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It didn’t stop her from helping other women find their voices and their freedom. Claude thanks her every day for helping Gwen last winter. I’ll miss seeing them together at the Black Penny every week.
When she found the perfect location to open a cute boutique upstate, that sealed the deal. I put in my notice at the hospital last month. It’s time for a change. As much as we both love the city, we’re ready for a new adventure. Together.
“The boutique will be just up the road from Rob’s office.” She glances at me with an infectious grin before returning her attention to her brother and Kate. “You’ll come visit, right?”
“You won’t be able to keep us away.” Kate leans against Arthur. “We’ll be looking for a new place soon. There’s no room here for a baby.”
“Baby?” Marcy jumps up, wrenching herself from my arms. “You’re pregnant?”
Kate nods. “I just found out.”
“Congratulations.” I offer felicitations to my best friend and his time-traveling bride. “I’m so happy for the both of you.”
Marcy and Kate hug, falling into chatter about their plans and possible names. I stand and stretch my legs, walking to the window overlooking the city. Arthur comes alongside me.
“You’re going to be a father. How does that make you feel?” I clap my hand on his shoulder.
“Terrified.” He grins, and there’s a sparkle of joy in his eyes. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I’m so excited for both of you.” I chuckle. “As improbable as it is, you knocking Kate out with a door is the best thing that has ever happened to you.”
“Yeah. There are days I wonder if she’s really here...if she’s real.”
“She’s real, and after watching Back to the Future last year, I can’t say I’d completely discount time travel as real.”
Arthur snorts. “She didn’t come here in a DeLorean.”
“No, but there’s a lot of shit we can’t explain in the universe.”
“Maybe I’ll just chalk it up to fate.”
I laugh. “Fate, huh? Listen to you. Never thought I’d hear you say something like that, Mr. Practicality.”
“I’m too old to fight it.”
“Yeah, me too.” I look out over the city as the sun sets in the west, setting the buildings alight with bursts of orange and red.
“So where are you planning on moving?”
“Not sure yet. We have a few months to figure it out. But I’m sure we’ll stay in the city.”
“Any word from your driver, Cyril?”
“Not since Christmas.” Arthur leans against the window. “I’ve put all his stuff in storage at the garage.”
“What are you going to do with it?”
“What he would have wanted. If he shows up, it’s his. If not, well...”
The implication of the words settles between us, weighed down with regret.
“He’ll show up. You’ll see.”
“I hope so.” Arthur shakes his head and straightens. “How about we go out for dinner? My treat. Today is a day for celebrations.”
Kate’s head snaps up. “Can we go to the diner? I’ve been craving apple pie and vanilla ice cream.”
We all laugh, and the sound soothes like a healing balm.
“We’ll stop for dessert, I promise.” He retrieves her purse from the table.
“Shall we?” I offer Marcy my arm, and she takes it, fitting her hand in the crook of my elbow like it was always meant to be there.
This moment was a long time coming, but it was well worth the trials along the way. Contentment settles over me.
I finally have the woman of my dreams, and she has my heart. Forever.
I can’t fight this feeling anymore, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
THE END
