“We’ll come back to see you in a month,” Hank said. “Simon will be out of school by then and his mother won’t mind.”

“You don’t have to. I’ll be fine.”

He wished he could load her in the truck and take her with him. From the tears in Simon’s eyes he felt the same way. But his little librarian belonged here. And his career was in Houston. They’d started out a world apart and they’d end a world apart.

As Simon ran around chasing Rambo so he could give the dog one more hug, Hank moved closer to Millie.

“I’m going to miss you.”

“Me too, but in my experience, I’ve learned that I’m a woman people can walk away from.” She held her head high. “I’ll be fine.”

He’d learned to be careful not to move too fast around Millie. “One last hug, pretty lady?”

“I’d like that.”

For the first time she was standing as he moved close, and he realized she was taller than she’d seemed. As their bodies touched, he felt how lean she was as he slid his hands down the lines that he’d loved seeing and feeling.

Hank knew he was too wild a man for a woman like her. They’d never fit. But right now, in this one moment, she felt like his mate. He’d love her and miss her in all the quiet moments of his life, but she’d never be his.

“Goodbye, my lady,” he whispered as he kissed her softly one last time.

“Goodbye, cowboy.”

Slowly they pulled apart and moved outside. Simon was excited to be riding in a truck. Hank talked about the route he’d be taking. Millie remained silent.

One quick hug and they were gone.

In the rearview mirror, Hank watched her standing outside, standing tall, waving. He kept her in his sight until he had to turn the corner. Then felt a pain in his chest all the way to Houston.

After he was home and settled, Hank still couldn’t sleep.

Finally, after midnight, he pushed her number.

Millie answered on the second ring and she didn’t sound like she’d been asleep.

“You all right, Millie?” was all he could think to say.

“I’m fine,” she answered.

“I just had to be sure.” He felt like a fool, so he might as well fall off the cliff. “You do know I love you.”

Silence. Then in a tiny whisper, she answered, “I love you too.”

Hank wasn’t sure he said goodbye. He just fell asleep almost believing she was beside him, and he had a feeling she was doing the same.

Epilogue - Christmas on Primrose Hill

Epilogue

Christmas on Primrose Hill

Ketch watched Tuesday run around the house for two days. Christmas had exploded everywhere.