We exited the closet and retook our spot under the Christmas tree. Brogan jogged to the other end of the terminal and took the pillows and blankets from a couple of empty cots, and returned to make us a little nest by the painted fire. Together we dozed as the storm cleared overhead and the snowdrifts were turned to silver by the glittering stars. Sleigh bells might have tinkled across the sky above, but we were far away, dreaming of one another while we lay snuggled together.
Morning came clear and bright, and I awoke to find Brogan holding me in his arms, smiling down at me. I smiled up at him and then glanced quickly around, remembering where we were. Other passengers had begun arriving, and many were wandering by, giving us odd looks as they made their way toward the gates, which were back in operation.
“I guess we’d better check on our flights,” I said, realizing that I was close to saying goodbye to Brogan.
“I think I won’t go at this point,” Brogan said. “I’ve already had the most enjoyable holiday I’ve ever spent. And time with my family will only darken the memory.”
I stared at him. There were so many things he hadn’t shared. “You can’t spend Christmas alone, though,” I said. As much as I wanted to stay here with Brogan, I found that I still wanted to get home and see my family, too. Especially my mother and Nana.
“Don’t worry about me, Dix,” Brogan said, the smile lighting his eyes. “But you can expect that I’ll be calling you rather often. I will be going through withdrawal while you’re away.”
An idea made me squeal. “No! Don’t call me.”
“Don’t call you?” Brogan’s voice was low with disappointment.
“No, come with me!”
“To Oregon?”
“Yes! Why not?”
“Why not?” he said slowly. “Your parents?”
“They won’t mind. The more the merrier! Let’s go get you a ticket!”
We gathered our things and pushed back out through security, pausing to visit our respective bathrooms. There were tickets available on the first flight to Portland, and I transferred my ticket to sit next to Brogan on the flight.
As we waited at the gate, I called my mother.
“Mom, I got a flight. I’ll be home at noon.”
“That’s wonderful! We haven’t sung a single carol without you. All your gifts are right here waiting for you.”
“Actually, Mom?”
“What’s wrong, dear?”
I looked at Brogan as I said, “I got an unexpected gift last night while I was stranded at the airport. And I’m bringing him home with me.”
My mother actually squealed into the phone, and then, regaining herself, said, “I can’t wait to meet him. We’ll set another place.”
“Merry Christmas,” I said into the phone, my eyes on Brogan’s.
“Merry Christmas.” My mother and Brogan both said it at once, and I felt my heart lurch with a joy I had never experienced before. I had a feeling it would be the merriest Christmas I’d ever known.
<<THE END>>