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Violet Kiramman was far from weak. She was selfless, strong, loyal, and always kept her word. But as much as she prided herself on her resolve, she had to admit she was completely powerless when it came to her three-year-old daughter. She never thought she’d become one of those mothers who couldn’t say no—but she had, and maybe that made her a little weak after all.
“Do we really have to?” Vi whined like a petulant child, a frown pulling at her lips. “They’re a lot of work.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, balancing an energetic Lavender on her hip. The toddler was practically buzzing with excitement. “Violet, you promised,” Caitlyn said sharply, giving her wife a pointed look that screamed there’s no backing out now.
Alright, fine. Maybe she had promised—but only because she’d been half-asleep at the time.
“Mama! Mama!” Lavender squealed, her tiny hands grabbing for the edge of the bed. She struggled to hoist herself up, letting out a determined little huff as she planted her feet on the wooden frame and launched herself onto the mattress. The impact jostled Vi slightly, though she remained sprawled face-down, unmoving. Lavender giggled as she climbed onto her mother’s muscular back, her small hands tugging insistently at Vi’s tank top.
“Mrrghph,” Vi mumbled into her pillow, a barely audible protest.
“Silly, Mama! Get up!” Lavender chirped, her voice filled with pure delight.
“Grnnmph… nooo,” Vi groaned, her words muffled and garbled into the mattress.
Undeterred, Lavender flattened herself against her mother’s back, wrapping her little arms around Vi’s broad shoulders. She leaned in close, whispering as if sharing a sacred secret. “Mama, Mummy said to ask.”
“Wha’zzit?” came Vi’s slurred, pillow-muted reply.
“I want a puppy,” Lavender said, drawing out the last word with exaggerated sweetness. “Please, Mama!” She added earnestly.
If Vi could see her daughter’s face, she’d have been met with the same devastating puppy-dog eyes that Caitlyn used to her advantage—and Lavender had inherited them in full force. The brilliant bright blue gaze was impossible to resist, and Vi knew it.
“Y’mmph… sure… wha’reverrr… Mummyyy wanzzz…” Vi mumbled groggily, her words dissolving into the pillow as her eyes fluttered shut once more.
“Promise?” Lavender asked, tilting her head to make sure she’d heard her mother correctly.
“Prrrmfshhh,” Vi mumbled, her face still buried in the pillow.
She barely registered Lavender’s delighted squeals or the wet, enthusiastic kiss pressed to her cheek before the toddler scrambled off the bed, racing back to Caitlyn with a triumphant grin plastered across her adorable chubby cheeks.
“Oh, c’mon, Cait! I was half asleep!” Vi protested, throwing her hands up in frustration.
Caitlyn responded with a sharp glare—the kind that could silence any argument in an instant. Vi shut her mouth, muttering under her breath as they continued their walk.
Caitlyn knew all too well that getting a puppy was a big responsibility. And realistically, she suspected that Vi would end up handling most of the work while she was busy with her duties as the Sheriff. That was precisely why she’d told Lavender to ask her other mother—it was a calculated move. She hadn’t actually expected her wife to agree, though technically, her half-conscious mumbling wasn’t a firm yes.
Still, Caitlyn didn’t mind. Truth be told, she loved dogs. Growing up, she’d had two loyal Dobermans named Caesar and Xena, and the fond memories of them still made her smile. She wouldn’t admit it out loud, but she was secretly glad Vi had mumbled her approval. This was the perfect chance to bring that joy back into their lives—and more importantly, to make Lavender happy.
“Think of it this way, darling,” Caitlyn said in her sweetest tone, slipping her arm through Vi’s as they approached the entrance of the animal shelter. “At least we’re adopting and not getting one from a breeder. The one Lav chooses will finally get their forever home.”
Vi sighed dramatically, but Caitlyn caught the faintest twitch of a smile at the corner of her lips.
As they stepped into the shelter, the air was immediately filled with a chorus of barks, yips, and the occasional howl. The sounds echoed through the space, accompanied by the faint scent of fresh straw and dog food.
