Chapter 2

Audrey looks at the grave in front of her. They'd kept it simple, with only his name and the dates. Vince had insisted, however, on putting an engraving of the tattoo on it. "No one has ever deserved it more." He'd said.

"I still miss you, you know." It's not a question. "I think I always will. But you were right, as always." A single tear makes it down her cheek and she smiles softly at the grave. "Things are so different now. You've made being a cop in Haven completely boring. Just routine things every day. Stan is getting fat on doughnuts." She talks to him about everyday things, like their old conversations. "Dwight is police chief now, believe it or not. It's really weird, but since there's nothing to 'clean up' anymore, he didn't really know what else to do with his time. He's rather good at it, and it turns out he really has a way with people." She chuckles, staring a little longer before going on.

"Duke's still keeping his promise. He's been really good to me. He still runs the Gull, and I don't think he'll ever get rid of it or of the Cape. He's fixed both of them up though – probably because Lucy loved going out on it so much." She stares into the distance now, and without realizing it she hugs herself a little tighter as the cool wind picks up. In a second, Duke is beside her, pulling a coat over her shoulders and she smiles at him. She can't help the little jibe, "I didn't really believe you when you said I could love him.."

"Ouch." He's quick to respond, but they're still smiling at each other.

"But you were right again. I did." She looked down at the grave again, and her hands curved around her pregnant belly and her smile turned sad. "We found out it's a boy yesterday, and we decided to call him Nathan." Duke hugs her just a little tighter. "I'm surprised he suggested it."

"Yeah, well, we need a Nathan running around this place – it's way too quiet." They both chuckle this time, and Audrey's isn't the only one containing traces of loss.

"Lucy is really excited about finally having a younger sibling. She says she should have had one when she was two, five is almost too old to have a little brother running around, but at least she's old enough to care for him."

"Smart and Sassy, just like her mom." Duke chips in again, before placing a quick kiss on Audrey's cheek and turning away, back to the car where Lucy was waiting. He's learned enough about Audrey and her body language to know she needs a moment.

"He's a good man." She says as Duke walks away. "Um…" hesitation, and she's crying a little harder now. Still quietly, but the tears fall quicker. "You've been gone almost ten years now Nathan, and although I still miss you sometimes, I have a happy life now – just like you wanted for me. But I'm not free yet, because I haven't let you go. And that's why I'm here." She sighs. "I will never forget you, but I'm happy, really happy, now. I have a man who loves me, and who I love, a beautiful daughter, a son on the way, and it's right. Thank you for that." She places a quick kiss on her fingertips before running her hand over the top of the gravestone.

"You okay?" Duke calls from a few steps behind her. She can't help but smile at the worry in his voice.

"Yes, I'll be there in a second." She looks back at the stone for what would probably be the last time. "Goodbye Nathan. I love you."

With that she walks back to her husband, who takes her in his arms and lovingly wipes away the tears. Audrey kisses him in thanks, and he hugs her tightly. "Come." She says when he pulls back. "Let's go home."

And they do.

AN: My First Haven piece. It almost killed me writing this, but once I had the idea, it just wouldn't go away. I'm actually a big fan of Nathan/'Audrey pairings, but sometimes you just can't help but notice the almost resigned way Duke loves Audrey from afar and puts her happiness before his.

I'm considering writing a full piece about Audrey and Duke's life together. Please let me know what you think! Any reviews welcome!