I stared out the window as Caitlin navigated through quiet side streets, a playful smile teasing the corner of her lips. She'd been acting suspiciously all morning, dodging my questions and dropping vague hints. It was driving me insane, but in the best way.

"Okay, Cait," I say, folding my arms with a playful glare, "I've been patient enough. What is this surprise you're dragging me to?"

She gives me a sidelong glance, her grin widening. "Just hold on. We're almost there."

"You know I'm not a fan of secrets."

"I'm well aware," she chuckles, her hand briefly squeezing mine on the console. "But trust me, you're gonna love this one."

I tilt my head, watching her with suspicion. "Are we going rock climbing? Zip-lining? Something that involves heights?" I ask, listing off the things she enjoys but know I'd groan about.

"None of the above," Caitlin says as she turns into a small side street. "But now that I know you're so into those ideas, I'll keep them in mind for next time."

I groan dramatically. "You're evil."

She just laughs, clearly enjoying my impatience. As we pull into a spot along a row of cozy-looking shops, she finally turns to me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ready?"

I narrow my eyes at her teasing tone but nod. "More than ready."

As we step out of the car, the cool morning breeze hits my skin, and I instinctively tuck my hands into my jacket pockets. Caitlin walks ahead of me, her steps quick and excited, so I follow, trying to match her pace.

It isn't until we turn a corner that I notice the small, quirky sign: Paws & Whiskers Café. My brain takes a second to catch up, and then it hits me. I freeze in my tracks, staring at the sign like it's too good to be true. "Wait... is this—?"

Caitlin turns to face me, her grin so wide I think her face might split. "Surprise!"

My jaw drops. "A cat café? You brought me to a cat café?"

She nods, her grin only growing wider. "I figured you could use some time with your people."

I laugh, the sound bubbling up uncontrollably as I walk towards her. "I can't believe you did this."

She shrugs, trying to play it cool, but I can see the glint of pride in her eyes. "Well, I thought it'd be nice to do something you love for a change."

My heart swells. Caitlin has this way of catching me off guard, surprising me in these subtle, thoughtful ways that show how much she really pays attention. "You're amazing, you know that?"

She smirks, leaning down to plant a quick kiss on my forehead. "I have my moments."

As we entered the café, I was greeted by the soft scent of freshly brewed coffee and the quiet hum of purring cats. The place was like a dream come true. Cats were lounging on every surface—curled up on window sills, sprawled across cozy cushions, and playfully swatting at dangling toys. My heart leapt, instantly feeling at home.

I immediately gravitated toward a fluffy tabby perched near the window, its large eyes watching me with mild curiosity. Kneeling down, I reached out a hand, and within seconds, the cat was rubbing against my palm, purring softly. My smile widened as I scratched behind its ears, and for a moment, I lost myself in the sheer bliss of it all.

Caitlin's presence hovered beside me, and I could feel her eyes on me, watching me with that quiet admiration she often had when she thought I wasn't paying attention.

"You did really good with this surprise," I say, glancing up at her as I continue petting the tabby. "I didn't even think you remembered me saying how much I missed being around cats."

She crouches down beside me, her arm brushing against mine as she reaches out to pet the same cat. "Of course I remembered. I always pay attention when it comes to you."

Her words hit me harder than I expect, sending a warmth straight to my chest. I look at her for a moment, feeling that familiar surge of affection. Without thinking, I lean over and kiss her softly on the cheek. "You're the best."

She chuckles softly, her gaze never leaving mine. "I try."

I turn back to the cat, who is now playfully swatting at my sleeve, as if annoyed by the sudden interruption. Caitlin laughs at the cat's antics, her voice filled with amusement. "Looks like I have some competition for your attention."

I smirk, watching the tabby with its large, inquisitive eyes. "Well, you're not wrong. But I think you've got an edge."

"Good to know." She gives me a cheeky grin, but then her expression softens as she watches me. "You know, I love seeing you like this. Relaxed, happy."

Her words make me pause. I look back at her, our eyes meeting in that quiet, meaningful way we sometimes share when words aren't enough. "You make me happy, Cait."

Her hand slips over mine, her thumb brushing over my knuckles. "Same goes for me."

We sit there for a while, lost in the simplicity of the moment. A couple of other cats wander over, curious about the new visitors. One's a sleek black cat who plops down onto Caitlin's lap as if claiming her. I chuckle at the sight, Caitlin's usually serious expression softening as she absentmindedly stroks the cat's fur.

"I think they like you," I tease.

She shrugs. "Maybe I'm growing on them."

The black cat stretches out lazily in Caitlin's lap, completely content. I rest my head on her shoulder, feeling a deep sense of contentment myself. "Thank you for this," I murmer.

Caitlin presses a kiss to the top of my head. "Anything for you."

Just as I'm about to close my eyes and lean into the warmth of her embrace, the tabby on the floor lets out a loud, insistent meow, demanding attention. I look down at it, and Caitlin starts laughing, her voice ringing out in the quiet café.

"You've got a demanding fanbase here," she jokes.

"Yeah," I laugh, scratching the tabby's chin as it purs even louder. "But you're the only one I'm interested in."

She chuckles, leaning down to kiss me lightly on the lips. It's one of those soft, tender kisses that makes my heart skip a beat. And just as we pull away, the black cat in her lap lets out an annoyed meow, causing us both to burst into laughter.

I shake my head, grinning. "Looks like the cats are keeping us in check."

"Guess we'll have to share," Caitlin replies, a teasing glint in her eyes as she pets the cat on her lap.

As the sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the café, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Surrounded by cats, with Caitlin by my side, it felt like the world had slowed down just for us. For once, everything felt perfect.