Fill the Empty Spaces — Karenna Colcroft

Austin and Del were the love of each other's life for two decades--until a drunk driver took Austin away. In his grief, Del leaves his job and pushes away most of his friends. Austin would want him to go on living, but how can he when Austin is gone?In an effort to help, Del's friend Remy books them an afternoon at a local cat cafe. There, Del bonds with Charlie, a senior cat who wears sweaters to cover his lost fur, and Lochlan, a human who volunteers at the cafe. On impulse, Del signs up to volunteer there too. Over time, with the friendship of Lochlan, Charlie, and the rest of the resident cats, Del starts to pick up his pieces and create a life without Austin.As Del and Lochlan's friendship deepens and Lochlan shares his deepest secret, Del realizes he's falling for the other man. He's finally living again, but can he let himself love again?This book has a main character who has lost his life partner and depicts his grieving process. It is not a romance, but has romantic elements and a hopeful ending. The story includes discussions of child abuse and child death, suicide, and homophobia and transphobia. But it also includes an adorable cat who wears sweaters.