Page 130 of Christmas Magic

The kitties were a huge hit. Not surprising, perhaps, in the town that was famous for its special breed of felines. Still, he’d lost count of how many people had taken pictures with the cats, especially Galahad. The squire—the rascal—always meowed at the women, brushed against their hands while purring loudly, and convinced them to pick him up.

The redhead had already spent a good five minutes taking photos with Galahad.

As she moved in beside Lucian, he resisted sliding his arm around her. While it would probably make a better photo if he pressed closer, the only woman he wanted to get close to and put his arm around was Molly.

He hadn’t seen her since he’d blown her a kiss. When they’d wrapped the gifts for Fred and Cora, they’d agreed she would open the shop up again that evening and stay open late. She’d be at the store now. How he yearned to be with her.

The redhead raised her phone to take the selfie. “Ready?”

“Yep. Ho ho ho!” He grinned as she took the photo.

She snapped a few more before swiping through the pictures. “They look great. I’m going to put a few on my blog. Could I get your name and the names of your cats?”

Taking the parade flyer she handed him, Lucian wrote the information she’d requested on the back and handed it to her, along with a store business card from his wallet. “Thanks, Lucian. I mean, Santa.” She wandered on to the Coquina Castle float, where Fred appeared to have his own crowd of fans taking selfies.

“Ho ho ho!” Lucian waved to some excited twin boys walking with their mother.

A glint of light caught his attention. Cora stood nearby, talking to Roberta, who looked a bit upset. As though sensing his gaze, Cora glanced at him then quickly averted her eyes.

Anger and dismay kindled anew. No. He wouldn’t indulge the negative emotions any longer. She’d claimed more than enough of his time lately. He’d continue to be a jolly Santa Claus so that the families who’d come to Cat’s Paw Cove for a pleasant evening would have a fun time and would return next year. Good attendance at the parade benefited the whole town.

In another half hour, he’d consider his duty for the historical society done and would go to the store and help Molly. Once they’d closed up and gone home, he’d pour them some eggnog with plenty of brandy. Then he’d sit with her and talk about what had happened while he’d been enchanted. However long it took, he’d make sure everything was okay between them.

“Lucian.”

His spine stiffened, but he managed a polite smile as he faced Cora.

“I wanted you to know, we’ve had a lot of folks asking about the historical society tonight, thanks to you and your cats.”

“That’s terrific news.”

“I’m sure we’ll get some new members and donations. Fred’s had people asking about memberships to Coquina Castle too. Without you, well, none of it would have happened.”

Such genuine appreciation shone in her eyes that his anger toward her lessened a bit. “I was glad to be able to help, especially the historical society.”

“The vintage salt and pepper shakers were really nice, too.”

“I hope you and Fred can make your relationship work this time around.”

“I believe we can. Oh, and…well…I’m sorry. I owe…you and Molly an apology for….” She waved her hand. “You know.”

No doubt she referred to putting him under a spell. However, his work for The Experts forbade him revealing or confirming to non-Magicals that supernatural powers really did exist. For once, he was glad of that rule.

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

She fiddled with the rings on her left hand. “Roberta mentioned she’d talked to Molly, told her about the…cookies.”

“Ah.” He smiled. “I’d like the recipe sometime, if you’re willing to share it.”

She stared at him. “Yes, you can have the recipe. I was referring, though, to….” She cleared her throat.

Lucian waved at several more children. “To…?”

Cora made a distressed sound. “The magic.”

He feigned confusion. “Magic?”

“Um….”