Page 67 of Twins for the Silver Foxes

35

RYLAND

Motion in my peripheral vision spun my head around. Megan sniffled and tucked her hand beneath her chin. Red rimmed her eyes as she took in Hannah’s plight and Scott’s reassurance. I’d almost jumped in to add my two cents to his adamant response. Later. Hannah looked overwhelmed, and the growing crowd worried me. I snapped another picture, Liddy attached to my hip. She fawned over the picture of the ice cream shop. “It’s so pretty.”

“You’re pretty.”I flipped the camera around and took a picture of us. I’d done it enough through the years to be able to work the camera from the awkward angle.

Megan coughedand rubbed her nose, ducking her head into her collar. No doubt she could relate to Hannah. Their situations were different, but both had found themselves feeling unwanted and alone as young adults. Arthur wrapped his arms around Megan’s shoulders in an attempt to warm her up. She allowed the embrace, even sinking in closer and letting her fathercomfort her. He’d always been in tune with Megan and her moods, but I’d never seen this much physical comfort between them. In the past she’d push him away every time.

I raisedmy camera and clicked a series of rapid shots before either of them caught me or Megan could move away. Her eyes were closed, the earlier anger melted into a soft expression of comfort. Arthur managed to show Megan without words that she was not alone either. He’d always wanted to be there for his daughter. Joy for both of them forced another round of pictures.

Snow peppered the air,cutting across the screen and creating a blurred backdrop of lights and color from the shops across the street.

“I want Mama.”Liddy leaned toward Hannah, who heard the quiet request and opened her arms wide. Scott kept them close, embracing mother and daughter, the three of them creating the perfect family dynamic. I stepped back and lined up the shot. Scott arched a brow but kept quiet as I clicked, then clicked again. I’d taken hundreds of thousands of pictures through the years, and I knew without looking that these would be my favorites of all time.

When everyone settledand the emotional upheaval drifted into a quiet acceptance, I tucked my camera back against my side and put the lens cap back in place. “Why don’t we take a walk?” I tipped my head toward the center of town. “We’re close to the big tree, and it’ll be lit up now.” I checked the sky. “The snow’s going to keep going for a bit. It’ll be beautiful.”

Hannah took my hand.“You don’t have to try and convince us. You had me and Liddy at big tree.”

“How big is it?” Liddy’s eyes sparkled with delight. “Is it bigger than the one at home?”

“Much bigger.”I pointed at the sky. “It’s so tall, if you stand directly under it, you can’t even see the top.”

“Nuh-uh.”Liddy argued automatically, kind of like her mother. “Let’s see it.”

We grouped up,the six of us knotting together and making our way down the sidewalk. The falling snow covered the concrete and filled the air with perfect flakes. Our breaths fogged out together, and a loud laugh from Liddy matched the rising tempo of Christmas music coming from the town square. “Look at that one, Liddy.” I pointed at a house tucked back in the hillside. “Do you see the snowman lights and the reindeer?”

“Ooh, pretty!”Liddy clapped and cheered. “We need more lights. Can we make giant trees in the yard?”

“Of course.”I’d make it happen, one way or another.

Hannah tappedmy elbow with hers. “You don’t have to give her everything she asks for.”

“If it’swithin my power, she’s getting it. And so are you.”

“I don’t needanything else. This is enough. Seeing her happy, knowing these babies will be loved,” she patted her stomach, “it’s more than enough.”

“Look, it’s the green man,”Liddy squealed and pointed as a man dressed in a Grinch costume strolled up the other side of the street. He heard Liddy, then spotted her, and waved wildly.

“Isthat little Miss Cindy Lou Who?” He tented a hand over his eyes. “Have you gotten all your presents this year?”

“You can’t have them.”Liddy crossed her arms and frowned. When the man put his hands on his hips and tapped his foot, she laughed. “You don’t want my presents, Mr. Grinch. But I can get you one of your own.”

“Aww.”He snapped his fingers and kicked at the snow. “You’re too nice, Miss Cindy Lou Who.”

“Everyone deserves a present at Christmas.Even if it’s just a hug. Do you need a hug, Mr. Grinch?” Liddy had the power to take a person to their knees, she didn’t have an ounce of deceit or cruelty in her. She loved with such abundant power that it rattled me sometimes.

Even the Grinchcharacter seemed uncertain how to take her. He wiggled his green feathery fingers at Liddy. “I’d accept a hug.” He crossed the street and kneeled down, letting Liddy squeeze him around the neck. “Thank you.”

I swore his voice cracked. When he released Liddy, he stood and met Hannah’s eyes, nudging her under the chin. “You takecare of that girl. She’s one in a million. Means she’s got a good mama at home teaching her right.”

“You bet.”Hannah glowed with the praise and tugged Liddy tighter to her. “Merry Christmas, Mr. Grinch.”

“You too.”He backed away with another wave. “Don’t forget to keep some cookies out for me. That old Santa might bring you goodies for your stocking, but it’s the cookies that keep me satisfied.” He patted the stuffed belly of his suit and winked. “Though I’m fairly sure my heart just grew three sizes. The whole world might be safe from me now thanks to that hug.”

“That’s right.”Liddy poked a finger at him, her smile a mile wide.

“Go on with you.”He waved us past him.

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