Page 16 of Christmas Magic

“Lucian is going to marry you,” Rose said firmly. “He’s a man who always honors his commitments.”

Molly drummed her fingers on the counter. “What could she want to ask him? He doesn’t even belong to the historical society.”

“Maybe she’d like to borrow some antiques for the Shipwreck Museum?” Marigold suggested.

“That could be,” Daisy agreed. “Remember the report on CPC-TV the other night?”

“I do. The reporter said the society’s still hoping to find some artifacts from the original sailing of the Guinevere.” Petunia meowed. “A couple of cabins aren’t furnished as they would have been in the seventeenth century. The society wants to fix that.”

“I remember, too.” Marigold shook her head. “The organization, though, was running out of funds.”

Molly frowned. “When was this? I don’t remember watching CPC-TV.”

“Um…er….” The calico’s gaze dropped to the floor. “Can’t remember.”

“Me neither,” Marigold mewled. “Never mind, then.”

The cats were acting strangely. But, what they’d said about Cora wanting to borrow antiques did make sense. William had loaned items to the historical society before, for receptions and other events. With William away, Cora would indeed have to speak with Lucian—not Molly—about such a matter.

Rose huffed. “Quit frowning. You’ll end up with deep lines on your forehead.”

“Remember how happy you were when you were decorating?” Daisy purred. “Fill your heart again with that happiness.”

“It is your very first Christmas with Lucian,” Marigold added.

“The first of many you’ll spend together,” Daisy said with a dreamy sigh, “because you two are head-over-heels in love.”

“We sure are.” Smiling, Molly walked out from behind the counter. “I’m going to finish the decorating so when he gets back, we can talk about going out for dinner. We’ve been so busy the past few weeks, we haven’t had time for a romantic evening. Medici Restaurant is one of his favorites, and since it’s just down the road—”

The doorbell jingled. Molly faced the young woman with streaks in her hair. She held a stack of papers.

“Hi. I work at the Devon Rex Bakery a few stores down.”

“I recognize you.” Molly crossed to the visitor. “How can I help you?”

“I have flyers for the craft fair in Calico Court. Would you mind putting them out in your store?”

“We’d be happy to.” Lucian wouldn’t mind. Molly could make room on the nearby table that held other flyers and brochures.

“Thanks so much.” The young woman handed over some of the papers. “My mom’s a vendor this year. She’s selling homemade jams and marmalades. It’s her first time selling things at the fair.”

Molly glanced over the details. More than thirty local artisans would be selling their wares, and a local band would be performing. “This sounds like a great evening. I’ll be sure to stop by your mom’s stall.”

“Thanks!” The young woman waved. “I will see you there.”

“A holiday craft fair on an end-of-November evening? I wish I could go,” Marigold said with a wistful sigh. “Sounds magical.”

“Romantic, too,” Daisy murmured.

“It does.” Molly grinned. Now she and Lucian had plans for Wednesday night.

“So?” Lucian asked.

Standing beside him in the parking lot behind the store, Galahad sniffed the air. “I still sense another cat.”

“We could look for the kitty.”

“Not right now.” The squire yawned. “I’m exhausted after our shopping trip. I need a nap.”