“Doggies!” Lavender squealed, clapping her little hands enthusiastically.
Caitlyn smiled, pressing a soft kiss to her daughter’s cheek. “Yes, doggies. You get to pick one, sweetheart.”
With a look of pure determination, Caitlyn set Lavender down. The toddler immediately took off, her tiny legs carrying her as fast as they could as she darted from one kennel to another. She paused at each dog, her little face scrunching up in focus as if she were interviewing candidates for the most important job in the world.
Vi couldn’t help but laugh at Lavender’s excitement, her heart swelling with affection. “She’s really taking this seriously,” Vi murmured to Caitlyn, who chuckled in response.
The couple followed close behind, keeping an eye on Lavender as she continued her search. As they walked through the rows of kennels, Vi’s smile faltered. Her gaze lingered on the sheer number of dogs waiting behind the metal bars, some wagging their tails eagerly, others lying quietly with tired, longing eyes. The thought that many of these dogs might never find their forever home made her heart ache.
But her mood was lifted once again when, suddenly, Lavender skidded to a halt a few feet ahead, her eyes lighting up like she’d just found treasure.
“Mummy!” she called, her small finger pointing toward a specific kennel. Caitlyn and Vi exchanged confused glances before hurrying to her side.
“What is it, sweetheart?” Caitlyn asked, kneeling next to Lavender.
“Just like Mummy!” Lavender declared, her voice filled with excitement.
Caitlyn blinked, her single eye widening as she looked into the kennel. Her breath caught in her throat, and a flood of emotions surged through her.
There, sitting quietly in the kennel, was a sleek Doberman. Its ears perked up at their approach, and it gazed at them with calm curiosity. The dog’s left eye was covered by healed-over skin, with soft fur beginning to grow back over the scar—an unmistakable resemblance to Caitlyn’s own appearance, though thankfully without the fur.
Vi’s mouth opened slightly in surprise, and then a soft smile spread across her face. “Oh, wow,” she muttered under her breath, glancing at Caitlyn, whose hand had instinctively moved to her face.
Caitlyn’s chest tightened with emotion, her heart swelling as she stared at the one-eyed pup. “Lavender,” she said softly, her voice trembling just a little. “You’re right… just like Mummy.”
Lavender beamed, her little hands clutching the bars of the kennel. “I want her! Mummy? Mama? Please?”
Vi grinned, nudging Caitlyn playfully. “Looks like this one’s meant to be.”
Caitlyn nodded, her eye misting over as she reached out to rest a hand on the kennel door. “Yeah,” she whispered. “She’s perfect.”
The puppy was only around three months old. The shelter staff didn’t know much about her past, only that she had been found abandoned on the side of a windy road. Her missing eye appeared to be an earlier injury, now almost fully healed, but her spirit seemed unbroken.
When one of the shelter workers unlocked the kennel door, Lavender squealed with excitement and sprinted inside before anyone could stop her. She plopped down on the floor next to the puppy, who immediately perked up. The dog tilted her head, her tongue lolling out as her tail wagged in rapid, excited movements.
Lavender held out her tiny hand, and the puppy sniffed it curiously before giving it a tentative lick. Within moments, the dog leaned forward and began showering Lavender’s face with kisses, her wet nose and enthusiastic tongue making the toddler dissolve into uncontrollable giggles.
Vi leaned against the kennel door frame, watching the scene unfold with a soft smile. “Okay,” she admitted, gesturing toward Lavender and the puppy. “I’m kind of glad I said yes when I was half asleep… Look at them. How could I not be?”
Caitlyn stood beside her, still partially speechless. Lavender’s decision to choose this puppy—a one-eyed Doberman who so clearly resembled her—had warmed her heart in ways she hadn’t anticipated. The coincidence was uncanny, but it felt right. Like fate.
Vi glanced over at Caitlyn, noticing the way her wife’s lips trembled slightly as she watched their daughter and the puppy bond. Wrapping a strong arm around Caitlyn’s waist, Vi pulled her close, letting her hand rest on Caitlyn’s hip. “You alright, Cupcake?” she murmured softly, her voice filled with affection. She leaned up to press a tender kiss to Caitlyn’s jaw.
