You feel a sharp pang in your heart as you watch her sleep, knowing that this is it. The final good-bye.
She rolls over gently in her sleep and the pang comes back full force because again you know that never again will she roll over into your arms. It was some job in D.C, a good one at that. At first you were hesitant, you didn't know how she'd react so you decided not to tell her, thinking it would be best for her. She was always so strong, and carefree, and dangerous, don't forget dangerous. You smile gently as she swipes at the invisible fly on her nose, looking so innocent, yet so damn sexy. You'll never kiss that cute little button nose again, you'll never hold that hand and be able to wonder at its softness. This was for the best you tell yourself knowing that you will never ever forget her. She was one of those people who steps into your life and changes the course of your destiny forever. You gently close your eyes and inhale deeply, imprinting her scent forever into your mind. As you think of how she'll probably act you want to forget the job and crawl in right next to her. You know she'll miss you, she'll cry, and you'll wish that you had never left, but then she'll move on, on into someone elses arms and you'll know that not only did she reshape your destiny but you hers. She turns again and you laugh at the poor schmuck that will have to deal with her restless sleeping. Then your laugh dies when you realize that you still want to be that schmuck.
Turning around you pause at the door and revel in the fact that you had a place in this firecrackers life. You smile again and quietly close the door, stopping before it's completely closed and you whisper, "Later...Cupcake."
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The next morning Stephanie Plum awoke to the feeling that something had changed and she knew what had. Joe was gone. Burying her face in the pillow covered with one of his shirts she sobbed until she felt that she could finally pull herself together. As she sat up oh so slowly, she smiles, knowing just knowing, the world would turn again. Just not now.