Page 70 of Krampus, Baby

“She’s got some crazy timing—but our timing always works out, too,” Artie sighs, slowly easing out of me.

“Sure does.” I think about that, and the mind boggles. “Have I ever told you I don’t believe in luck? I mean, I’m lucky to have you, but there is no way we weren’t meant to be. And... and everything we went through had to happen to put us together, in the right place, at the right time. Even what happened to Laurel. If you hadn’t found her, you wouldn’t have needed me.”

We start to struggle up, bodies protesting. Artie rubs my back, encouraging me into a sitting position, even as we drape ourselves over one another, smiling and spent.

“I would have always needed you. I just might not have known it. You know, when I was talking to some of the guys yesterday, they said some beings have a fated mate. Someone they’re just meant to be with, and the universe will put them together, no matter what. I don’t think humans have them. Seems like krampuses don’t either.” Artie presses a kiss to the inside of my wrist as he holds my hand. “So us? We’re just one in a billion-million. Star-crossed lovers whose stars had the good sense to run into each other.”

I giggle softly. “I love the way you put things. Should we wait to go in? She might have gone back down.”

Artie nods. “Do you mind that we’re not taking a honeymoon on some tropical island?” he asks. “That we didn’t let Laurel go to Libby and Milo’s?”

I look over at Artie. Flushed, sweaty, and smiling.Mine. All mine.

“I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Maa! Dada! Daaa!”

We groan together, but it’s a happy groan. “Well, I’ll change her. But just the diaper.”

Artie pulls me to my feet and hands me my robe. “I’ll help. Come on, let’s go together.”

I beam. “Together is good.”