Caitlyn nodded, her hand moving to rest over Vi’s arm as she leaned into the embrace. “I’m fine,” she said, her voice quiet but steady. “It’s just… I didn’t expect this to hit me like it has. She’s perfect, Vi. And Lavender…” She trailed off, her throat tightening with emotion as she looked back at their daughter.
Lavender giggled again, now lying on the floor with the puppy sprawled half across her. “Mine!”
Vi chuckled, her chest swelling with pride and joy. “Guess that settles it,” she said. “She’s ours now.”
Caitlyn smiled, her eye glistening as she turned to look at Vi. “Yeah,” she said softly. “She belongs with us.”
Vi grinned, leaning in to press a soft, lingering kiss to Caitlyn’s lips before rising on her tiptoes to place a gentle kiss on her violet colored eye-patch. Turning back to Lavender and the energetic puppy, Vi let go of Caitlyn and leaned over the kennel gate, ruffling Lavender’s hair with a warm, teasing smile. “Alright, Muffin,” she said, her voice playful. “You get to name her.”
Lavender’s face lit up, her whole body practically buzzing with excitement. She clapped her hands together, her mind clearly made up in an instant. “Patch!” she declared triumphantly.
The name caught both Vi and Caitlyn by surprise, but before they could react, Lavender gently cradled the dog’s face in her small hands. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with admiration as she leaned in close, her nose almost brushing the dog’s.
“Mummy got a patch!” the toddler exclaimed, her voice full of pride as she pointed to her mother and then to the puppy. “You’re Patch! You like it?”
The puppy stared at her for a moment, tilting her head slightly, her single blue eye blinking with an innocent, vacant expression. Then, as if the name had unlocked something within her, Patch lunged forward with an explosion of energy, covering Lavender’s face once again in sloppy, enthusiastic kisses.
Lavender collapsed onto the floor in a fit of giggles, her high-pitched laughter echoing through the shelter. “She loves it!” she squealed between breathless laughs.
Vi chuckled, shaking her head as she glanced at Caitlyn, who stood frozen, one hand pressed to her mouth once again as tears welled in her eye. When Lavender’s reasoning for the name had fully registered, Caitlyn’s long legs wobbled beneath her, and Vi instinctively reached out, wrapping an arm around her waist to steady her.
“Hey, I got you,” Vi murmured, her voice soft and soothing as she held Caitlyn close. “Breathe, Cupcake.”
Caitlyn sniffled, her voice trembling as she spoke. “She really picked her because of me. Gods, the name, too,” she whispered, her words barely audible.
Vi smiled, leaning in to kiss Caitlyn’s temple. “Of course she did,” she said quietly. “You’re her hero, Cait. Always have been.”
Caitlyn let out a shaky laugh, wiping at the corner of her eye as she looked back at their daughter and Patch, who were now rolling on the floor together. Lavender’s arms were wrapped around the puppy’s neck, and Patch’s tail wagged so hard it was a blur.
“She really loves her,” Caitlyn said softly, her chest tight with emotion.
Vi smirked, her fingers giving Caitlyn’s waist a gentle squeeze. “Told you I was half-asleep, but I still make great decisions,” she said, her tone playful.
Caitlyn rolled her eye, her lips twitching with a suppressed smile. “Yes, because this was all part of your master plan, right?” she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Vi’s grin widened. “Exactly. I’m actually psychic,” she replied with a wink.
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, an amused expression crossing her face. “Psychic, huh? So you saw the future and predicted that you’d fall flat on your face when you got down on one knee to propose to me?”
Vi’s grin grew even wider, and she gave Caitlyn a playful shrug. “Hey, I saw the end result, didn’t I? You said yes.” Her voice oozed with mock confidence. “It was all part of the plan.”
