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Fifty-Six
Two weeks later
“Two weeks here, and only recognized once—at the top of the Empire State Building.” Mark rushed into the bedroom, running a hand through his fresh haircut. “Ya know, New York is growing on me.”
“Good, because we’ll be back soon.” Alex smiled, giving her open suitcase a final check. “Last year’s Christmas gift will be put to good use! Skating under the Rockefeller Center tree, hot chocolate—”
“Better be marshmallows!” His eyes darted from the dresser to the bookshelves, searching.
“With marshmallows!” Her grin grew twice its size. “Everything’s so sparkly, so hopeful at Christmas. You’ll see. New York’s decorations are out of this world.”
Mark flipped over the bed’s pillows and yanked open the bedside table’s drawer. “Better than London?”
“Maybe bigger, but not better. Nothing’s better than London…hey, what are you doing?”
“Lost something…the toy car I carry ’round.”
“I saw it on the breakfast bar a few days ago. Maybe check your backpack again?”
“Yeah, I probably missed it.” He walked across the room. “Ready to head home?”
“Yes.” Her fingers brushed across the weathered cotton of a rolled-up top in her case. “I missed London, but I missed you more. Wait…” She captured Mark’s passing hand and pulled him back, pressing her lips against his. “There. I’m making up for lost time.”
His smiley eyes fell to her case. “Ah, Mouse? Have you turned pack rat? Isn’t that my old sweatshirt? I thought you chucked it ages ago.”
“I couldn’t let it go. It made me feel close to you even when I wasn’t.” Her free hand brushed his stubbly chin. “I know I made you uncomfortable…before, talking about engagements and weddings—”
He opened his mouth to say something, but Alex laid a finger on his lips.
“All that matters to me now is being with you. Marriage doesn’t prove your love for me. You coming here, sharing your past, being honest about everything…that’s worth more than a wedding ring, and it’s enough. Really, it is.”
Mark pressed his forehead against Alex’s. “But no wedding means no chocolate cupcakes.”
“I can bake my own cupcakes, no wedding required.”
He kissed her softly and pulled away with a satisfied smile. He kneeled in front of his new duffel bag and rifled through the clothes he had purchased over the past two weeks. “Did you see Freddie’s text?”
She grabbed her phone from the bed. “The Marlex, you better bring back a case full of Sno Balls and Ding Dongs, or don’t bother boarding the plane text?”
“That’s the one. Demanding little sod. He should have asked earlier.”
“Nah, we can nip to the deli before we head to the airport.” Her eyes travelled across her phone. “Oh!”
Mark stopped his search and looked over his shoulder. “All okay?”
“Text from Dad. Says…can’t wait to see us next weekend. Joan’s calling dibs on you for Sunday…there’s some scooter rally she’s dragging you to? You already said yes?”
“Yeah. She wants me to help her pick out a Vespa.” He zipped the duffel bag and stood up. Scratching his neck, he left the room.
Alex giggled and peeked underneath the bed, looking for his toy car. “Mark, when you’ve got a minute, I want to show you something.”
He rushed back, his hand rooting through his backpack.
“Any luck?” Alex stood up. “I’ll check the other bedrooms…”
He froze, his eyes widening. “Oh, thank Christ!” He pulled out a small yellow car.
“I know how much you love that old thing. Kinda like me and Paddington.” She sat on the bed and exchanged her phone for her laptop. “Some toys are too special to leave behind.”
