“Your train isn’t scheduled to leave for another twenty minutes. I’d like to wait with you.” His voice was hoarse as he struggled to keep his own emotions in check.

“I’ll never get on it if you do,” she said, barely above a whisper.

He squeezed her hand and reluctantly did as she asked, pulling up in the drop-off zone where just the week before Cassie had picked her up. So much had happened in such a short time. When she’d arrived in Wild River, she hadn’t even been sure she’d last a day, and now she wanted to stay. Just a little longer.

Putting the truck in Park and removing his seat belt, Reed turned to face her. “This is not goodbye.”

She nodded, desperate to believe it was true.

“I have something for you,” he said, releasing her hand to reach into the back seat of the truck.

“I hope it’s not more fudge or I’ll be unrecognizable the next time you see me.” It was meant as a joke to lighten the heavy tension filling the cab of the truck, but all it did was make her heart ache wondering when that next time would be.

They’d compared schedules and made a ton of promises, but she knew herself...

He handed her a red-and-yellow S & R jacket, the Wild River Search and Rescue logo on the sleeves. Her name embroidered on the chest. Dr. Erika. She swallowed a lump that refused to go away. “But I’m not a member,” she said.

“The crew decided to make you an honorary support member after the other night,” he said, touching her cheek.

She fingered the patch. “Thank you. This means a lot.” More than she would’ve expected it to. She’d never imagined that Wild River could feel like home again, but this week she’d felt like she belonged.

“You mean a lot. To all of us. To me.”

Oh God, holding back tears was impossible. One slid down her cheek and she brushed it away. “This is crazy.” Feelings couldn’t grow this strong, so fast, could they? “In a good way.” She could see his unease and uncertainty reflecting in his expression.

Man, she was going to miss getting lost in those eyes. Miss being wrapped in his arms...

Taking her hand, he kissed her palm and held her gaze longer than was safe, before glancing at the time on the dash.

Time she wished would stand still was ticking away far too quickly.

“You better go,” he said, sounding as thrilled about it as she felt. Climbing out of the truck, he met her on her side with her suitcase. He set it down on the curb and reached for her.

She immediately walked into his open arms and hugged him tight. “I’ll miss you,” she whispered. Air couldn’t quite make it into her lungs.