Caitlyn’s smile softened, her heart swelling at Vi’s carefree teasing. She leaned down to press a soft kiss to her lips, her own voice tender. “I was always going to say yes,” she whispered against Vi’s mouth, her words full of warmth and certainty. Even after all this time, their love never faltered.
“No kiss!” Lavender’s voice rang out, high-pitched and dramatic, as she suddenly appeared in front of them, hands planted firmly on her hips like a tiny, stern little guardian. In that moment, she was like a miniature version of Caitlyn, only with tiny legs and light purple hair.
Vi’s grin widened as she scooped Lavender up into her arms, effortlessly tossing her up just a bit before catching her again with a joyful laugh. The toddler giggled uncontrollably as Vi showered her with a flurry of kisses, her lips peppering her daughter’s face in quick succession. “No kisses, huh?” Vi murmured playfully between kisses.
Lavender squirmed in her arms, giggling even harder. “No kiss!” she protested again, though her smile was wide and her blue eyes sparkled with delight.
Caitlyn chuckled softly at the sight, her heart full. She couldn’t help but smile as she watched Vi and Lavender share their infectious laughter. Turning her attention to the paperwork for Patch’s adoption, Caitlyn began filling it out.
Soon enough, they left the shelter with a puppy cradled gently in Caitlyn’s arms. Lavender had whined at first, wanting to hold Patch herself, but the little toddler was too small to carry a three-month-old puppy. As they walked, Patch sniffed at Caitlyn’s eye-patch, her nose brushing the fabric before she gave Caitlyn’s cheek a tender lick. Caitlyn smiled softly, already feeling a deep connection with the dog, knowing that she would love Patch just as much as Lavender did.
Their next stop was the pet store. Vi carefully placed Lavender in the shopping cart, and Caitlyn, holding Patch securely in her arms, followed her family through the aisles.
“Alright, Muffin,” Vi said, her voice light and teasing, “what color collar do you want for Patch?”
Lavender didn’t respond with words, but instead pointed to her own lavender-colored hair, a silent answer that made her moms chuckle. Vi smiled and grabbed a matching purple collar from the shelf, placing it in the cart.
“You want a collar too, Cupcake?” Vi asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she leaned in, her voice soft enough so Lavender wouldn’t overhear.
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow at the playful question, her lips curling into a smile. “If anyone’s getting a collar, it’s you, my dear,” she teased, her voice dropping to a low, sultry tone that sent a shiver through Vi.
Vi blinked, her thoughts momentarily lost as she imagined the many inappropriate scenarios, but she quickly shook her head, forcing her attention back to Lavender.
Caitlyn smirked, delighted to have caught her wife off guard, savoring the rare moment of winning their playful back-and-forth for once.
As they moved through the store, Vi pushed the cart towards the toy aisles.
“You’re allowed to pick three smaller toys for Patch,” Caitlyn explained softly, absentmindedly petting the puppy’s soft fur. She placed a gentle kiss on Patch’s head. “She’s going to get bigger, so we’ll need to think ahead. Only three for now.”
Lavender nodded eagerly, her wide blue eyes scanning the shelves of toys. She pointed toward a plush blueberry muffin dog toy. Vi raised an eyebrow in surprise—it was a fitting choice, as Muffin had been the nickname Vi had given Lavender since she was a newborn. After all, Caitlyn was Cupcake. Vi grabbed the toy with a grin, placing it in the cart while waiting for Lavender to choose the next two.
Lavender furrowed her brow in concentration, clearly taking the decision seriously. Vi grinned and leaned in, speaking gently. “It’s an important decision. Take all the time in the world.” Of course, Lavender took this literally, examining every option carefully before finally pointing to a navy blue teething bone, perfect for Patch’s sensitive teeth. The next toy she selected was a medium-sized soft pink rabbit, reminiscent of a stuffed animal that Vi had cherished as a child.
“Perfect choices, sweetheart,” Caitlyn said warmly, smiling as Vi added the last two toys to the cart.
