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“Yes, but never the happy times It’s always overshadowed by my death I don’t want to be the cause of so ht his hands up to stroke her hair “Noyourself on my account, Vannah, please”

“I’m sorry” Her body shook “I had no idea—”

“I know But now that you do I need a proe on those”

“What do you want me to promise?” I don’t like this

“That you will battle your way to the place and tihts of me make you smile, and add happiness and joy” He delivered a shaky smile

“Clark –”

“I know you don’t think you can do it, but you can I have faith in you The strength you possess is so reater than you’ve ever realized Hell, I think it kept me fed a time or then I was at my lowest” His hands stilled and he leaned back in, pressed his lips to hers The kiss tasted like goodbye “We can’t do this to ourselves anyo of the missed opportunity”

“Are you leaving?” Panic tensed her muscles I’m not ready!

“Not until this is done But I won’t ht” The words sliced through her, deflated the tiny balloon of hope that had begun to rise He placed a finger on her lips “It’s a lot to take in right now, I know I think we both need space” She wanted to grab onto hi

With hiuilt, and a lifetime of memories felt sur down or going back to the way it was before Lean on, Carey He’s ready to be your rock” Heher mouth with her hand she muffled the cry of protest that burst free when he disappeared

I can’t go inside like this A look in her rearview mirror told her she was a red-ri breaths later she pulled out into traffic and headed toward the one person she kneould understand–Carey

A knock caun from its holster Took off the safety and walked toward the door Though he’d never voiced his concern out loud he realized through him the killers had a second chance to co-ups His steps were carefully ainst the wall he leaned over and peered out the peephole

The sight of Vannah worried and relieved him at the saun, and opened the door

“What happened, Vannah?”

She stepped inside and wrapped her arms around her waist He rubbed her arms