Page 144 of The Image of You

Sad as she left each place, holding the memory of our time there in her tears.

My wife.

* * *

I looked over at her, her expression reflective as she gazed outside into the dark sky surrounding the plane.

“What are you thinking?”

She smiled as she turned her head, resting her chin on my shoulder. I leaned my cheek on her head. “You look very serious.”

“I’m thinking I’m glad to be going home. And yet,” she sighed, the sound sad and quiet, “I don’t want it to be over.”

“It’s not. We’re just going to reconnect with our lives here. Check in on everyone and then decide our next step. We can go away again, stay here, move—whatever you want.” Brushing my fingers along her cheek, I smiled. “Home isn’t four walls anymore. It’s where you are.”

She snuggled closer. “I always thought I was a homebody, but I’m already longing for the next adventure.”

“That’s because your wings were clipped, Nightingale. I’ll take you anywhere you want to go. Name it, and it’s yours.”

“Africa?”

I snickered into her hair. I knew she’d want that next. She wanted to meet Peter and Edwina. She wanted to meet the children. To see the place I had spent all those months without her and visit the clinic Elena’s money had founded.

“If that’s what you want. You’ll need some shots.”

“I know. I already checked.”

“Of course you did. How about we get home and settle in for a while, and we’ll plan it, yeah?”

“I’m not sure I’m ready for real life again.”

“Real life?”

“People…questions.” She hesitated.

“We’ve been gone for six months—it’s old news. People will have moved on to more important stories.” I grinned. “Besides, the ex-groom has moved on as well.”

Bradley had announced the cancelation of their wedding in a simple statement, then left town for his new life. He sent Ally a text about four months into our trip, telling her he had met a neurosurgeon and fallen—hard. They were already living together, and he now understood, more than ever, how wrong his actions had been. He expressed his apologies and hoped one day she would meet Jillian, to whom he had lost his heart. He also hoped one day to earn her forgiveness.

Ally was pleased for him. I was glad it was something she didn’t feel bad about anymore and slightly disappointed there didn’t seem to be any excuse to have to hit him again. He had moved on, so I had no reason to dislike him as strongly. I still did, though.

“You’re right.”

The announcement came over the speaker that we were beginning our final descent. I kissed her hand. “You ready?”

“As long as I have you, then I’m good.”

“Then you’re set for life.”

* * *

The loft was clean and ready for us. We set down our bags and looked around. It was the same, and yet so different. The space was large and felt rather empty.

“We need more furniture,” Ally mused.

I laughed. “Ten seconds and she’s ready to shop.” I grabbed my messenger bag and put it on the desk. “We can find you whatever you like. Maybe we want a different place.”

She paused as she reached for her case. “A different place?”