Page 33 of Frost and Felines

Mallory stood and approached him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "We'll figure something out. Something better than property destruction and assault charges."

He covered her hand with his, the warmth of his tender touch spreading through her. "We?"

"Well, I am your wife, aren't I?" She tried to keep her tone light, ignoring how natural the words felt now.

His expression softened as he looked at her, and for a moment, Mallory forgot how to breathe.

A few hours later, Mallory sat in the kitchen, surrounded by the warm chatter of Charlotte and Amy as they shared coffee and pastries. The simple act of belonging somewhere hit her unexpectedly, warming her from the inside out.

"I swear, if Mrs. Chen asks for another towel change today, I might scream," Amy said, dropping onto the stool beside Mallory.

Charlotte patted Amy's shoulder. "At least she tips well. Unlike the Robertsons in 204."

"The ones who demanded their entire room be redecorated?" Mallory sipped her tea, hiding her smile. "I handled that this morning. Moved some furniture around, added a few throws. They're happy now."

"You're a miracle worker," Charlotte declared. "This place runs so much smoother with you here."

The praise made Mallory's chest tighten. She had forgotten how nice it felt to be needed, to be part of something bigger than herself.

Amy leaned forward conspiratorially. "Did you see how Kieran practically growled at that contractor who was ogling you yesterday?"

Heat crept into Mallory's face. "He was just being protective of the inn's reputation."

"Oh honey." Charlotte's knowing look made Mallory squirm. "That man stares at you like you truly hung the moon. Fake marriage or not."

"He's just a good actor," Mallory protested, though her heart fluttered traitorously.

"Actor nothing." Amy snorted. "I saw him nearly take Chase's head off when he made that comment about your dress at breakfast."

"That was just-" Mallory's defense was cut short as Kieran himself appeared in the doorway, filling it with his broad shoulders.

"Ladies." His deep voice carried authority, but his eyes softened when they landed on Mallory. "Mind if I steal my wife for a moment?"

The way he said 'wife' sent shivers through her. Charlotte and Amy exchanged meaningful looks that Mallory pointedly ignored as she stood.

"We'll finish this conversation later," Charlotte called after them, making Mallory's cheeks burn.

As she followed Kieran down the hallway, Mallory realized with clarity that she had found more than just a temporary arrangement here. She had found people who actually cared about her and wanted her around. The thought should have frightened her and should have sent her running back to her solitary existence. Instead, this place somehow felt like her home now.

Mallory turned the corner and followed Kieran to the dining room where the Andersons, a lovely elderly couple celebrating their 45th anniversary, waited for them. The soft glow from the chandelier cast warm shadows across the oak table, making the holiday decorations shimmer.

"Here's my beautiful wife," Kieran announced, pulling out her chair. His hand brushed her shoulder as she sat, sending tingles down her spine. "The Andersons were just telling me about their first Christmas together."

"Oh, it was a disaster," Mrs. Anderson chuckled. "The turkey caught fire, and Tom here tried to put it out with egg nog."

"In my defense, the fire extinguisher was empty," Mr. Anderson protested, his eyes twinkling.

Mallory felt Kieran's knee press against hers under the table, a silent signal of shared amusement. "How did you salvage the evening?"

"We ordered Chinese food and ate it on the floor of our tiny apartment," Mrs. Anderson said. "Best Christmas ever."

"What about you two?" Mr. Anderson asked. "Any holiday disasters yet?"

Kieran's hand found hers on the table. "Well, several weeks ago, my lovely wife here saved Christmas when our decorations were ruined."

"He's exaggerating," Mallory demurred, though warmth bloomed in her chest at his praise.

"Not at all." Kieran's eyes locked with hers, filled with genuine admiration. "She turned resin and broken glass into magic. My wife's quite the creative genius."

---