Along with the puppy food and dog bowls, the couple also decided to buy a crate, planning to crate train Patch for the first few months, at least during the night. Lavender wasn’t thrilled about it, but they knew it was an important step in teaching Patch proper boundaries. Vi added a soft purple dog bed to the cart, and Lavender, after a little deliberation, gave a satisfied nod, clearly content with her selections.
When they finally arrived home, Caitlyn gently placed Patch on the floor. The puppy’s ears perked up, her tiny nose twitching as she eagerly sniffed the air, her paws padding softly against the wooden floors. She began to explore her new forever home, her movements curious and determined. Her bright blue eye sparkled with excitement, her tail wagging furiously as she investigated every corner. Lavender’s infectious giggles filled the manor as she darted after Patch, her little legs struggling to keep up. The two of them—toddler and puppy—moved through the expansive rooms with the kind of boundless energy only they could possess.
Patch trotted confidently from one room to the next, her floppy ears bouncing with each step. Lavender squealed with delight when Patch stopped to sniff a new corner or paw at a shiny surface.
Settling onto the sofa, Caitlyn leaned into Vi’s side, letting the warmth of the crackling fire in the hearth wash over them both. The room was bathed in a soft, flickering glow, a serene contrast to the lively energy Lavender and Patch had brought moments earlier. Caitlyn’s gaze wandered to the portrait hanging above the fireplace. It depicted the three of them: Vi seated in a regal-looking chair, her posture as confident and relaxed as ever, while Caitlyn stood beside her, the head of the Kiramman family, holding a newborn Lavender lovingly in her arms.
The composition was deliberate, a nod to tradition. It was custom that the head of the Kiramman family always stood—a symbol of strength and leadership. Vi, never one to mind such things, had embraced it with her usual laid-back charm. Caitlyn’s elegant stance balanced Vi’s casual ease, the portrait capturing the heart of their dynamic: unity, strength, and love.
Caitlyn smiled softly at the memory of the day it was painted, her heart swelling as she took in the image of their family.
“I’m really glad we did this,” Cait whispered, her voice soft but brimming with emotion. She didn’t need to elaborate; the meaning in her words was as clear as the contentment on her face. They would do anything to see Lavender this happy.
Vi looked down at her, a gentle smile warming her features. She pressed a tender kiss to the top of Caitlyn’s head and wrapped her arm around her wife, pulling her closer. “Me too,” she murmured, her voice low and soothing.
When bedtime finally arrived, Vi carried Lavender to her cozy bed, her small body already drooping with exhaustion. The toddler gave only a half-hearted protest as Vi tucked her in, arranging the soft sheets snugly around her. Vi grabbed a well-worn storybook from the nearby shelf and nestled beside her daughter, her voice soft and melodic as she began to read aloud. Caitlyn lingered in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a smile of pure adoration as she watched them.
Partway through the story, Lavender’s tiny voice broke in, her pout evident even in the dim light. “Patch?” she asked, her tone filled with concern.
Vi paused, her eyes filled with understanding as she brushed a few strands of lavender-colored hair out of her daughter’s face. “Muffin, Patch has to sleep in her crate tonight. Don’t worry, Mummy put her soft new bed in there. She’s all comfy and cozy, I promise.”
Caitlyn stepped closer, her voice a soothing counterpoint. “You’ll see her first thing in the morning, sweetheart.”
Lavender’s lip jutted out, her frown persistent. Not one to let her daughter go to bed unhappy, Vi leaned down and began peppering Lavender’s face with a flurry of kisses. “Mama! Mama! No!” Lavender shrieked between giggles, her pout quickly transforming into laughter as she squirmed. “There’s that smile,” Vi cooed, her tone warm and full of love.
Caitlyn crouched down beside them, joining in the playful attack. “Not Mummy, too!” Lavender squealed, her giggles now uncontrollable.
“Oh, absolutely Mummy, too,” Caitlyn teased, her fingers diving to tickle Lavender’s sides and armpits. Lavender’s laughter filled the room, her tiny body writhing with joy as her moms doubled down on their affection.
