Page 129 of Christmas Magic

Chapter Twenty-Three

With Tim perched on her shoulder again, Molly stood next to Julius and watched the approaching historical society float. The parade had started not long after Fred and Cora, arm in arm, had headed back to the parked floats. Lucian, honoring his commitment to the society, had gone to do his part as well.

He now stood on the float beside the replica of the Guinevere. He waved to the crowd and tossed candy canes to the kids, while Galahad, still wearing his knitted hat, stood at the prow of the ship, his face tipped up as though to the wind. Slightly behind him were Rose, Petunia, Marigold, and Daisy, still sporting their hats as well.

Molly chuckled. “Look at Galahad showing off.”

“I’m guessing they’re portraying Sherwood cats?” Julius asked.

“Yes. The original ones, who came over on the ship centuries ago. Either that, or Galahad’s watched my Titanic DVD.”

Julius smiled. “The Sherwood cats are an important part of the history of this town.”

“Yeah,” Tim meowed. “They were my rewatives.”

Molly stroked his fur. “They sure were.”

“Otherwise, I’d just be a reguwar cat. But I’m not, ’cause I can tawk.”

Chances were, Tim could do more than talk, since Sherwood cats usually had magical abilities. But, he was just a kitten. As he grew up, he’d discover his special powers.

While she’d love for Tim to become part of their family of cats, she and Lucian hadn’t yet discussed what to do about him. They did need to talk about a future for the kitten. If they weren’t going to keep him, they should get him to the Cove Cat Café, where he’d have a chance of being adopted.

As the historical society’s float slowly rolled past, its lights twinkling and a piano rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” playing from its speakers, Lucian turned and waved to the cheering people on her side of the street. Seeing her, he grinned and bent at the waist in an elegant bow. Straightening, he blew her a kiss.

The group of young women behind Molly shrieked. “That Santa’s hot!”

“He’s the guy from the antique store, isn’t he?” another said.

“I want his autograph.”

Lucian’s grin widened.

Molly laughed. “He’s enjoying being in the spotlight.”

“He’s not the only one.” Julius tipped his chin.

The Coquina Castle float followed the historical society’s. At the front, Fred and Cora stood hand in hand. Someone had given Cora a red and white hat with a big pompom to wear. Her jewelry glittering under the lights, she beamed and waved like a queen.

“Aww. They look good together,” Molly said.

“A second chance at love for them,” Julius murmured. “Not everyone gets that opportunity.”

“No.” Molly’s gaze shifted to Lucian on the float, his back facing her now. They had things to work out. Yes, Lucian had been under a spell, but if he was still hesitant to tour the winery for their wedding reception, maybe he wasn’t as sure as months ago about living happily ever after with her.

Doubt gnawed, and suddenly, amongst the holiday revelry, loneliness pressed upon her. She couldn’t bear to break up with Lucian—especially not at Christmas.

Julius’s phone pinged, and he glanced at it. “Ah. I have a matter to attend.”

“Anything I can do to help?” Molly asked.

“No. I remember you wanted to reopen the store after the parade finished, because folks would be holiday shopping tonight. Go ahead and do that. I imagine Lucian, once he’s fulfilled his commitment to the historical society, will want to talk to you.”

“Can I take a selfie with you?”

Standing beside the historical society float, Lucian returned the smile of the pretty, red-haired woman who’d approached him. “Sure.”

The parade had ended half an hour ago, but the downtown streets were still crowded. A steady stream of people, mostly single women but some mothers with children, had stopped by and asked to take pictures with him and the cats.