Isha did not know if Kako had heard any of the snide remarks. She grimaced with embarrassment as she went to see Mabatu’s mother and clear things up once and for all.
“Isha!” Kako said with her usual sunshine. She nuzzled Isha and patted her shoulder with a paw. “You’re so sweet taking care of my Baba. He had such a good time last night, he was talking about it on and on!”
“Oh?” Isha smiled timidly. “Anything I should know about?”
Kako’s ears twitched, but she made nothing of it as if she didn’t hear the question. Isha was not about to ask it again.
Baba saw her and came running up, eyes shining. “Isha! Isha!” He pounced on her, kissing her with his soft, warm tongue and rubbing her face.
“Hello, Rat Fink!”
He smiled broadly. “Hello, Isha!” Sitting next to her, Baba looked at his mother and said, “Guess what I’m going to do when I grow up!”
“I like guessing games,” Isha said quickly. “Baba, I have a little secret for you if your Mom doesn’t mind.”
“A little secret?” Kako said with a grin. “Ooooh, sounds serious!”
“Oh it is,” Isha said slyly with a wink and a smile. Gently but urgently, she nudged the smiling cub around a few rocks and bushes, then said as calmly as she could, “Baba, I don’t think you should tell your Mom about us yet. In fact, you shouldn’t tell anyone.”
Mabatu’s ears sagged. “Oh.”
“Honey Tree, getting engaged is a big step. At your age, you could still change your mind.”
“But I won’t!” He nuzzled her. “I love you, Isha! I’d marry you right now if they’d let me.”
“I believe you, Fuzzy Love.” Trying not to hurt his feelings, she nuzzled his small body and kissed him. “Just follow my advice and hold off until you get older, like when you’re approaching your mantlement. Then when you say it, they will understand it the way I do. You see, if you DID happen to change your mind....”
“But I won’t! I love you! I really do!”
“I know. But let’s just say IF you did, you wouldn’t have to make it up to me. And I’d understand.”
“You DO love me back, don’t you?”
“What do you think, Baba?” She lay down and with her paw easily scooped her small suitor to her side. Fondling him with a paw, she purred, “You’re a special part of me, and if you were taken away, it would leave a wound that would bleed. You’re my little golden treasure.” Mabatu began to grunt with pleasure at her touch. “If you really love me, it won’t be a long two years. The days will speed past, but don’t wish them away. Once you cross that threshold and become a lion, all your free and easy days of cubhood are gone forever. Understand me, Rat Fink?”
“Yeah.” He pushed out from under her paw and rubbed his face against hers. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”