Chapter 2: A week earlier
"I'm only going to be gone a week, Abbey. That's not even enough time for you to miss me."
"Jed, I miss you everyday that I don't see you."
He could tell that her voice was not quite stable.
Jed walked over to where Abbey was sitting in the wheelchair.
"Your ankle is the reason you're not going with me to Europe. If you had not broken it so stupidly on that hike, you could be coming with me. But the doctor doesn't want you to travel for the next few weeks. Surely, as a doctor, you understand that."
"Well, I can understand it without accepting it."
He leaned down and gave her a kiss. "Hon, I know you're frustrated, but I'm not going to risk your health. Why don't you call Zoey, and have her come over and keep you company? Charlie will be with me and I know Zoey will need some company. So see, this works out great. I'm with Charlie and you're with Zoey."
"Damnit, Jed. That is not what I had planned. I had even bought some special new garments for the trip. We were going to be in Paris after all. You know, the City of Love?"
Jed smiled. "Well, when I get back, you can model them for me."
Abbey smiled. "How about right now?"
If only. "Sorry, hon. I have to get back downstairs and finish the trip briefing."
"Damn it, Jed. We haven't had any time for us for at least two weeks and you'll be gone another week."
"I know, Sweet Knees, but that means the reunion will be that much sweeter."
"Yeah."
"Goodnight, Abbey."
"Night, Jed. I love you." Abbey fought back tears of frustration.
A brief kiss and Jed was gone again.
Damn foot. She always thought her husband was the family klutz, but she was starting to give him a run for his money.
A two minute call in the morning to say goodbye, and Jed was gone to a week-long European conference.
Abbey knew her world wasn't going to be right until he returned.