Kathleen Creighton - Lazlo’s Last Stand

She gave a little snort and shifted away from him. “Not interested.”

He thought for a moment. “Okay…what about wife? As it happens, that position is open, as well.”

She turned back to him, eyes narrowed and thoughtful. “Well…that sounds a bit more interesting. Does this… position come with benefits?”

“Not very many, I’m afraid,” he said somberly. “Just certain…uh, bedroom privileges, and my complete and undying love and utter devotion for the rest of my life.

“That’ll do,” she said softly.

He leaned down and kissed her a long, lovely time, then leaned back with a sigh. “Plus,” he said, nudging her head with his chin, “you get to sleep every night under the stars.”

“Yes.” Her whispered voice was slurred with tears, but she didn’t care if he knew. She had nothing to hide from him, not anymore.

They lay in silence, watching the stars together. Until Lucia tensed suddenly and lifted her head.

“What’s that? I swear…I hear… bells. Church bells.”

After a moment he heard it, too. He lifted his head to look at the clock on the nightstand. “Midnight. Do you suppose…” He lay back, turned to look at her and they said it together.

“It’s Christmas!” They touched their smiles together.

“Merry Christmas, my-”

“- édesem , ” she finished for him.

He smiled and kissed her again. “Merry Christmas… édesem . My sweet…”