“You and Lisa should be proud of him.”

Darlene’s eyes had begun to well. “Lou, before he went out to tell his advisers his decision, he asked me if I would stay with him if he resigned. I wasn’t surprised that I told him I would. What I was surprised about was that I found myself thinking about you when I did. Weird, because we’ve known each other such a short time.”

“Believe me, I’ve been thinking the same sort of thing.”

“I felt pretty sure that was the case.” Darlene shrugged what can you do? but her expression said much more. “I think the announcement is going to come tomorrow. It’s a shame. Martin’s not a bad man. He just made a bad mistake.”

“Is Victor outside?” Lou asked.

“Nope. He gave me his car when I asked. I came alone. Wasn’t sure I’d remember how to drive. I didn’t even know if you’d be home. It’s silly, I know, given our situations, but I … I just wanted to be sure you knew that when Martin leaves, I’ll be going with him.”

“Why wouldn’t you?” Lou asked, swallowing against the sudden appearance of a softball in his throat.

“As I told you, he and I were on shaky ground before all this happened. I was seriously starting to think about 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.”