in a friendly mood at the moment. Don’t like being cooped up there, do you, big guy? Let’s get you and your pal out.”

He opened the other box, then drew Kayla back. “We’ll just let them get the lay of the land. Once they’ve catted around some, they’ll settle in.” His eyes skimmed over Laura, lingered, then moved on. “Whatcha got there, Ali?”

“Kittens.” Ali’s hands and heart were full of them already. “Mama brought us kittens too.”

“Fuzzy little kitties.” As he walked to them, he ran his tongue around his teeth. “Cute.”

“Mama said I could name the gray one myself.”

“Then I get to name the orange one.” Staking her claim, Kayla took the orange kitten out of Ali’s hand and nuzzled it against her cheek. “Don’t I, Mama?”

“Fair enough. We’ll have a naming marathon after dinner. We’ll just get out of Mr. Fury’s way—”

“Can’t we show the kittens to Max? Can’t we?”

“Sure you can.” Michael winked at Kayla. “He’s a real softie.” When the girls raced off, the pup at their heels, Michael shook his head. “What the hell have you done, Laura?”

“Made my girls very happy.” She pushed back her hair. “And saved five lives in the bargain. Do you have a problem with kittens and puppies?”