Chapter 78

"Wow, is it ever cold out there," he said as he shook snow off his head and ran his hands through his hair. He hung his winter jacket on the coat rack inside the door and made his way to the couch, rubbing his hands together. He stopped at the fireplace and began to start a fire.

"Thanks, Dave," Tory said as she stood by the fire to warm her cold hands.

"You're welcome," he answered. His heart had fallen into the ground when he walked by her car and saw it was loaded. Just inside the living room door sat three more suitcases and a small box, probably ready to go into the car. She was leaving him.

How could she just pack up and go without talking about it? How could he stay here after she was gone? The house would be empty without her happy laughter and presence. Instead full of memories of making love for the first time, and spending Sunday mornings in bed reading the paper and drifting off to sleep after making love again.