Okay so this chapter would take place in 2013 and it actually could fit in with my story time to change but I am not going through all the events of that story to get there before I post it.

Chapter: 2 Guilt, Loss, and Hope

"Natalie, honey where are you?" Adrian called quietly as he made his way downstairs. He woke up at 4:30 in the morning to find the other side of the bed empty and went looking for Natalie. He found her in the living room curled on the couch clutching something in her arms and fast asleep tiptoeing over to her he saw the open bottle of wine on the table in front of her and a picture frame she was clutching. She knew that picture frame, it was hers and Mitch's wedding photo. It was clear that Natalie had been crying. Adrian had been expecting this reaction last year but she had been fine then, now she clearly wasn't fine, Adrian didn't know if it was because she was feeling guilty about the life they shared or simply because today was the 15-year anniversary. 15 years ago, today Mitch's plane had gone down and Natalie was notified that her husband had died.

Adrian quietly got rubber gloves and cleaned up the used tissues then put the rest of the wine back into the fridge. Finally, he leaned in close to Natalie wrapping one arm under her shoulders and the other holding her knees. Adrian then stood back up carefully lifting Natalie off the couch. She instinctively nuzzled his neck and wrapped an arm around his neck but stayed asleep. Adrian took his time walking them back upstairs to the bedroom and slowly laying her back in bed. Adrian crawled into bed next to Natalie, slowly brushing the hair off her beautiful face, watching her breathe. She looked so peaceful now but Adrian knew that inside her brain there must be turmoil. Adrian let Natalie sleep for a few more hours but was so worried about Natalie that he didn't let himself even a moments rest.

Natalie woke up slowly hours later, it took a minute before she remembered what today was. Tears immediately welled in her eyes and she turned over seeing Adrian's worried eyes looking back at her. A new wave of guilt washed over Natalie and the tears started to spill down her cheeks. "Hi," Adrian whispered as he wiped her tears away.

"Adrian I'm so sorry," Natalie managed to choke out.

"You have nothing to be sorry about," Adrian pulled Natalie close to him holding her tight. "you haven't done anything wrong."

"We have so much, I shouldn't feel this bad."

"Natalie, that might be why you feel bad," Adrian kissed her forehead and rubbed soothing circles on her back. "If anyone understands feeling guilty about moving on it's me." This got a small smile from Natalie. "so, we have a few more hours to ourselves, I had an idea with what we could do."

/

Two hours later they arrived at their destination, "you coming with me?" Natalie asked as she went to get out the passenger seat.

"You want me with you?" Adrian asked in surprise.

"Always."

Adrian took the keys from the ignition and got out of the car walking over to Natalie and taking her hand. Together they walked to the tree, the tree that Natalie shared with Mitch. Adrian held her hand where she traced over the carving. Just like Natalie, the tree had not completely healed, and the initials could still be seen. ND + MT. Mitch had carved it on the tree minutes before he proposed to Natalie. Natalie showed Adrian this tree years ago before they were together.

"Hi Mitch," Natalie said, "I miss you, I can't believe it has been 15 years already. Julie got the lead in Berkley's big production this year, but I guess you already know that. I have been doing well, but I guess you know that too. I want you to know even though I am happy I do still miss you and love you." Natalie stopped talking as she started to silently cry again.

"Mitch, I should probably introduce myself, I am Adrian Monk," he spoke shyly pausing to make sure Natalie had no objections. "I know I could never replace you, but I love Natalie and Julie very much and I try to take care of them."

"He does, you would like him, Mitch, I promise," Natalie said. "I am sorry I fell apart a little today Mitch, I try to be strong for you but I just miss you so much."

Natalie and Adrian spent another hour there talking with Mitch. Natalie did most of the talking, Adrian just there for comfort and support.

At 3:00 Adrian's alarm went off. "I am so sorry honey but it's 3:00, we are supposed to be at TK and Leland's by 4:00. Do you want me to call a cab and go by myself or…"?

"No, that's fine, I am ready to go," Natalie said. "Goodbye Mitch, I love you." Natalie took Adrian's hand again, "thank you for taking me here today Adrian. You are a great husband," Natalie leaned over kissing Adrian's cheek. "Now let's go pick up Grace from the Stottlemeyer's."