Tom would make a quick stop at his house before heading off to his last job. Although he had one more job for the day, he thought it best to make sure that everything was going well he left for what could be most of the night. He almost relished this last little trinket of the day because Tom was convinced that it would be his last job for the Collins family. He had handed Roger Collins his resignation the day before, who had begrudgingly accepted it. He told Tom that he was a wonderful employee and that He would find him a hard worker to replace. Although he felt flattered, he made sure that Mr. Collins realized that he would not cave in and stick around town. He told him of his plans to leave Maine for the West Coast. "That's very nice, Tom," he had said in his dignified manner. "You should live out your dreams while you're still young. But tell me, do you have enough money saved to start your life over?"

"I believe so, sir."

"I'm afraid that's not a good enough answer." Roger left him for a moment to go into the study. When she returned, she carried with her a leather clad book. Tom knew it was one of those large checkbooks. Was she going to give him money? Tom began to speak up but Mr. Collins silenced him immediately. "I know what you're thinking, Tom, and I can assure you that I am not just giving you this money. Tomorrow, you will perform you last duty for this family. My estranged wife's brother is moving into one of the family properties that have been left unoccupied for many years. I want you to check it out and make sure everything is as it should be. Is that fair?"

Tom had not been willing to argue with him, especially not after taking a peak at the amount she was going to pay him.

When he pulled into the driveway, Tom was greeted by Amy's joyous smile. She nearly tackled him as he stepped out of the car, rapping her arms around his legs and hugging her body close to his as she pushed him into the door. "You've got to see the house," she squealed. "It looks so strange."

"I bet it does." Tom swept Amy from the ground and carried her inside. Just as she had said, the house did look strange. Tom could not remember a time when the walls had been as bare as they were now. Every picture and drawing had been stripped away and packed into the boxes that sat in the living room floor. All of the good furniture would follow them across the county; the refuse would be either sent to Goodwill or given away to anyone who happened to want it. In a few days, the Jennings' home would be officially sold off and the last of the family would have left Collinsport for good. Even Chris had been notified of this event, and he seemed as thrilled as anyone did. They would all be starting over now. Tom couldn't be more thrilled.

Genevieve wandered out of one of the back rooms. Her hair was tied into a natty ponytail and her clothes were stained by the dust the lined the old walls. To Tom, she seemed radiant nonetheless. She began to wrap her arms around his shoulders, but suddenly pulled away. "You don't mind the dust, do you?"

"Not from you." Tom accepted Genevieve's arms, and, in turn, her mouth as she reached up to kiss him. When they released, he pulled her close, and, together, they surveyed the work they had done over the last few days. "I can't believe that we will be out of this house by the end of the week," he mused.

"I know," agreed Genevieve. "Soon, we'll be starting over again. We'll be married and together, we'll raise Amy and . . . "

"Whatever else we can make in the next few years?"

"Bingo." Genevieve's lips wandered up his neck and gently tugged at his earlobe. "Why don't we start on that tonight?"

"After work."

Genevieve cringed and pulled out his arms. "I don't think you should do that job," she said quietly. "We don't need the money. I'm sure Mr. Collins would understand."

"But I promised him that I would do this . . . and we do need the money."

"I still don't like it."

"Well, you've never liked this job," snapped Tom.

"It's not that you're working for the Collins family," insisted Genevieve. "I've just got a bad feeling about this one. I want you to stay home with Amy and me. I want to know that you're safe."

Tom stared at Genevieve from across the room, amazed by how afraid she was of something so simple as THIS job. He groaned before moving to her, taking her into his arms and holding her tight. "It'll be alright, I swear. I'll finish as quickly as I can and come straight home. Do you know that it'll be a clear night tonight? We'll get a blanket and some wine. We'll make love beneath the heavens and watch the stars twinkle as we bask in each other's glory. Would you like that?" Genevieve nodded. "Great. Then we'll do that after I get back. Okay?"

"Okay." Genevieve kissed him hard, harder than she had in quite awhile. She called for Amy the moment they released. "I'll see you when you get back."

Tom kissed her again and made his way toward the door. Amy intercepted him only feet from his destination, holding her arms up to him with a gleefully expression on her face. He took her into his arms and let her press her small body against his. "How long are you going to be, Tom? Not too long I hope."

"It'll all depends on what Mr. Blair wants from me." He sat Amy back down and rose to leave. For some odd reason, he picked Amy back up and kissed her again. He ran a finger down her nose and asked, "You're going to be good while I'm gone, aren't you." Amy nodded. Tom watched as his sister ran up to his girlfriend and, for the first time, realized that the three of them would be rid of this house in a few days. Soon, the Jennings clan would be kissing Collinsport goodbye. He knew that he shouldn't be so happy about it, but he was. He had so many conflicting emotions centered on his hometown. By the end of the week, Tom would be free of creaky old town. The thought was enough to make his upcoming job seem pleasant.

Tom smiled and walked toward the front door. Before going out to his car, he turned back into the house and said, "Goodbye for now. I'll see you both tonight."