Twin Roses

by Sarah Cross

  “Yeah … I think I do.”

  She took his hand and led him inside. Sat him down in front of her computer and a bowl of honey ice cream—she gave him half of what was left—and opened her file of Theo photos. Theo as a bear prince. Theo with Ruby and Pearl piled on top of him, planting a flag in his furry back like it was a mountain. Theo and Pearl and Ruby with raspberry jam on their faces. Ruby and Pearl curled up against Theo, all three of them sprawled on the floor watching cartoons.

  It felt weird to share this part of her life with someone new. Weird, but good, too. Because it wasn’t just her life she was sharing—it was Theo’s, and Pearl’s, and even Thurston’s. These were years he’d missed. Time with his brother he hadn’t had. Time she could give back now. She laughed, telling him the stories, and he laughed, hearing about Theo and the broom-beatings, the junk-food breakfasts, the way they rolled him over with their feet. He asked questions; once they got started, there was so much he wanted to know.

  They talked for hours. About Theo, about Thurston, about her, about Pearl. About having a brother and losing him; about having a sister and feeling like you were losing her, too. But nothing had truly been lost. Everything—everyone—was still there. They were more blessed than cursed. All four of them.

  TRUE LOVE’S KISS JUST MAY PROVE DEADLY.…

  Available from Egmont Publishing wherever books are sold

  IF YOU WANT TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER, FIRST YOU HAVE TO STAY ALIVE.

  Available from Egmont Publishing Spring 2015