Page 43 of Silver Hills' Christmas Miracle

“Honey, I run a bar. I recharge myself by listening to stuff like this. And your little rant is so tame. I bet she’ll love to know how you were sitting here, pining after her all night.”

Somehow, Melanie drew a laugh out of me. “A little pathetic, isn’t it?”

“Considering youknowhow she feels?” Melanie winked at me. “Just a little.”

It helped to get the burst of annoyance out because after it, the tension was gone from my chest. What little envy there was faded. Aaron was trying his best. I could tell that from how his brows raised constantly and the way he moved his hands. Kitty’s back was to me, but even from here, I could see she was as stiff as a board. She laughed a few times, drained her glass quickly, and ordered another with a wave of her hand.

The hour ticked by slowly, and I was about to slide out of my seat for a stretch when Aaron and Kitty stood.

Was the date over?

Kitty approached with Aaron in tow and gave a bright smile that seemed happy, but her eyes were anything but.

“We’re going outside because Aaron is finding it claustrophobic in this… how did you put it again?”

“Oh.” Aaron pushed his glasses up his nose. “Common bars like this set me off. The stale uhm… sweat and such is a lot to take at one time.”

Melanie clattered her glasses louder as she worked.

“Alright.” Thankful for the chance to stretch my legs, I stood.

“Oh, sir. There’s no need. I can take care of Kitty.” Aaron smiled up at me and placed his hand on Kitty’s elbow.

“I go where she goes,” I said stiffly. “No exceptions.”

“Even the bathroom?” Aaron snorted as if it were the funniest little thing.

“Even the bathroom,” Kitty replied, and she stalked away toward the door, leaving Aaron and his rapidly flushing face behind. He glanced between Kitty and me, then chose to hurry after Kitty. I followed after catching Melanie dramatically rolling her eyes.

Outside, the late December chill was a biting contrast to the warmth of the bar. I immediately shrugged off my jacket and draped it over Kitty’s shoulders. She flashed me a grateful smile.

“I’m humoring him for twenty more minutes and then telling him I’d rather hang than spend an entire night with him at the ball.”

“Little dramatic.” I snorted quietly.

“He spent forty minutes educating me on what he expects from a lady and how my skirt is that of a harlot.”

My eyes widened. “Alright. I get your point.”

Aaron joined us a moment later, and he seemed much happier outside than in the bar.

“Shall we?” He grinned eagerly at Kitty, who nodded and fell into step beside him. I let them get twelve or so feet away and then followed them. The cold was bitter and would give me the perfect excuse to sweep in and take Kitty home if we stayed out here much longer. I couldn’t hear their conversation, but each time Aaron walked close, Kitty walked away to keep space between them.

We walked around the bar illuminated by the multiple strings of Christmas lights winding around all of the wooden pillars and roof awnings. This place was really beautiful. The only thing that was missing was a dusting of snow.

Around the back of The Anchor, we wandered near the crumpled, sagging remains of the barn. I had heard stories of the parties that had been hosted there, and it was sad to see it in such a sorry state. If only the mayor cared more about fixing the little things.

Thirty more steps and suddenly, the skies split open. A gigantic clap of thunder exploded overhead, making all three of us jump, and then the rain poured. It fell fast and hard, as if someone had turned on a power washer, and Kitty screamed as she was instantly soaked.

“Wait, no!” I yelled as Aaron grabbed Kitty’s hand and pulled her toward shelter under the sagging awning of the barn.

Immediately, I broke into a sprint as Kitty wrestled herself free. The pitch of the rain muffled her words, but I caught the sharp bark of her voice as she yelled something. Aaron grabbed her again, pulling her further under the awning.

I couldn’t run fast enough.

In a matter of seconds, the downpour flooded the top of the awning, adding to the water already weighing it down. A metallic screech filled the air, followed by a terrible groan of wood. Suddenly, the barn's awning crumpled downward.

“Kitty!” I yelled as Aaron launched himself forward. Metal and wood clattered to the ground in a cacophony of crashes, creaks, and more. A cloud of dust rose up and vanished just as fast as it was consumed by the rain.

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