Page 49 of Christmas Magic

Molly shook her head. “That’s not going to happen.”

The kitten trembled. “I’m hungry. My tummy’s growling aww de time. I’m afraid.”

“Here we go,” the squire muttered. “Let me find ye olde cardboard box.”

“What if dat dog—or another one—finds me? I can’t run away.”

Poor little thing. It really did look terrified.

Molly stretched out her hand.“You’re safe from dogs now. We’re going to help you.”

Eyes huge and hopeful, the kitten hobbled a cautious step closer.

Once he got close enough, she’d pick him up.

“Don’t you dare scratch Molly,” Galahad said. “Don’t bite her, either. Got it?”

“G-got it.” The baby cat’s fangs were so adorably tiny, her heart melted a little more.

“What’s your name?” she asked. “Do you have one?”

“Timuffy. My mom cawwed me Tim.”

If he had a mother, perhaps Molly could help reunite them. “Does she live around here?”

“I dunno where she is.” Tim mewled as though in agony. “I’m wost. Awone. I’m going to die—”

“Okay, okay,” Galahad grumbled.

“Wiww you help me? Pwease?”

“Yes,” Molly said, at the same time as the squire.

Raising her eyebrows, she looked at the fluffy golden cat.

“I’m not thrilled about this situation,” he grumbled, “but squires live by a code of honor. I must help this fellow cat in need.”

“Good for you, Galahad.”

“Yeah, yeah. You can thank me with a big kiss and a long brushing later.”

The kitten limped closer.

Molly reached for Tim. “I’m going to pick you up now.”

“I got this.” Galahad shot her a sidelong glance. “I swear, though, if you tell Lucian what I am about to do, I’ll never speak to you again.”

Bewildered Timothy gazed at him. “What are you—?”

The squire grabbed the kitten by the scruff of the neck, lifted him off the ground, and ran with him into the store.