Page 86 of Heart

“Yeah, you’re right, George. I was being doofy. Right here, right now, with you is fine by me.”

They continued walking, hand in hand. Next up was a winterscape with lighted polar bears and penguins on sleds, all donning scarves and stocking caps. The centerpiece of the yard was a large animatronic snowman waving a checkered racing flag next to a giant candy cane-striped sign readingNorth Pole.

They stopped, taking in the twinkling tableau.

“It is kind of magical,” George said.

“I’m glad I could share it with you. And I’m glad it’s ours... here in Baltimore. Is that selfish, George?”

George thought about Mikey’s job offer. Felton was just over the PA state line, halfway to Harrisonburg. It was roughly the same commute he had now but in the opposite direction—two hours from DC. Mikey would have to remain based in Baltimore which meant them seeing each other less. It had weighed on George heavily, and he feared that soon they may not see each other at all.

“Nope. And if it is, I don’t care. Other cities have things they’re known for. Baltimore has the Christmas lights in Hampden.”

“And the Inner Harbor... and Little Italy.”

“And the Orioles... and Edgar Allan Poe.”

“DC has a lot too,” Mikey said.

“Yes, it does... and we’ll see it all.”

George kissed him on the nose and Mikey shivered with something a little more than cold.

* * *

“Rachel? Is that you?” someone shouted.

The voice was coming from further down the street. George turned to find May and Rachel crossing, heading toward them with cups of hot chocolate in both hands. A tall blond man intercepted them halfway.

“Is that Jack?” asked George.

“It is,” said a voice even closer.

George and Mikey turned to find Demarco. Behind him were Abigail, Wilson, and Tommy. They had been strolling the same sidewalk in the opposite direction.

“What a surprise,” said Mikey. “Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas,” Demarco said, hugging them briefly, then eying them both. “Are you two still not dating?”

“Uh, no.” George blushed, grinning. “We are dating...now.”

“Mm-hmm. I knew it was just a matter of time. Momma Demarco can sense these things. Congratulations—you two make an adorable couple.” He turned, “You remember my mother, Abigail... and my boys, Wilson and Tommy.”

“Of course,” George said, taking Abigail’s hand. “So good to see you again, Ms. Abigail. And how about it, guys? Are you ready for Santa?”

Tommy’s eyes grew large. “Is he coming? Is it tonight?”

The adults laughed.

“Not yet, Sweetie-pie,” Demarco said. “We’ve been over this, remember? We still have a week.”

Mikey knelt. “It’s tough, Tommy, I know. It seems like a long time—like it’ll never get here. I used to think that too. But he’ll be here before you know it.”

Tommy eyed him curiously. “You look kind of like Santa Claus, only younger.”

Mikey picked him up and held him. “Ho, ho, ho!”

“He’s not rocking the L’Oréal like DD though,” Wilson quipped, flipping imaginary hair back with one hand then another—a smaller, black version of Cher.