As we headed out, Fel trotted to catch up with us in the parking lot. Stopping a foot away, he eyed James. “Uh, Mr. Wymack, I just want to say that it was pretty cool what you did last night.” He rocked back on his heels. “I know you didn’t ask me to hold a sign or take a picture for your little slideshow, and I totally get it. But I just want you to know that, if you had asked, I would have said yes, you know? And that shi—um, the stuff that happened with Daniel. I want you to know that, like, I heard you. Okay?”
James studied the teenager in front of us before angling his chin in acknowledgement. “I appreciate that, Fel. And if I ever make Ms. Davis another video, you’re the first one I’ll call to help.”
“Okay. Sure.” Fel allowed himself a hint of a smile before shoving his hands in his pockets and returning to his friends.
“Jeez.” James shook his head. “How many more Christmas miracles are we getting this year?”
I laughed lightly. “It doesn’t matter. The only one I care about is that you’re here with me.”
“James and Marley forever—I mean, ‘for-evah.’” James’s impression of Diane was spot-on.
“How did I ever think you were cool when you are clearly the corniest guy on the planet?”
“Says the woman wearing the sweater of Santa doing the Macarena.”
“Sorry. No take-backsies. I’m yours.”
“You’re mine.”
Epilogue
James
Thenextfewdayswere magical as my family meshed with Marley’s. The house seemed a lot smaller and cozier with so many people coming and going, not to mention two overexcited dogs. Watching Marley cook in the kitchen with Leo and my mom filled my heart with peace. They laughed while trading stories and recipes, chatting like they hadn’t met less than two weeks ago.
My dad ventured down to the rec room to investigate the shelves of books and games gathering dust there. He was in heaven, having enough people in the house to play epic games of Risk and Scrabble. For a moment, watching my dad and Maureen argue over the legitimacy of a high-scoring word, I felt a brief flash of sadness over the demise of The Game Place. It had been a good idea, bringing people together to play games. I still thought it could work, but I wasn’t the one to execute it. Somehow, I would find my way back to teaching.
On Christmas Eve, Marley and I were the last to go to bed. She had on full-zip footie pajamas that made her look like The Grinch. I wore flannel ones. We’d both agreed that sexy times could wait until this house—with its very thin walls—wasn’t crammed with family.
I caught her staring out the window into the backyard, reaching down to scratch Oscar’s head.
“No snow this Christmas, I guess,” she said.
I came up behind her and ran my hands up and down her arms, bending to rest my chin on her shoulder. “Maybe for the New Year.”
“Maybe.” Her voice sounded distant.
“Everything okay?”
She sniffed, just a little, but I still heard. “My mom would have loved this,” she said. “Having a full house at Christmas. Seeing this home filled with so much joy again.”
I moved my arms to tighten around her. “You’re missing her tonight?”
“More like remembering.”
“We’ll always do that. C’mon. Let’s get under the covers. I need you to keep my feet warm.”
She smiled, but her mood stayed serious. “I’m probably always going to be sad about her.” She turned away from the window and crawled into bed with me. “Just like there’s always going to be a little part of me that worries you’re going to stop loving me.”
I rolled to my side and ran my palm along her cheek. “Marley, there’s always going to be a part of me that wonders if you think I’m a loser. And I’ll never understand how you can find my belly and muffin top sexy—”
“I do.”
“I know. And every time you say it, I believe it a little more. Just remember, anytime you’re sad about your mom, I’ll be there for you.” The mattress jostled as both dogs jumped on the bed. But James wasn’t finished. “And if that scared little part of you ever rears its head, just ask me, and I’ll tell you again. I love you, Marley. Always.”
We’d just finishedopening presents and were in a post-Christmas brunch coma when the doorbell chimed.
I knew Marley hadn’t been expecting anyone, so I went with her to answer the door. It surprised us to see Mr. Bailey on the other side. He stood in his usual attire of crisp button down and pressed slacks underneath a wool winter coat, old-fashioned camel fedora on his head. Even Christmas Day could not mitigate the stern look on his face.
