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With nothing left to say, I turn back to the house, and when I see Babydoll waiting in the doorway for me, I gesture she’s to meet me around the back. We walk in silence, both pensive because, how do you say goodbye to the person you love?
We come to a stop in front of the rose garden.
She wraps her arms around her middle, a tiny whimper escaping her.
“Rory given ya a gun?”
She nods, staring vacantly at the roses.
“Cami, please look at me.”
She takes her time but eventually does what I ask.
“It’s going to be okay.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I know, but I’m going to try my hardest to make sure that it is,” I reply honestly. “If this were a film, or some romance novel, the hero would have a flawless plan where he wins and lives happily ever after. But it’s not. And I’m no hero.”
“Yes, you are,” she argues, toying with the necklace around her neck. It’s under her T-shirt, but I can see it’s the chain I gave her. It gives me comfort knowing she wears it. “You’re going into the unknown, but what youdoknow is that Liam and Sean will be waiting for you.”
“I can’t wait any longer. I wish this were different. But ten years ago, I learned that even the best-laid plans fail.”
“Please don’t die,” she whispers, expressing her fears aloud.
“I’ll try not to.” And I mean it because, if all else fails, I have a plan B. But no one can know of it because they’ll all stop me. But if it comes to it, I won’t falter. This way, everyone wins.
She sniffs back her tears, keeping to her promise. “Good, because you still owe me a date.”
I smirk, reaching for her and holding her close.
“Don’t hesitate,” I say. “If anyone is at risk, ya shoot.”
“I will.”
I wish I didn’t have to leave, but I do, and I wonder if this is what your heart being torn into two feels like. “I love you, but love is just a word we give to somethin’ so primeval. What I feel for ye can’t be put into words.”
She throws her arms around me, hugging me tightly.
I memorize her scent. The way she feels in my arms. I memorize what it’s like being loved by her because it’s what will help me fight.
“Stay safe.”
“You too.” Her voice cracks as she lets me go.
I can’t stand to see her in pain.
Slamming my mouth over hers, I rob her of air as I want this to be the last memory we have. I want it to be of our love and not sadness or fear.
She kisses me back, gripping my hair and pressing me close. She doesn’t want me to go, but she knows she must.
On an exhale, I let her go and nuzzle my nose against hers. “See ya soon.”
“Yup, see ya.” She can barely speak, but that’s okay.
We walk back to the house, where she lets go of my hand and quickly enters without looking back. I understand why.
Rory stands outside, waiting for me. “Here.” He offers me a phone. “It’s a secure line, and I’ll be able to track yer every move. And y’ll be able to track mine.”