Eventually, the tickle fight subsided, and the room was filled with soft chuckles and the warm glow of love. Vi kissed Lavender’s forehead, her voice tender. “We love you, Muffin. Get some sleep, and in no time, you’ll see Patch in the morning.”
Caitlyn followed suit, placing her own gentle kiss on Lavender’s head. “Goodnight, darling,” she murmured, brushing a hand softly across her daughter’s cheek.
As the room dimmed with the flick of the light, the soft glow of Lavender’s blue monkey nightlight filled the space, casting a calming warmth. Lavender snuggled deeper into her blankets, her contented sighs easing the hearts of her moms as they quietly closed the door. Hand in hand, Vi and Caitlyn retreated to their own room to sleep for the night.
Late into the night, Lavender stirred in her bed, her little mind already set on a mission. She was determined to let Patch out of her crate. With the kind of stealth only a determined toddler could muster, she slipped out from under her covers, her tiny feet padding softly against the cool floor as she made her way to the living room.
Patch lay curled up in her crate, nestled snugly on her dog bed, her small body rising and falling with each peaceful breath. But as soon as Lavender’s presence was near, the puppy’s ears perked up, and her tail began to wag, thumping gently against the crate.
Lavender crouched down, her small hand slipping through the bars of the crate. Patch licked her fingers affectionately, her wagging tail picking up speed. Lavender grinned, her determination solidifying. With surprising dexterity for her little fingers, she fiddled with the latch until the crate door popped open.
She whispered, “Come, Patch,” as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The puppy didn’t hesitate, her trust in Lavender immediate and complete. Still adjusting to her new surroundings, Patch’s wide eye darted curiously around the room, but she stuck close to Lavender as if she already knew this tiny human was her safe place.
Back in her room, Lavender climbed back into bed and patted the spot next to her. Patch, eager to please, scrambled up with a clumsy effort, her back legs almost slipping off the edge before she managed to pull herself onto the mattress. Lavender giggled softly, wrapping her arms around the puppy as Patch nestled against her. The two quickly drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep, their small forms curled up together under the soft glow of the nightlight.
The next morning, Caitlyn and Vi made their way to Lavender’s room to check on their daughter. They pushed the door open quietly, not wanting to wake her, but what they saw made them pause. Lavender and Patch were cuddled together, both sound asleep, their faces radiating pure contentment.
Caitlyn blinked in mild disbelief while Vi’s lips tugged into a grin. Wrapping her arms around Caitlyn’s waist from behind, Vi pulled her close and pressed a soft kiss to her bare shoulder.
“Seems she inherited your stubbornness, Cupcake,” Vi teased, her voice warm and laced with humor.
Caitlyn shook her head with a soft chuckle. “Both of our stubbornness, darling.”
“True,” Vi murmured, her tone shifting as her lips brushed the back of Caitlyn’s neck. Her hands wandered up Caitlyn’s abdomen, her fingers trailing deliberately toward her chest.
Caitlyn arched a brow, her tone light but teasing as she asked, ”What are you doing, Violet?”
Vi smirked, leaning closer to whisper into her ear, her breath warm and tantalizing. “Whaddya say we head back to bed, and I’ll show you just how much I love and appreciate you?”
Caitlyn’s breath hitched slightly, a pleasant shiver running down her spine. Glancing back at Lavender, still soundly asleep with Patch snuggled beside her, she knew they had time.
“Bedroom. Now,” Caitlyn murmured, her voice low and full of promise as she turned in Vi’s arms.
Vi grinned wickedly, sweeping Caitlyn into her arms effortlessly. She carried her wife out of the room, nudging Lavender’s door closed with her foot.
Soft kisses turned deeper as they made their way down the hallway toward their master bedroom. “I love you,” Vi whispered, her lips brushing against Caitlyn’s with each word.
“And I love you,” Caitlyn replied, pulling her into another lingering kiss as they disappeared into their room.
If a little over four weeks later, they discovered they accidentally conceived another child using Jayce’s magical... invention, neither of them would complain. After all, their family had plenty of room to grow.