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“And I like you,” said Uncle Alec. “So, um…”

“What’s going on with Marge?” asked Johnny, darting anxious glances at the little room, where the sounds of an arguing couple could be heard now.

“Oh, they’re going through a rough patch,” said Uncle Alec. “Chase saw Marge in Randy’s arms the other night, and Tex found out and now he wants to divorce her. But then Marge came back and told him she wants to divorce him for neglecting her needs all these years. So I guess things aren’t looking too good for them at the moment.”

They all turned to the little room, and Johnny said,“But that’s not good, Chief.”

“No,” said Uncle Alec. “But what can you do?”

“I should never have said anything,” said Chase. “I should have simply kept my trap shut. And this wouldn’t have happened.”

“Oh, it would have happened,” said Gran. “Didn’t you hear what Tex said? He caught Marge having a romantic candlelight dinner with Randy. So something was definitely going on between those two.”

“But… Randy is not a good match for Marge,” said Johnny. “No, he’s not,” he insisted when Jerry placed a hand on his arm. “I’m going to fix this,” he said decidedly, and before anyone could stop him, he had stalked up to that little room and disappeared inside.

And because cats will be cats, all of us joined him for this showdown, and even the dogs couldn’t stay away for once.

“But, Marge, what do you expect me to say?” Tex was saying.

“There’s nothing you can say, Tex. Nothing at all,” said Marge sadly.

It all reminded me of one of those Hollywood divorce dramas, invariably featuring Meryl Streep. It was all very sad, and I could already see a tear glisten in Dooley’s eye.

“Marge, you can’t do this!” said Johnny, entering the scene like a bull in a China shop. “You love Tex and he loves you. You have to work things out!”

“Too late, Johnny,” said Tex. “Marge has been having an affair with Randy Hancock behind my back. And I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive her.”

“I was not having an affair!”

“But you wanted to have an affair!”

“I wanted to feel that spark again, Tex—that feeling you get when you’re young and in love! That’s what I wanted!”

Suddenly Johnny lit his lighter.“Here’s a spark from me, Marge. Is that okay?”

Marge smiled at the big oaf.“That’s very sweet of you, Johnny, but it’s not exactly what I was talking about. It’s just that… Sometimes I feel Tex takes me for granted. That he doesn’t really appreciate me. And I don’t know what to do about it.”

“I’m sorry, Marge,” said Tex. “I’m sorry for taking you for granted. I know how lucky I am that you’re in my life—and I know that the best day of my life is every day I get to spend with you. And it all started the day you said yes, and it still amazes me.”

“It does?”

“Of course it does.”

“Look, I wasn’t having an affair, honey. I just… was attracted to the idea of feeling in love again, I guess. Though clearly Randy isn’t the man I thought he was.”

“Clearly,” said Tex.

“Just take her hand, Tex,” said Johnny. “And apologize.”

“I just did,” Tex pointed out.

“Oh, that’s right. So maybe you can apologize, Marge.”

“Why should I apologize?” said Marge.

“Cause in my experience you can never apologize enough,” said the big lug.

“He’s got a point,” said Lil Ran.

“Yeah, I think he’s right,” said Harriet, and turned to her mate. “I want to apologize to you, sweetie pie.”

“What for?” asked a surprised Brutus.

“I take you for granted, too, sometimes. And I want you to know how happy I am that you’re in my life.”

“Oh, sweet pea,” said Brutus. “I’m very happy that you’re in my life. And I want to apologize for being a jerk sometimes. And taking you for granted.”

“Max, why are they all making me cry!” said Dooley.

Yeah, I was starting to get a little misty-eyed myself, actually.

“Marge, I’m so sorry,” said Tex, taking his wife’s hands in his. “Let’s start our weekly date night tradition again. Bring back that spark.”

“I’d like that,” said Marge.

“Now hug her!” Johnny loud-whispered as he gave Tex a light nudge. And since he was such a strong fella, Tex was propelled into his wife’s arms, and then they were hugging it out—and there was even some kissing, too, at which point I placed my paw over Dooley’s eyes, which probably wasn’t even necessary, as he was crying buckets now, and couldn’t see a thing.

“Now all we need to do is stop Gran’s wedding,” said my friend.

“Gran’s wedding?” asked Brutus. “Is that still happening?”

“It is,” I said. “Which means Dooley will have to go and live with her and Wilbur.”

“No way!” said Brutus. “She can’t do that!”

In the doorway, Gran had appeared.“How many time do I have to tell you? I am not getting married! Not to Wilbur—not to anyone! And if you all don’t get out of here right now I won’t be responsible for the consequences when I get really and truly pissed off!”

And as we walked out of that little room, Johnny wiping away a tear, and Marge and Tex in a tight embrace, suddenly Odelia came thundering down the stairs, followed by Scarlett, and followed by a small police contingent.