Page 38 of Christmas Magic

“Thank God,” the squire said. “Here’s Molly.”

Cora’s fingers tightened on the plate. Why did Molly have to arrive now?

Lucian had been going to say something important; possibly even romantic. What had he intended to tell her? If only the damned cat and Molly hadn’t interrupted.

The past few minutes had been truly thrilling; the most exciting in Cora’s life in a very long while. Judging by Lucian’s demeanor, he was under the influence of the magical sprinkles. They’d worked!

How curious, though, that he was acting like a knight from long ago. Maybe he’d thought old-fashioned courtship would impress her? It had.

Lucian stood, just as Molly, holding objects in both hands, rushed into the room.

The four female cats, following her, meowed. Galahad yowled, as though answering them. If Cora didn’t know better, she’d say they were having a conversation.

What a racket!

Molly looked at Lucian then glanced about the shop before her attention returned to him. “What’s going on?” She sounded a bit panicked.

“No reason to worry. All’s well.”

Frowning, the young woman indicated her phone. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Absolutely positive?” Molly asked.

Cora fought not to roll her eyes.

“Absolutely positive.” He raised his hand, palm up, toward a wall and moved his fingers. How odd. Perhaps he had hurt his hand and was working out the pain.

Uncertainty touched the young woman’s gaze, but as he lowered his hand, she nodded and turned to the felines. “Hush now, Girls.” She put the other item she held—a cat saltshaker—on the store counter. “Good morning, Cora.”

“Morning.”

Molly crossed to Lucian’s side. “Anything I can do to help?”

“We’ve sorted it out.” Cora motioned to her plate. “I just stopped by to pick it up.”

“Thank you for the cookies,” Molly said. “It was a nice gesture.”

Nice? She wouldn’t have said that if she knew the truth about the baking.

Guilt grazed Cora’s conscience, but she mentally brushed it aside. “Well. I should be on my way.”

“Where are you off to this fine day?” Lucian sounded both curious and, of all thrilling things, a tad possessive.

“I’m meeting a friend at Devon Rex Desserts.”

“I will accompany you, Fair Maiden.”

Wariness and confusion etched Molly’s features. “Fair Maiden?”

Cora smiled at Lucian, even as she realized she had had no idea how long he’d be enchanted by the sprinkles. The woman at the craft fair hadn’t specified how long the effect would last, and Cora hadn’t thought to ask.

So, she’d make the most of the situation now. “I’d be delighted to have you accompany me.”

“’Tis my great honor.” With bold strides, Lucian headed for the door.

The look on Molly’s face! How Cora wished she could take a picture. Instead, she wiggled her fingers and went to him holding the door open for her.