Chapter 1
Who’s Got Talent

Kate and Sophia huddled on the edge of Kate’s bed watching the seconds tick- down on the television.

“Come on!” Kate shouted as she texted in her vote.

The buzzer finally rang, the winner was announced, confetti dropped from the ceiling, and the live audience for Who’s Got Talent went wild.

Kate and Sophia screamed with the audience and jumped up and down. For the first time, a ventriloquist won the Golden Mic. 

Kate did three quick cartwheels. “Hope for ventriloquists everywhere!”

Startled, Shadow leaped off the bed and knocked Kate’s owl alarm clock and a gymnastic trophy to the floor.

“What’s going on up there?” Mom called from the kitchen.

“The best flip-flopping fabulous news ever, Mom! The ventriloquist won the Golden Mic.”

“She’s our age, Mrs. Pearl,” Sophia added.

“That’s pretty cool,” Mom called. “Just keep it down. And it’s almost time for Sophia to head home.”

“Got it, Mom.”

“That was my favorite Who’s Got Talent. It was hilarious watching the ‘Magician of Mishaps’ blow his audition,” Sophia said.

Kate’s mind instantly replayed the image. Kate had felt sorry for him when he dropped his props and a rabbit scurried out from under the rubble, hopping off stage.

“It was awful when that mean judge said, ‘If only you could make yourself disappear,’ and everyone laughed.”

“That was the best part.” Sophia smiled.

“It was my favorite episode ‘cause—”

“A ventriloquist won,” Sophia said. “Are you ready for the auditions?”

Kate grabbed her two-foot-tall rabbit puppet, Twinkle, and inserted her arm. She could feel the white sparkly fur tickle her hand as she slid her arm inside. She manipulated the puppet’s mouth.

“You’re looking at this year’s ventriloquist for the Stars in the Making team.”

“That was perfect,” Sophia shouted. “You didn’t move your lips at all!”

“I’m pumped!” Kate said, ignoring the vibration of Twinkle from her shaking hand.

“It’s time girls,” Mom called from downstairs.

Kate sprang from the bed. “I’ll walk you to the mailbox.” 

When the girls opened the front door, they found a cardboard box on the porch.

“Looks like another drop-off.” Sophia spied the box.

Kate dropped to her knees and opened the lid. “It’s four puppies.” The puppies yelped and scratched wildly as she looked inside. “Just in time for tomorrow’s pet adoptions.”

“I don’t know how you do it,” Sophia said.

“Shh . . . shh . . . it’s okay.” Kate reached into the crate and picked up a puppy. “Aw, you’re so adorable.” She gently squeezed him close to her chest and kissed the top of his head.

“Ooh my stars, they’re so stinkin’ cute. Look at those long-fluffy ears.” Sophia grabbed her phone from her back pocket. “Give me your best pose,” she said, clicking away.

Kate held a pose with the second pup and then with the third. “Aw, you’re so much smaller than your brothers and sisters,” Kate said as she scooped up the last puppy.

After his photo shoot, she gave him a tummy rub, then handed him to Sophia.

“Whoa, hold on, you know I’m not comfortable holding animals.”

“Just try.”

Sophia held him as far away from her as possible. The puppy whimpered in the soft sound of a newborn.

“Cuddle him.”

Sophia’s face pinched as she slowly held the dog closer. She snuggled him to her neck. He rested his head on one side of her neck and a paw on the other like he was giving her a hug and she melted.

“Looks like I may get you to adopt an animal after all.”

“This is really nice,” Sophia said. “Mayb . . . wait, my shirt suddenly feels warm and wet. Oh gross, he just peed on me!” Sophia thrust the puppy back at Kate.

“Guess he really likes you. When puppies get excited, they pee.” Kate laughed.

“Goodnight!” Sophia spun around and ran across the street.

“See you at the fish tank tomorrow!” Kate called.

Sophia turned and waved when she got to her door. “I’ll try to post their pics before bed.”  

“Thanks,” Kate said, still laughing.

“Dad! Need some help please.”

“More guests.” Dad picked up the box and carried it inside through the kitchen to the exam room they’d set up last year after Kate convinced her parents to start a pet adoption at their animal clinic.  

Dad weighed the puppies and got a kennel ready for them while Kate gathered up the other fosters.

“They’re about three months old,” Dad said. “They’re going to be big dogs. All but the runt weighed eighteen to twenty pounds.”

“How much does the smaller one weigh?”

“Just ten pounds,” Dad said.

Suddenly the little pup threw up.

“Aw you poor baby!” Kate cried.

Dad gave the puppy a closer exam. “He has a temperature.” Dad unlocked the medicine cupboard and gave him a dropperful of liquid. “This should lower his fever until we can fully check him in the morning. He’ll be okay tonight. For now, it’s time for you to get to bed.” 

“Okay,” Kate said. She suddenly felt really tired.

“Oh, and Kate?”

“Yes?”

“Maybe you should set your alarm an extra fifteen minutes early.”

“Seriously, why?”

“You’ll need some extra time to load all the animals into my car before school and I understood you wanted to get there early.”

“Ugh!” Kate grabbed her alarm clock.

“You could use your phone for that.”

“And give up Mr. Owl, never!”

“Have I told you today that you’re greatly and dearly loved?” Her dad often asked this same old question. Her response never changed. Sometimes she pretended to be irritated by the question, but secretly she loved hearing those words. It all began one day when Dad picked her up from kindergarten. They were halfway home before Dad realized he’d forgotten to tell Kate he loved her. “Oh, no!” he had shouted, startling Kate. Thus, this back-and-forth banter began.

“Have I told you today that you’re greatly and dearly loved?” 

“Nope.”

“What? What kind of father must I be?”

“The greatest one in the world.”

“Who loves you the mostest?” 

“God,” Kate said.

“He has a plan and a purpose for your life. Don’t ever forget that.” Dad kissed Kate on the cheek. “Sweet dreams.”

When the coast was clear, Kate slid out of bed and crept downstairs. No one should be left all alone when they’re sick. At least that’s how I felt when I was sick and alone in the orphanage.

Kate slipped back into bed and cuddled the puppy. I’m finally old enough to audition; this is going to be the best year ever. She closed her eyes and imagined herself on stage with Twinkle. Sophia couldn’t see my lips move. Then suddenly she remembered the Magician of Mishaps. Her eyes popped open. What if I mess up and the entire school laughs at me?