The explanation barely registered in Samantha’s mind. She could only stare at Juniper, heart hammering, tears blinding her. She cried out, reaching for him with shaking arms. Alex grinned and placed the cat gently into her embrace. Juniper immediately pressed his head into Samantha’s neck, purring so hard his whole body vibrated.
She dropped to her knees right there in the muddy orchard, clutching him tight, laughing and sobbing all at once. “You stupid, wonderful boy,” she whispered against his fur. “You scared me half to death.” Juniper responded with another loud, rumbling purr, wrapping his paws around her wrist.