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I shut the engine of the Bronco and look over at Vic, our hands apart, I flash a hint of a smile and offer a small nod of my head, giving her permission to embark on the conversation we are about to have.

As she enters the doorway, I mutter, "Make yourself comfortable I'll get the water on." Hanging my hat and coat, I see Vic negotiating her position on the couch. Grinding the coffee beans, I think of the last time I was in this position. Lizzie was in this kitchen desperately trying to negotiate her way into my heart but there wasn't room and I didn't want there to be room for her. I tried to get myself there, I really did, but not only did I fail her I failed myself.

I will not fail, Vic. I will not fail myself. Not this time because Vic has always been in my heart forging through the pain that took possession.

Coming back to the living room I ask," Are you cold?"

"No. I'm ok."

I sit on the edge of the coffee table, facing Vic, and rub my hands between my knees leaning forward and hoping to breathe in some courage with the air filling my lungs. I want to touch her.

Vic spontaneously says," Walt, I'm really sorry about this, maybe I should just go. Would you take me home?"

"If you want to leave, of course, I will take you home."

Vic stands and leans down for her purse and I move to take her hand gently within my own, "I will do whatever you want, Vic, but it really is time for us to talk, even if it's for a few moments."

She sits back down, looks at me, and I see a hint of weakness in her eyes, and fear, but I also see love.

"Do you want to know why I was so mad at Dave?"

"I have an idea." She confirms to me that she did not hear my conversation with Dave.

She holds her head down like she is ashamed but my head matches hers as I speak, "I'm sorry, Vic."

She looks up and away as I add, "I'm sorry that I have been so slow and have kept you waiting. " I move her hair so I can see her eyes.

I see the tears start to well.

My mind echoes don't cry, my love.

"Walt, you confuse me."

She takes a deep breath and lets it out as she speaks, her eyes penetrating my own, "After nearly a year, I decided that I need to live for me and not for you. It was hard making that decision because it meant that I had to accept that either you were never going to move on or you didn't have the courage to move on but the most painful conclusion I made was that you don't think I was worth moving toward."

My thumb rubs her fingers as a tiny show of support.

"Dave is a really nice, smart, and sexy guy. He's a good catch, Walt, but sadly he's not you." She looks at me, her eyes are wet but the tear hasn't fallen. It's as stubborn as she is.

"You are worth moving toward. I just don't want to be broken when I get there.

I look away willing the tears that are forming inside to take refuge and not reveal themselves to the world. I can feel the hurtful lump in my throat. I have to step forward and set the last piece of truth free.

This is so hard.

I move closer, our eyes not averting, "I have no right to ask you to hold on. I have no right to ask you to be patient. I have no right to ask you to wait. The only thing that gives me the courage to ask you all of those things is because I am a man in love. As that man, I need to actually be a man which, for me, means being able to offer you the whole of me."

We are so close now our lips are almost touching and I can feel the electric pulses through her body. "Vic, will you wait for me?"

Her voice quivers, the warmth of her breath cascades over me, and her tears finally fall, "Yes, but only because I love you."


Ok, so this will end up being much longer than a short story because we still have a murder to solve! I hope you keep reading and it's not too boring. Thank you for the reviews and the messages. The Posse Rocks and don't forget to hit social media tonight!