I found the perfect excuse to propose. A Story
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Your daughter wanted a pedigree dog, right? my neighbour Peter asked one day.
She did, but we havent any spare cash, what with living on our own, replied Jane. Peter just grinned, Ill give you one for nothingcome on, lets go!
As luck would have it, my daughter, Emily, was already back from school and overheard us. Straight away, she latched onto the idea.
Mum, lets go! Its free! Ill walk him every day, and I promise Ill get top marks, Mum!
Really, Peter, what are you like! Getting her all excited, and Ive got to deal with it, Jane huffed.
Oh come on, Jane, give me a chance before you get cross. Im a good man, honest, hardworking. I tick all the right boxesonly thing is, Im lonely.
Dont be silly, Peter, why would I take a closer look at you? Dont I know you by now? Im seven years older than youId left secondary school before you were out of primary, dont be ridiculous, Jane shot back, growing more indignant.
But look, weve caught up now, havent we? You only come up to my shoulder, and Im definitely stronger! Peter chuckled, giving Jane a sudden, playful squeeze.
Look, Emily, see how much taller I am than your mum!
You might be taller, but not half as brightcuddling me in front of our daughter! Jane laughed, squirming free.
Thats just ityoure clever and I need someone like you, Peter said, grinning sheepishly.
Alright you two, are we going for this dog or not? Emily asked, plaintively.
Yes, yeswhere would you get a dog like this for nothing? Hes adorable, with little spots, and what a story hes got! Come on, lets go, Ill show you, Peter added mysteriously. Emily gripped her mums hand tighter.
Muuuummm, you promised!
Seeing the look on Janes face, Peter quickly tried to speed things along.
Shall I go start the car? Its not faryou wont regret it!
Jane shot Peter a sideways glance, sighed, and said to her daughter,
Alright then. They say its a small dog, but dont forgetyoure getting straight As, or else!
Emily peppered us with questions the whole drive: Is the dog playful? Whats his name? Uncle Pete, are we nearly there?
Finally, we pulled up outside an old terraced house.
This used to be my late mums flat. I let it out, but it all went wrong, sorry for the messI only found out yesterday when I went to collect the rent.
The flat inside was an absolute tip.
Amidst the chaos of spilled rice, empty biscuit boxes, and stinking, battered tins, there, pressed together for comfort, sat a scruffy, matted pooch and a grey tabby cat with piercing yellow eyes.
They were filthy, bedraggled, but, as we later found out, hadnt given up hope despite the ordeal left to them.
Look at this! Peter started, nervous but almost laughing, I hadnt checked on the tenants for a month. Popped in for the rent, and just look!
Turns out, the two girls renting the place had done a midnight flit a fortnight prior, owing Peter the rent and leaving the cat and dog behind.
Those poor creatures had been trapped, not knowing when, or if, freedom would come.
With no food or water, all by themselves.
How did they survive? Emily asked, horrified.
You could see their fight for life all over the flat. Desperate, theyd eaten everything: biscuits and sweets first, then dry pasta, even munched on some old oats. By some miracle, theyd managed to open a tin of corned beef with the pull tab, and even got into a carton of condensed milk, which the girls had left behind. Literally, anything and everything.
It would have been something to see!
Most importantlywater. Somehow, the cat had either figured out how to open the tap in the bathroom or managed by accident. Luckily they hadnt turned it on full, or the neighbours below wouldve been floodedthough maybe that wouldve led to a faster rescue…
Peter knew just who to call. Emily was instantly trying to comfort the dog and the cat, feeding them the food Peter had thoughtfully brought along.
Even Janes eyes welled up with sympathy…
I knew I wasnt wrong about you, Jane. Youre a kind woman, and Ill tell you something else, Peter whispered to her while Emily fussed over the now-satisfied pets, Shall we take them both home? And Jane, will you marry me? All these years, I never found anyone like you. Say yes. Well have a wonderful life, I promise. Ive got a car, two flatsplenty of room for Emily when she grows up and a spare one to let, as long as its not to rogues like the last lot! Marry me, Jane. Who knows, maybe well even have a few little ones of our own. We already have a cat and a dog, just as it should be. Say yes, Janey!
Say yes, Mum! Emily piped up, not fully grasping Uncle Petes intentions.
Peter burst out laughing.
See, everyones in agreement! The balls in your court!
Oh, Peterare you serious or just having me on? Jane blushed unexpectedly.
The truth was, Peter was a handsome bloke and kind, toohe couldnt just abandon those animals, could he? Jane hadnt really thought anyone would ever propose to her, but now Peter hugged her close, and her heart beat with hopeful joy.
Let me think about it, you charmer! Jane said, cheeks glowing.
Go on, have a think. Were not proud, are we? For now, Ill take the cat, and you can have the dog, as planned. Tomorrow, me and Molly will come for your answer, so youd better get sorted, Max! Peter called to the dog, who barked happily in response.
Peter talked Jane round in the end.
A month later, the whole block came out for the wedding.
Preparations took place at Janes, but the banquet was set up at Petershis flat was big enough for all the guests.
Molly and Max never left their new owners’ sideanimals always sense the good in people and know well to stick close.
A year flew by, and Jane and Peter welcomed twins: Sophie and Henry.
Now, Molly and Max have their hands full, keeping watch over the little ones. In a big family, theres a place for everyone.
And, best of all, in a big, loving family, theres plenty of happiness to go around!
Joy for the children, and the pets too
Especially when you have both a cat and a dog in the house!
