Page 21 of Frost and Felines

They worked for another hour, the conversation flowing easily. Charlotte shared stories about past Christmases at the inn. Amy sang Christmas carols under her breath. Even Chase got into it, though he complained about getting glitter all over himself.

For the star, they gathered the most meaningful pieces. Mallory guided them in creating a mosaic pattern that incorporated fragments from every broken heirloom.

"It's more beautiful than before," Kieran murmured, standing close enough that his arm brushed hers as they admired their work. "Thank you, Mallory."

The warmth in his voice made her heart skip, and outside, the snow began to fall in more gentle, peaceful flakes.

Mallory watched as Chase soon balanced precariously on the ladder, reaching to hang one of their handmade ornaments near the top of the towering Christmas tree. The resin caught the lobby's warm lighting, sending rainbow prisms dancing across the walls.

"A little to the left," Amy called up, directing him from below. "Perfect!"

Charlotte arranged the lower branches with practiced precision, weaving the twinkling white lights between the newly created decorations. "These really are stunning, Mallory. The way you layered the old pieces with the fresh elements - it's like they're telling a story."

"The cranberries were definitely the right choice," Mallory said, adjusting a crystal-embedded ornament. "They add just the right pop of color."

Kieran emerged from his office, his auburn hair slightly disheveled as if he'd been running his hands through it. His eyes locked onto Mallory immediately, and a smile spread across his face. "Ready for the grand finale?"

He held up their mosaic star, the fragments of his grandmother's and mother's ornaments gleaming within its carefully crafted layers. Without waiting for an answer, he strode over and wrapped an arm around Mallory's waist, pulling her close against his solid frame.

"Care to do the honors together?" His voice rumbled low near her ear.

Mallory's breath caught at his proximity, but she managed a nod. Together they approached the ladder, and Kieran's strong hands steadied her as she climbed. At the top, she felt him press against her back as they positioned the star together.

The lobby filled with guests for the lighting ceremony, their excited chatter creating a festive buzz. Mallory spotted Daniel, the investor, near the front of the crowd.

"Three... two... one!" Charlotte called out.

The tree blazed to life, and collective gasps filled the room. The handcrafted ornaments sparkled like captured starlight, each one unique and somehow more magical than traditional decorations would have been.

"This is extraordinary," Daniel said, adjusting his glasses to peer closer at a nearby ornament. "The artistry involved - it's absolutely inspired."

Kieran's arm slipped around Mallory's waist again, drawing her against his side. His chest rumbled with satisfaction as he surveyed their handiwork. "My wife has quite the creative touch."

The praise brought heat to Mallory's cheeks, but she couldn't deny the surge of pride. The tree did look magical, especially with their star crowning it, catching and reflecting light in a thousand directions.

"You've really outdone yourself," Kieran murmured, his lips close to her ear. "Thank you for saving Christmas for me."

His genuine gratitude warmed something inside her that had been cold for far too long. Mallory leaned into his embrace, just a fraction, allowing herself to enjoy the moment of triumph and connection.

Suddenly, the warmth of Kieran's arm around her waist felt like a vice. Mallory's chest constricted as the memory slammed into her with brutal force - Eli's laughter as he tangled himself in Christmas lights, his dark eyes sparkling as he lifted her to place the star. The way he'd spun her around their tiny living room, both of them covered in glitter and pine needles.

Her throat closed up. The room spun. She couldn't breathe.

She wrenched herself from Kieran's grip and fled, barely registering the concerned voices calling after her. Her boots thudded against the hardwood as she sought refuge in the library, its leather-bound volumes and mahogany shelves offering familiar comfort. She curled into one of the oversized armchairs, drawing her knees to her chest as tears spilled down her cheeks.

Heavy footsteps soon approached, and Kieran's masculine scent - pine and earth - wrapped around her before his presence did. He knelt beside her chair, his broad shoulders blocking out the rest of the room.

"Talk to me." His voice was gentle but firm. No pity, just quiet strength.

"I'm sorry." Mallory swiped at her tears. "It's stupid. The tree just... reminded me of my first Christmas with Eli. We were so happy."

Kieran's large hand engulfed hers, his thumb stroking her knuckles. "Nothing about grief is stupid."

"We couldn't afford proper decorations that year." The words tumbled out between hitched breaths. "We made paper chains and strung popcorn. Eli kept eating more than he strung."

A ghost of a smile crossed her lips even as fresh tears fell. Outside, the snow began to swirl more forcefully against the windows.

"He sounds like he was a good man." Kieran's fingers tightened around hers.

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