Almost home

During a snowy night, a work call gives Marnie the chance to rewrite the ending she always wanted

- Millicent Porter Henry

Race you to the house,” Marnie Frank dared her twin nephews.

Tyler and Brock took off, sprinting along the snowy road like Benny “The Jet” from the movie The Sandlot. No way she could win against two fast 10-year-olds.

“Move it, Aunt Marnie,” Brock yelled loudly from the farmhouse porch. “You're so slow, we're gonna starve before you get here!”

Panting, she stopped at the steps and pulled snowballs from behind her back. The boys laughed and scooted inside. Marnie followed, corralling Patches before the calico cat could escape.

“Okay, here’s the deal, you guys,” she said, pushing them toward the laundry room. “Hang your wet clothes on the hooks. Wash your hands and then come to the kitchen. I've fixed your favorite chili.”

As she watched the twins shovel in their supper, she marveled at how such skinny kids could eat so much.

After his third helping, Tyler sighed. “Aunt Marnie, you make the best food.”

Brock patted his belly. “What's for dessert?”

Marnie reached across the table and ruffled his cowlick. “I might have something I baked up.” Glancing at her watch, she suddenly shrieked.

The twins covered their ears.

“Geez. What’s wrong?” Brock asked.

“What's wrong? In 15 minutes, I have a Zoom meeting with the illustrator who's designing the cover for my romance novel,” she said.