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Mark would always be a part of her – but the swamping guilt, the bitterness and regret, weren’t there anymore. Instead, there was a sad understanding that something had been off between them, that they couldn’t share or talk about something that was obviously personal to him. She had railed at Ian, sobbed, screamed and fought him… yet he was still there, always there.
Looking at her computer while she was on hold, she saw her brother had emailed a reply.
June-bug,
You’re nuts (you said to tell you that) – but marry him.
Hang onto that one.
He sounds like he is very good to you and I’m glad. You deserve that. Mark was my friend and I know you were devastated, but at some point? You have to live again. Mom and Dad just want you to be happy – and me too.
This guy is in the Army… and here? What’s his name? I want to meet him immediately. If he breaks your heart, I need to know who’s face I will need to rearrange.
Maybe we can have that coffee and I could tell you about my own mess I’ve got going right now. In person, not in an email. Just keep this between us, because I don’t need any help making a bigger disaster of things.
We’ll talk soon.
Joshua
* * *
Hours later,Ian had not returned yet, and she was starting to get antsy. Every inspection was scheduled, she had all the documents put together and highlighted in places for Ian to sign, the owners had already accepted the cash offer and the wire transfer had already begun… and it looked like the closing would take place in three weeks. She even had a power of attorney form drawn up and waiting to be notarized, in case there was a last-minute issue at closing.
Hearing the bell on the door, she looked up and saw Ian had returned.
“Hey, I was wondering if something had happened,” she began nervously.
“Traffic,” he replied simply, and walked to her side. “How’s it going?”
“I just need you to sign some stuff, and we wait.”
“Can you leave a little early today?”
“Actually – yes. After we get everything signed, I’m free. I don’t have anything else planned out for this afternoon and… is something wrong?”
“Not at all.”
“Okay, well you’re being awfully quiet and evasive.”
“No. I just need to pack and wanted to spend time with you before I have to leave – and well, I’ve got a few more things I want to get done today.”
Nodding, she opened the manila envelope that held the documents for the house and saw him drag in a deep breath, before leaning over her… and shut it.
“Are you okay?” she asked softly, looking in his eyes.
“No,” he admitted quietly. “It’s already hitting me that I’m leaving tomorrow, and I am not ready to say goodbye to you yet. I should have delayed my flight. I called the airline to see if I could, and any other seats would have me arriving too late for my next scheduled shift, so I’m stuck.”
“Oh Ian,” she breathed, touched that he would consider doing something like that. The back of his fingers stroked her cheek, and he smiled sadly.
“I hate that I just found you and have to leave already.”
“Let’s make what time we have left count,” she offered. “Don’t say ‘goodbye’ when we have half the day left.”
“You’re right,” he nodded, and moved to open the folder, picking up a pen.
“Ian?” she began, and he looked at her again. “If you have any fears or doubts at all – don’t sign. Let’s talk first.”
“Did you sign it?”
