Ruby grinned. “Fair.”
“They were born four minutes apart. Theo first, screaming bloody murder. Then Luna, so quiet the nurses had to make sure she was okay. And I just—I looked at them and thought, 'oh, this is what I've been waiting for.'”” Celeste's voice was thick with emotion. “Not the marriage or the perfect life. This. Them.”
“They're lucky to have you.”
“I'm lucky to have them.”
They fell into quiet, the comfortable kind that didn't need filling. Celeste's breathing was starting to even out, and Ruby felt her own exhaustion pulling at her.
“Ruby?” Celeste's voice was sleepy.
“Yeah?”
“Today was perfect.”
“Yeah. It really was.”
Ruby tightened her arms around Celeste, drawing comfort from her warmth, her steady breathing and the solid reality of her.
She let that sensation settle over her as Celeste's breathing deepened into sleep, and soon Ruby followed her into dreams.
***
The next day dawned bright and clear. They hit the festival early, and Ruby was determined to see everything they'd missed.
“Pottery demonstration first,” she announced in a voice that brooked no opposition.
The pottery demonstration was mesmerizing, the artist's hands covered in clay, shaping bowls and vases with skillful movements.
“Would you ever try that?” Celeste asked.
“Pottery? Maybe. I like the idea of creating something functional. Art you can actually use.” Ruby pulled her toward the next booth. “Come on, there's jewelry next.”
The jewelry booth was run by a woman who sold delicate silver pieces inlaid with stones, copper bangles with intricate designs and necklaces that looked like they belonged in a museum. Celeste picked up a bracelet.
“These are stunning.”
“Try it on.”
“I’m not sure.”
“Just try it.” She watched as Celeste slipped the bracelet on, the silver catching the light. “Lovely. We're getting it.”
“You don't have to buy me things.”
“I want to.” She paid before Celeste could protest further. “Think of it as a souvenir. Something to remember this trip.”
They moved on to a small stage where a man was blowing up balloons to turn into balloon animals.
“The twins would love this.”
“We can try bringing one back.” Ruby winked at her, both aware no balloon animal would last that long in a car.
Ruby looked around and then her eyes settled on something else. She hurried to the next stand and picked up a handmade sketchbook.
“For Luna. She’d like this, right?”
Celeste smiled. “She'd love it.”
