Page 105 of Heart

“Subconscious in action. So, yeah. I knew then.”

“Me too. I just wasn’t certain you felt the same.”

“I’m sorry I was difficult, Mikey. I put us both through some unnecessary stress. That’s why I’ve adopted the wholelife is shortphilosophy. We tend to be our own worst enemies.”

“God knows I’ve had my share of bad dates.”

George chuckled. “Maybe we’re both gluttons for punishment.”

“Not anymore.”

“Nope. So, if you’ll have me, Mikey, I promise to be easy-breezy from here on out.”

George removed the rings from the box, and they put them on. Mikey held his hand up, admiring. “I already told you, George. I’m yours. Woe to those that try to come between us.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For making me whole again.”

They kissed and then stood, not parting, shuffling down the hall to the sounds ofAuld Lang Syne sung by George Bailey and crew on the television.

In the bedroom, they made love again, the same way but opposite positions, and this time as Mikey held George from behind, he could feel his heart beating... vibrant, warm, and steady.

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