Page 50 of Decking the Halls

After, she pulls me close, her palm splayed over my chest. “What are you thinking?” she asks.

“That it’s been a helluva year.”

She laughs. “You’re right about that.”

“Next Christmas, we’ll be in the new place.”

“Big windows,” she says. “Space for your classroom crafts and my tools. And maybe a dog. Or two.”

“Dogs, yes.” I laugh, sleepy and content. “Maybe a cat.”

“Good,” she says, kissing me again. “Let’s start a petting zoo for your students.”

The rain picks up. Somewhere outside, a large truck zooms down Virginia Avenue, honking the tune of “Jingle Bells.”

“Merry Christmas, Wren.”

“Merry Christmas, angel.”

She kisses me again, and I know deep down that next Christmas will find us here in each other’s arms again. Maybe in a new house, maybe with new dreams. But neither of us is going back, you know? I could never go back to what I had a couple of years ago.

Some twins share a face, after all…

Others share ahistory.

I got the one meant for me.

THE END