Page 21 of A Siren Song for Christmas

He didn’t know if they had anything in common. But the idea of a companion warmed him.

Malachi walked to the front of the store, locked the door, and turned the sign to closed. Then he went to Kelby, who waited patiently on the yellow sorrow.

“Did you hear that, my darling? I am going to the Christmas markets. I must confess, it is a little daunting. All those laughingand merry-making people.” He paused. “But I am going with Mr Berry. I believe he wishes for us to be friends.” Malachi held out his palm, and Kelby jumped on. “I may have a friend soon.”

Kelby croaked.

“Of course, you are my friend too. And I appreciate you greatly, my dear Kelby.” Malachi paused, considering. “But I think it might be nice to have a friend who can speak back.”

Malachi walked towards the stairs at the back of the store, and despite his trepidation, he was looking forward to the following day.

At least Malachi and Mr Berry were on the same page now.

Chapter

Twelve

“What’s got you smiling like that?” Lacy asked Trent as she tied an apron around her waist.

She’d just arrived for her shift at the family stall where Leo, Trent, and Cas had already been working.

“He’s been smiling like that all day.” Leo kneaded dough. “But he hasn’t told us why.”

They had an unusual lull in customers. Which apparently meant his siblings could focus on interrogating him.

Trent reorganised the cakes, cookies, and pastries on display. Most of the baked goods they sold at the Christmas markets were made at the bakery and then brought to the stall. But they baked the bread fresh here.

“It’s nothing.” At their disbelieving looks, Trent added, “Really!”

It was so new with Mr Marin. He didn’t want to jinx it. And what if Mr Marin didn’t want to meet up with him again after their date? It wouldn’t be unreasonable. He didn’t want to haveto then tell his siblings that Mr Marin didn’t want to continue dating him. He didn’t want their pity.

“I bet I can get it out of him.” Lacy wiggled her brows, stepping in behind him. She wrapped an arm around his waist.

“There’s nothing to tell.” Trent laughed.

But they all continued to stare at him.

“It’s new!” Trent protested.

“So there issomethingnew?” Cas’s eyes twinkled, and his wings fluttered.

Trent laughed and shrugged. “Maybe.”

“Really? What?” Cas flew in so close Trent couldn’t continue organising the baked goods.

“Oi! I’m trying to work here.” Trent playfully elbowed Cas. “Give me some space!”

“Will you tell us what the news is if we do?” Lacy asked. But she and Cas both moved back.

“You’re all being ridiculous!” Trent said.

“Of course, you don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to,” Cas said seriously. “You are allowed to have your privacy.”

Still, they all watched him with curious eyes.

“Fine!” Trent relented. He could deny his siblings nothing. “It’s a date.”

“A date!” Leo repeated. “Good work, little brother!”