Free The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

wanted to complete before it was time to return to Seattle, and Vincent had some brilliant suggestions. He even pulled out some do-it-yourself books for Garrison to take with him. Then they arranged for Vincent to come over and see the cats in the afternoon.
    “And maybe you can show me how to fix that door that sticks,” Garrison said hopefully.
    “You got it.”
    As Garrison drove home, he wondered if it would be selfish to hide Harry in the laundry room when Vincent came to view the cats. Yet, at the same time, he knew that was silly.Besides that, Vincent seemed like a nice guy. He would probably provide a great home for a nice cat like Harry.
    Vincent showed up around one, just as Garrison was finishing up painting a wall in the kitchen. He’d chosen a nice buttery yellow that really warmed the room up. It was the first time he’d ever painted anything, and he didn’t want to admit it, but he felt pretty pleased with himself.
    “That looks good,” Vincent told him as Garrison showed him his work. “But it would be a lot quicker and easier if you used masking tape.”
    “Masking tape?” Garrison frowned.
    Vincent explained how to tape off areas that weren’t in need of paint. “Like that baseboard there.”
    Garrison laughed as he pulled out a brand-new roll of blue tape. “So that’s why the guy at the paint store insisted I buy this. I could blame my ignorance on Uganda. I spent the last nine years there and sometimes I feel like I’m still catching up on American culture.”
    Vincent showed how to mask off the cabinets and a couple of other tricks.
    “I’m going to have to put you on speed dial,” Garrison said as he set his paintbrush aside. “Now would you like to meet the cats?”
    “Absolutely.”
    Garrison led him into the living room where the cats usually hung out. Harry was the first one to approach them, rubbing himself affectionately against Garrison’s legs. “This is Harry. He’s a Maine Coon cat and, in my opinion, the pick of the litter.” He chuckled as he bent down to scratch the top of Harry’s head.
    “Handsome fellow.” Vincent nodded with approval.
    “And this is Muzzy.” Garrison pointed to the oversized Siamese who immediately began “talking” in loud meows. “She’s very social. As you can see, she likes to talk.”
    “She’s a pretty cat,” Vincent said. “But I’m not overly fond of the Siamese breed.” He went over to the chair where Rusty and Oreo were snuggled up together. “And these cats?”
    “They’re both males,” Garrison said. “The black-and-white is Oreo. This one lives to eat and could probably get a lifetime membership in Overeaters Anonymous. He always thinks it’s dinnertime. The orange one is Rusty. They both have wonderful dispositions. Good-natured and easygoing and friendly.”
    “Rusty?” Vincent picked up the big orange cat. “You’re a big guy, Rusty,” he said in a friendly tone.
    Garrison could hear the cat purring happily. “Rusty is ten years old. No health problems. My grandmother took him in about six years ago.”
    “You want to go home with me, big boy? Leave your cat friends behind?”
    “All his friends are relocating,” Garrison reminded him. “That is, unless you’d like more than just one cat?”
    “Oh no, I don’t think so.”
    Garrison was highly tempted to tell Vincent about the cash prize that was attached to each cat. He suspected Vincent could really use the money. But at the same time, it seemed unfair to tip his hand like this. Perhaps it was better for people to make up their minds about the cats without any extra incentive. That was probably the way Gram had wanted it.
    Vincent grinned down at Rusty. “I thought I wanted a female cat, but maybe I was wrong. You seem like a good pal to me.”
    Rusty looked perfectly content. In fact, unless it was Garrison’s imagination, he almost seemed to be smiling. “Well, I think you’ve made a friend,” Garrison said to both of them. He explained