Decked with Folly (31 page)
Authors: Kate Kingsbury
She missed Dan. Her heart ached at the thought of being without him again. This time probably for good. The twins would miss him dreadfully, but in time they’d forget him. She didn’t think she ever would.
All around her, voices were raised in a ragged but joyful rendition of “The Holly and the Ivy.” Someone moved to her side, and she looked into the smiling face of Clive.
“You’re not singing,” he said, bringing his head closer to hers in order to be heard above the chorus.
She shook her head. “Can’t sing, can I. What about you?”
He shrugged. “Not around anyone who can hear me.”
She managed a grin. “We’re in the same boat, then, aren’t we.”
He was smiling, too, but his eyes were serious when he looked at her. “Nice place to be, in the same boat as you.”
Her smile faltered, uncertain how to take that. She was about to answer when another voice grabbed her attention.
“Hello, Gertie.”
Turning, she felt a rush of relief and pleasure. “Dan! You came!”
His smile was all she needed. Warmth seemed to flood the room, and the lamps appeared to grow brighter. Flames leapt higher in the fireplace and the voices now seemed to sing in perfect harmony. Dan was there right in front of her, and it was finally Christmas.
She barely noticed Clive as he murmured a good night and melted away. Putting her hand in Dan’s she said softly, “I’ve been waiting for you.”
For answer he raised her hand to his lips. “Happy Christmas, love.”
And it was.
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