I was just settling down with a book when Carter knocked on my door. "What are you doing here?" I asked sharply.

His eyes danced nervously. "I was hoping we could go for a walk. To catch up."

I was about to say no but the sadness in his eyes made me change my mind. I grabbed my coat. "OK," I said.

We walked down to the lake and walked along the beach. "Where's Annie?" I asked.

"At home with the baby-sitter," he said. "How've you been?" he asked.

I shrugged. "OK, I guess. You?"

"It's been hard," he said. "But I manage."

"What's been hard? Raising a child?"

He nodded. "Raising a child on my own."

"Where'd Jessica go? She get bored and run off with a salesman?" I snorted.

"She's dead."

"Oh shit. Carter, I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't mean . . ."

He laughed. "It's OK," I'm used to you putting your foot in your mouth."

"When did she die?" I asked.

"Two years ago. Breast cancer. Annie doesn't even remember her."

I could tell that the subject of his dead wife was slightly upsetting so I changed the topic to Annie. "She's only just turned three," he said. And she's the most wonderful kid in the world. I know most parents think that but it really is true. She's smart and funny. And so affectionate. She's my world."

"Ann Carter," I said. "Infant prodigy."

Carter shook his head. "Not Ann, Annabelle," he corrected. "Annabelle Joy Carter." He beamed with pride.

I smiled. "Well, I don't know if she's really as wonderful as you say, but she sure is beautiful."

His face lit up. "She is, isn't she?"

We were silent for a moment and then I asked the question I'd been dying to ask. "Why'd you come back?"

"I like it here," Carter said. "And I wanted to see you. But I . . . I didn't know how to call. I was sure you'd hate me." He glanced at me.

This was, of course, my cue to tell him that I didn't hate him. But I didn't say anything. I figured I could afford to just let him stew.

"You gonna work at county?"

"I don't know," he said. "Weaver's getting a little tired of me leaving all the time," he laughed.

"She's not the only one," I muttered.

Carter stopped walking and turned me towards him. "Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever done," he said. "And I'm sorry. But I had to go. I had to go because of Annie."

"I know," I said. "I understand why you left. And I don't hate you."

He looked relieved. "I've been so lonely, Abby," he said. "Even before Jessica died I was lonely. I was never connected to her the way I was, and still am, connected to you." He took my hand. "I know it's a lot to ask," he said. "But I'd really like another chance."

"I . . .I . . .I don't . . ." I stammered. "I don't know," I said, continuing down the beach.

He followed me. "Why not?"

I turned to him. "Because . . .because . . . I don't know why not," I said. "I just don't know."

"We could take it slowly," he said, inching towards me. "Please? Don't make me beg, Abby," he said, smiling.

I took a deep breath and let myself fall into him. He put his finger under my chin and tilted my face up. He kissed me, softly, briefly. "I missed you, John. God, I missed you."

All righty, everyone . . .don't forget to review! Yay! Happy Carby! For the moment at least . . .I'm not sure what will happen down the road but I can tell you that I am sick of all the angst so don't worry too much.