Page 82 of Christmas Magic

“He’ll be angry,” Petunia said, “but once he’s free of the spell, he’ll understand why we tricked him.”

Galahad grinned. “The ideal plan.”

Molly fought rising uncertainty. What if things went wrong? What if she injured Lucian when she rendered him unconscious? What if, when she put the spell on the back room, she damaged the shop or hurt one of the cats?

She reached for her mug of Earl Grey tea and took a sip. Lukewarm. She really should make a fresh cup, but every time she’d thought to switch on the kettle, a customer had come into the store or the phone had rung, so she hadn’t managed to make one.

She set down the mug. “You know, maybe we should run our plan by The Experts—”

Her phone pinged: A text.

“Lucian?” Galahad asked.

Oh, she hoped so. She hadn’t seen him or heard from him yet that morning.

“Julius,” she said.

Delayed en route. Will be there as soon as I can.

“Julius is running late.”

Rose growled. “Not what we wanted to hear.”

“No.” Molly quickly opened and skimmed her email. Nothing from The Experts since she’d checked twenty minutes ago.

“Did Julius say anything else?” Galahad asked.

“He’ll get here as soon as possible. That’s all.”

The fluffy feline shook his head, just as raised voices came from outside the shop. A middle-aged couple, carrying folding chairs, had stopped on the sidewalk to chat with a young man. Molly had seen other folks toting chairs that morning. People were setting up early along the main street to have front row seats for the holiday parade that evening.

With so many people passing by the store, she’d have to be careful when using her magic to subdue Lucian.

The thud of paws: Galahad had jumped down from the counter.

Soft fur brushed Molly’s skin. “Chin up.” Daisy rubbed the side of her face against Molly’s arm.

“Everything is going to work out fine. You’ll see,” Marigold said.

It would. Molly had to believe that. “I’m just going to send a quick reply to Julius,” she said. “Fill him in on our plan.”

Halfway across the store, Galahad let out a low growl. “You’d better hurry. Cora’s car just pulled up outside. Lucian’s getting out.”

Cora didn’t say a word as they left Coquina Castle and approached her Cadillac. Lucian sensed, though, the turmoil she tried to keep hidden from him.

How could he not be attuned to the way she was feeling? Their lives were entwined now and forever.

She reached into her purse for her keys.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” His Fair Maiden sounded her usual self, but he saw anguish in her eyes.

She quickly looked away, across the parking lot. More families were arriving to join the queue to see Old Saint Nick. Some of the children wore hats that resembled Santa’s or those of his elves. One little girl even carried a toy reindeer with a red nose.

“I’m sorry Santa hurt you.”

She shrugged, the movement stiff. “I don’t know why I’m upset. I wish I wasn’t.”