Egypt, December 25, 1884
White flower petals rained down on Drew. He plucked one from his teacup and glanced up at his wife. Mabel twirled in her mistletoe green dress and tossed another handful of petals.
“It’s snowing! Merry Christmas!”
“Missing England, love?”
“A bit. But you know I always enjoy getting into the spirit of the season.”
“True.” Drew caught her arm and pulled her into his lap. “I love how the little girl who first stole my heart is still there inside the woman who owns it now.”
“She’ll never go away. You’re her best friend and best friends have adventures together.”
He nuzzled her neck. “That they do. Are you still enjoying this one, or is it time I took you home?” Four months seemed nothing to him, when he’d spent years away in the past, but this was Mabel’s first foray outside of England. He’d take her back and spend the next few terms teaching if she wanted.
“And miss the digging in the tomb we only just discovered?” she cried. “Never!”
Lightness filled Drew’s chest. He’d been hoping she’d say as much.
“I don’t need to go home, because I am home,” Mabel continued. “Wherever you are, that’s where home is.”
His arms tightened around her waist. “I absolutely concur.” He glanced up at the ceiling. “Now, where’s that mistletoe?”