Part Two: Fifteen Years Later

(Clara POV)

"Clara! Angie's on the phone!" Tucker calls out from inside the house.

"Coming!" I put down the watering can I was using and dry my hands.

When I rush through the door, Tucker smiles warmly at me, still holding the speaker.

We've been married for more than nine years now, moved back to Wyoming two years ago. I worked as a surgeon after we got married, while Tucker made a business of his own. But we both decided to give up our jobs and move back to Wyoming to start a family. It's been three years since we started trying for a baby. Nothing's wrong with either of us, it seems like we're just unlucky. Tucker's okay with that, but I always feel like there's something missing between us.

Our life here is peaceful and joyful. We bought the rancher and live in the old farm house now. Wendy had moved to Washington several years back, and she just had her first child. It made me a little bitter when I heard about it, then I immediately hated myself for being jealous of her. How selfish was that! I just couldn't help it. I still can't.

"Hey, Angie!" I greet as I take the phone from Tucker.

"What took you so long?" Angie scowled.

"Well, I was outside, watering my garden. I ran straight back after you ringed, I swear!"

"O-kay. I don't remember strengthening to kill you."

"I just didn't want to upset you, that's all." I answered honestly.

"Just forget about it. Do you know why I'm calling?"

"Even I can't read you from this distance, you know."

"Well, time's flying. I'll just tell you. I'll pay you a visit soon, with Web, of course." I didn't miss the hesitation in her voice.

"That's great! But why were you-"

"Umm… I'll be bringing someone else, too."

It must be HIM. Angie wouldn't have used that tone otherwise. I don't know how to feel, I don't know what to think. I haven't seen him since my wedding day, hell, I haven't even talked to him since then.

"Angie…"

"I'm just telling you, he's coming. I spent a lot of time convincing him, and you can't talk me down."

I remain silent for a while, not knowing how to reply. I guess I'm not really against the idea of him coming, I'm just too nervous about seeing him again. We need a closure, I know that, but that doesn't stop me from dreading that moment.

"Okay. We'll be there when your flight arrives."

Angie must've thought that I'd argue more, 'cause it took her a moment to reply. "Alright, see you!"

After hanging up with Angie, I remain seated. I honestly don't know what to think now, the idea of him being here seems surreal.

"Clara? You done talking? When will they be here?"Tucker's voice brought me back to reality.

"Ummm, yeah. In a week." I need to tell him, but it's not something I can do right now. I have to be face to face with him.

When Tucker does come in, sweaty from his work in the stables, I give him a welcome kiss. "There's something you need to know."

"What? Can't I get one more kiss before you get serious?' He kisses my neck playfully.

"You'll get more than one later, but right now, we need to talk." I pull away.

I take his hands before I speak. "Angie told me that… that Christian is coming with them."

"Oh." As simple as that?

Seeing my stunned expression, he strokes my cheek. "Well, I'm not going to get mad over this. I think you both need to meet. After all these years… I know you're still connected somehow."

I look down, suddenly at a loss of words.

"Hey, I know. I'm not upset."

That brought a smile to my face. "Liar."

"Well, maybe I am, just a little bit. But I'm okay with it." He pulls me into a hug, "Just keep that in mind, alright?"

"Alright. Thank you."

(Christian POV)

I don't know how Angie did it. Well, I kind of know, she made Web do it. She knew that after spending the summer with me, Web wasn't ready to let me go. I couldn't deny him of anything.

Angie has been bugging me about starting a family of my own for years now. I think deep down, she knows it won't happen. It doesn't stop her from talking about it, though. Maybe this is her way of pushing me. And maybe she's right, maybe seeing her again will help me let it go.

When it's finally time, I pick up Angie and Web from the hotel they're staying.

"Hey, buddy."

"Uncle Christian." He answers sleepily.

I chuckle at the sleepiness in his voice, "You can take a nap. It'll be a while before we arrive."

I didn't think she would be there. Well, I should blame Angie, she didn't tell me about it.

Web runs to her as Angie follows behind.

"Aunt Clara!"

"Hey, Web!" She hugs him with enthusiasm.

I can't take my eyes off them. Seeing them together reminds me so much of the time we spent together, years ago. There was just the three of us, we were almost like a family. Web has never been with both of us at the same time after that, but I bet he knows about us. Angie can't keep secrets from Web, they tell each other everything.

I didn't realize I was walking until I'm right beside them. She turns to me with a nervous smile.

"Hey. You look good."

"Thanks, you do too." We're being overly polite. Neither of us lied, though, since we do look good. After all, we age much slower than most people.

We stay in their spare rooms beside the ranch. For a whole week, we dance around each other, never making eye contacts, never having real conversations.

I thought it was going to be like this until we leave, but no, it's impossible for us to have an uneventful period of time together.

It happens on the night before our departure. I wasn't able to sleep, so I took a walk alone. It never crossed my mind that I needed to talk to her, but when she approaches me in the darkness of the night, I realize we're having that talk, now.

"I don't think I'll be able to drive you guys to the airport tomorrow. I in this program of teaching kids in grade school, and I have to go early tomorrow." She says as she comes to a stop.

"It's okay. Thank you, I don't think I've had the chance to say that."

She looks down. "Sorry for avoiding you. I just didn't know where to start."

"Well, me neither. Guess we're on the same page on this one."

"Angie thinks you're still pinning after me." She blurts out.

"Oh… Angie." I put my hand on my forehead. "She's… Well, she's just worried about me. But I'm fine. Believe me."

"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. I shouldn't have said that." She's speaking very fast.

"No, no, no. I'm really okay. Seeing you happy helps me, too. I think I might be able to move on." And it's true. I might be ready to let go, after spending time with her.

She's quiet. I don't know what to say next. Impulsively, I touch her cheek. It's wet.

"Don't ever say sorry to me when you've done nothing wrong, okay? I'm not a child, I make my own choices."

She nods. I kiss her on the forehead briefly. It was a chaste kiss, I wasn't even thinking about more. "I guess this is goodbye."

A/N: I know it's been a long time, and I don't plan to lay out excuses. I started this story just after I finished the series, and the story of Clara and Christian was still fresh in my mind back then. But after a while, the memories started fading. I'm sorry if there're plot holes or mistakes in this one, 'cause I don't really remember the details of the books so much. XD

As I said in the last A/N, the story will be in several parts, so there will be more. I'm getting busy in real life, so I can't make any promises at the time. But I believe I will finish this story. Until next time!