a separation, even before I met you.”
“That would have been hard.”
“I don’t care. After you and I met, those thoughts intensified. I don’t believe I’ve ever met a man as genuine and caring as you are. If Martin hadn’t made the call to Chester, I really think I would have left him.”
Lou flashed on the corn rising past his mouth and nose, and actually managed a grim smile. “I don’t think we would have benefited much as a couple if that’s the way it had come down,” he said.
“I suppose not,” she said, her expression bittersweet. “Lou, I know it’s not fair, but please, come and sit by me here.”
Lou hesitated and then did as she asked.
She set her hand on his and made no attempt to stem a gentle flow of tears. “I can’t leave Martin,” she said. “Not now. Not after the choice he made. Not after he … saved you.”
“I understand.”
“It won’t be right for me to contact you once we’re gone, but if there’s ever anything you need, anything I can do for you, please get ahold of me.”
“I understand,” Lou said again. “Do you think you would ever go back into medicine?”
“I don’t know. I hope so.”
“So do I.”
“Lou?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll never forget you.”
He started to speak, but she silenced him with a finger to his lips. Their kiss began as a gentle touch. When it ended, she stood, but motioned him to stay where he was.
Then she smiled, wiped her tears with the back of her hand, and headed downstairs, softly closing the door behind her.
