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"Marjorie Bernard." Her eyes glide over Kieran, not even doing a double take at the tattoos peeking out from under his collar.

"Ah, you're the wonderful lady I've heard so much about."

"Oh, stop it." Oh my God, is she blushing? It certainly is a conversation to behold; Kieran’s charm meets Marjorie’s elegance. So far, Kieran’s in the lead, I’d say.

"What? Kind heart, beautiful woman. Your ex is a fool for divorcing you. If I weren’t utterly smitten with Brooke, I’d be tempted."

I bite my lip to keep from giggling. It's Kieran in his natural element, and he's damn good at getting into people's good graces. In another life, he would've become a wonderful salesman. I’m so glad it’s not this one.

"Oh, stop it.” Marjorie blushes. I can see it even through her make-up. “But yes, I'm determined to make my soon to be ex-husband regret the decision." She grins.

"I mean, I get the situation might not be the best, but if you ever want to adopt another pet..." I point at the two cats in her lap. "These two are available. The left one is Bean, the right one is Luna."

"Don't tempt me, Brooke." She shakes her head and lets out a disappointed sigh. "If it were up to me, I would take all of these beautiful creatures’ home. The house has been quiet since Marie and Betty went over the rainbow bridge together three months ago."

"Oh no. I'm so sorry, Marjorie."

"It's fine." She blinks tears away and clears her throat. "They lived a long and, I hope, happy life. But I promise you now, Brooke..." She lifts the cats off her lap and gets up, pulling on her coat. "Once the dust has settled, I will be back. And after my visit, you will have a lot more free space in your shelter."

"I'm looking forward to it." I get up and accompany her to the door. "Thank you so much for stopping by, Marjorie. It’s always good to see you."

"Thank you for introducing me to your animals." Her gaze glides over my shoulder to Kieran, and she lowers her voice. "You've got a good one. I can sense it." She pats my hand. "Keep him. I will see you around, Brooke. Hopefully soon."

"Hopefully."

I watch her walk away in the dim streetlamps of Kinstead, her winter coat fluttering in the soft winter breeze. When I’m old, I hope I’ll be as graceful and kind as her. With a sigh, I close the door and make sure to lock it this time.

"She's so cool," I whisper and lean my back against the door for a moment.

Kieran agrees with a solemn nod. "But I’m more into your style." He extends his hand and demonstratively plucks a dog hair off my shoulder.

"Good. I think carrying four dogs in a cashmere sweater would prove quite the challenge and make every fashionista cringe." I grin. "Now, you said something about a date?"

"Oh, yeah." He grabs my hand and pulls me to the counter.

"You are so quick." Once we stop, I lean my head against his shoulder. “You know we’ve got time, right?”

I mean, we only decided to make us official a few hours ago. When he asked me for a date, I never would have thought he meant today.

"Please," he scoffs. "I've had a thing for you for months. Do you actually think I'm waiting around any longer? Here.” He hands me a bottle of non-alcoholic mulled wine. Oh, he’s good!

"I still have to drive home." He lifts his hands defensively. "Though I would love to see you tipsy. I bet you’re adorable. God damn, I should have bought a proper one.”

“Trust me, if the donation endeavor continues the way it currently is, I will try to drink my life happier at the Christmas market. You’ll see me in all my tipsy glory."

"I'm not sure whether to laugh or worry." He grimaces. “Anyway-” He produces a bunch of fairy lights out of the bags and drapes them around the room. Then he pulls out costumes for the dogs.

"You are aware this is basically a girls' group, right?" I stare at the ties in his hand.

"Don't discriminate. They will still look dashing in these." He leans down and loops one over Dick's head. "See, he's our waiter. Are you ready for this fine dining experience?"

"You're ridiculous."

"It's why you like me." He grins and wriggles his eyebrows, but I shake my head.

"I like you because you're kind." I smirk when it makes him freeze and gulp. "And because you're really fucking hot."

"I'll take it."