“You and my mom will get along great. She’s forever sending us off with goodies.” He accepted the bag and graced her with a smile. “Thank you.”
A bittersweet smile surfaced from Jane. “No, thank you for being here this week and all your help. We look forward to seeing you soon.”
“I’ll be back to fly home with Monica. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you.”
Ron stepped forward. “Be safe, son. We’ll have to work in that fishing trip when you come one time.”
“We sure will, sir.” He looked to Monica who came to him. “Ready?”
“I’ll be back in a few hours,” she told her parents. “I am planning to stop by the hospital after dropping Rex off.”
“Take your time.” Jane made a shooing gesture. “We’ll be fine here.”
Monica couldn’t bring herself to speak for the first few minutes of the trip, afraid if she did, she would break down in tears.
Rex glanced to her before taking the ramp for the interstate. “I called the rental company yesterday to tell them you’ll be the only driver now. They said that’s not a problem since both of our names are on the papers.”
“Thanks. I didn’t even think of that.”
Silence fell again. She didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t further the lonesome feeling creeping about, ready to pounce once Rex stepped on the plane. She fidgeted with the radio, trying to find a station, but every song that played was slow and sappy. Finally, she turned the power off and sank back in her seat. They reached the airport with minimal delay and parked in short term parking. Rex took his bags from the trunk, and Monica met him at the rear of the car.
“Let’s say our goodbyes out here. I don’t want to see you walk through those gates,” she said, holding back her tears.
“It’s not forever.” He drew her into a warm embrace.
“But there are no guarantees,” she said in a hushed tone. Carries death had irrevocably changed how she viewed the present and future.
Rex wiped a lone tear from her cheek. “No, there isn’t. That’s why we should love to our fullest every day. And right now, Emily and your family need that love from you.”
“I know.” She leaned against his chest breathing in and savoring every sense she was able, his musky scent and his comforting shoulder, the hum of his heart beating, and the warmth of his touch.
He rested his chin on her head and they stood there, shunning the outside world as they immersed themselves in each other. For a moment time stood still giving them precious minutes to carry them through the following weeks of separation. At last they pulled apart in a battle of will versus necessity.
“I love you always,” Rex whispered.
“I love you forever,” Monica replied finding comfort in their mantra.
He handed her the keys to the car, then without restraint brought her to him for a final, lingering kiss. Without another word, he grabbed his bags and left.
***
Rex sat in his house, completely and utterly alone. Beau had taken Chance with him to visit Jenna in New Orleans, Lacey and Tom were out for the evening, and Mom had an event at church. He even contemplated calling the guys at work, but they’d want to go for a drink. After the emotional wringer he’d been through, indulging in a beer or two would be a terrible idea…but it could blur the loneliness.
Get a grip, Fontenot. He called in a pizza to the one place that delivered out to his house and grabbed a soda from the fridge. Settling down in his recliner he turned the TV on, wishing he had something other than basic channels. He’d had cable for a few months, but he wasn’t home often enough to warrant the expense.
A new episode of a police drama he watched intermittently was on, so he stopped flipping channels and tried to concentrate on the show. As the episode ended, the doorbell rang, and he collected his pizza.
He ate his dinner, indulged in a slice too many of the loaded meat pizza, then turned off the television and decided to call it an early night. The upcoming week at work promised to be busy so he might as well sleep while he could. He took a quick shower and was walking into his bedroom when the phone rang. A broad smile broke out when he saw Monica’s name on the screen.
“Good evening, beautiful.” He was glad no one was around to the cheesy smile on his face.
“Same to you.” Monica’s smile came through in her tone. “I’m sorry I missed your call when you landed. Mr. and Mrs. Russell took us all out for dinner before Emily comes home tomorrow. Once she is released, she must stay home for at least a month except for doctor’s appointments. Of course, I left my phone sitting on the dresser and since I rode with my parents, I couldn’t just come back to get it.”
“How was dinner?”
“The food was delicious. I’m worried about Matt, though. All week he seemed to be coming to terms with what happened, but tonight that dark expression in his eyes returned.”
“Maybe it’s the anxiety of Emily coming home tomorrow. His parents are staying at the house, right?”
