"Yes. Thank you for calling me, Dr. Geoffrey," Zach said before closing his cell phone and placing it in the pocket of his suit jacket. He reached down and hefted the suitcase he had dropped to answer the call and carried it to his sedan. After stowing the bag in the trunk he slipped into the driver's seat and took one last look at the condominium complex that had been his home. He heaved a deep sigh before pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road leading out of Pine Valley.

He had been surprised the evening before that there were no calls from Bianca or Myrtle asking him to return to the hospital to see Kendall. He had received several messages from the hospital when Kendall had tried to reach him during the hearing, and even had one brief message from Kendall herself on his cell phone. Even knowing she had started speaking again had not prepared him for the surge of emotions that had assailed him at the sound of her voice. Listening to it had been so wonderful… and so sad… and he had replayed the message several times just to savor the fact that she could speak again.

What he had not told Bianca or Myrtle was of the plans he had made to leave Pine Valley as soon as he knew that Kendall was protected. The last thing that she needed was an almost ex-husband hanging around to remind her of her mistakes. He had heard the doctors' warnings that her memory might be affected by the coma, and her behavior towards him before the restraining order made it very clear that she did not recall the time when their business marriage had become more. He did not expect her to reciprocate his love… but in the time that he had been away from her he realized that Erica had been right that Kendall had been trying to tell him in every way possible that she resented his intrusion into her life. He certainly couldn't blame her… without remembering the warm closeness they achieved in working together all she would remember was the cold and withdrawn facade that he presented to the world.

His cell phone rang and he reached into the jacket pocket to retrieve it. Snapping it open he barked, "Slater."

On the other end of the line was his assistant Edie, "Zach? Are you on your way out of town?"

"I am," Zach answered. "Everything under control?"

"Of course. You asked me to let you know when he arrived," Edie replied. "Boss?"

"Yes, Edie," Zach answered in resignation. He already knew what she was going to ask. As his most trusted employee, she was granted latitude that no one else enjoyed.

"Are you absolutely certain this is what you want to do? I mean… Kendall called here looking for you yesterday. And Bianca called this morning," she said.

"Edie… I know what I'm doing. I appreciate your concern. Just make sure that he gets settled in… show him the ropes. I'll be in touch," Zach answered before ending the call.

Concentrating on the interstate for a few minutes he tried to wipe his mind clean of thoughts but could not. Instead he placed the cell phone on the passenger seat as he pushed the speaker option and replayed the single voice message that he hadn't erased. Kendall's voice rang out clearly, "Zach… I… need… to… talk… to… you. Please… call… me… back."

Tears blurring his eyes for just a moment, he closed the phone and turned on the radio. As the smooth jazz tones emanated from the speakers, he took a ragged breath and let it out slowly. He could not… he would not… allow himself to feel any regret or remorse for his decision. She had only asked him to return her phone call. Nothing had changed. His love was nothing but a burden and he could not do that to Kendall. She would be okay now, and it was time for him to move on.

No one was going to make it easy on him, though. He recalled the difficult conversation he had with Livia Frye earlier that morning. Knowing that she often went into the office before her staff arrived, he was waiting outside the door with two cups of coffee and some pastries.

"Zach!" Livia said with surprise as she unlocked the door and ushered him in. "What brings you here this early?"

"Tying up loose ends," Zach answered.

After seating themselves in Livia's office she asked, "What can I do for you? If this is about visiting Kendall, the hospital knows that the restraining order has been lifted. You can stop by anytime. As her husband, you're not bound by visiting hours."

"No. I haven't changed my mind. I just wanted to take care of some paperwork," Zach replied as he handed a document to her.

"What's this?" Livia responded, but Zach waited silently for her to open it and read it over. When she had finished she laid the paper on her desk and folded her hands before replying, "The divorce petition. You want it re-filed?"

"Yes," Zach said with a nod.

"If I file this then you'll be granted an immediate divorce from Kendall. Don't you want to wait and see what she wants?" Livia asked softly.

"No need. This is Kendall's freedom. First Erica, now me… and then Bianca as soon as she's strong enough," Zach answered in an equally quiet tone.

"No," Livia answered. Zach tilted his head to the side but waited patiently for her to continue. After a moment's silence she said, "I won't do it. You love her. You're supposed to fight for the person you love. You once talked me into doing something without consulting my other client… I won't do that again. If you want a divorce, then you'll have to ask her for it yourself… or wait until the judge signs Kendall's petition."

"Very well," Zach answered. He handed her a business card with a handwritten address on the reverse. "I'll be leaving town on business. I can be reached through any of these numbers."

As Livia accepted the card he reached down to pick up the divorce petition. She laid her hand on it firmly and would not allow him to pick it up, "No. I don't think so, Zach."

Zach smiled briefly and answered, "You have my word that I will not have another attorney file this petition."

"Kendall and Bianca have both told me that you're a man of your word and I've seen a few examples of that myself. All right. As long as I have your word," she answered. At his nod, she relinquished the document. "But… why? If you're not going to file it?"

"A memento," Zach answered. He folded the paper and placed it in his pocket before extending his hand. "Thank you, Livia. Please… continue to protect her."

"Of course, Zach," Livia replied. "I'm not going to see you again, am I?"

"I don't know," he answered. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Zach," she answered. He said no more but let himself out of the office.

He had driven back to his condo. Once there he called a courier that the casino used frequently and made a final check of the condo for his personal items. He placed the divorce petition in a large manila envelope and stood for a moment at the window gazing across the courtyard towards Kendall's empty condominium. After a few moments he seated himself at the dining table and wrote a brief note to add to the envelope.

Kendall,

I'm sorry for the pain that I have caused you. I enjoyed being your husband for the brief time we were married. Although you may not understand it now, this is the best thing that I have ever done. Your happiness is all that matters, and I will rest easy knowing that you are in good hands. Get well, and know that I will always think of you fondly. I hope that one day you can feel the same.

Zach

Zach placed the note into the envelope with the legal document and sealed the flap. He addressed it to Kendall and waited for the courier to arrive. He called the local florist he preferred and verified that regular deliveries of flowers would resume to Kendall beginning that day. They had instructions to vary the style and flower types, but never to use pink roses. He had also arranged through Edie to move the order to a local florist in Minnesota if Kendall chose to receive her therapy at Dr. Geoffrey's clinic.

After the courier had come and gone, Zach had picked up his suitcase and departed the condo. He paused briefly to take Dr. Geoffrey's call before departing. Knowing that Kendall had chosen to leave Pine Valley had greatly relieved him… Erica and the others would not be close by to interfere with Kendall's recovery. He could leave without any nagging doubts, reassured in the knowledge that Bianca would ensure Kendall's welfare. If it was possible at all for a complete recovery, she would have it… because he knew that Kendall and Bianca were both strong enough to make it happen.

Several hours later, Zach pulled into a lot and parked his car. He removed his suitcase from the trunk of his car and entered a building he had only visited twice before. It was time to start a new life. He should be used to that by now… he had certainly done it often enough in his life… but never before had he done it with such a heavy heart.