Chapter 8- the goodbye
Thirty nine minutes later he stood outside her door not wanting to knock, his bag setting beside him on the floor. His ability to hold back time failed him, and when she opened the door, the sight of her suitcases piled neatly behind her made his heart want to stop. He forced a smile, "I thought maybe we could do lunch outside the Smithsonian before I take you to the airport?" "Sounds great," she replied with a smile. "But you should know that I am kind of a museum freak, so if you are gonna tease me with it now, know that you are promising me a full tour later." "It's a deal," he agreed. "No," she corrected him, "it's a date."
Luggage loaded, check-out complete he smiled when she took his hand as they walked to his car. They found a beautiful spot in the garden, next to an a la carte which they found out served pretty amazing ham and cheese hoagies. They sat on a cement bench, and he listened while she told him all the details of her meeting with the boss they had completely ignored the night before. "So, you'll be here for good in 63 days," he mentioned, clearing his throat. She smiled, "oh, is that all?" she teased leaning in to place a light kiss on his unsuspecting lips. Several times she asked people to take their pictures, and despite his objection she held the camera away and made him push the button to take a picture while they kissed.
The drive to the airport was somber at best, his natural doubt returning that he might never talk to her again. Spencer wished for a moment he was more like Morgan, able to write off experiences as fond memories and move on to the next best thing. He cringed at the thought of Morgan sharing the weekend with Delaney, which must have showed on his face. She laughed at his expression which startled him out of his own little world. His smile returned as she leaned in, linking her fingers with his hand resting on the console.
At the airport she checked her bags, and faced him waiting for him to say anything. He could think of nothing, so he just smiled. She took his hand, and reaching in her pocket left the pink ribbon she had worn in her hair dangling from his palm. He laughed out loud as he thought about how long ago that seemed. Sliding his arms around her, she leaned into the embrace, neither one ready to let go or say goodbye. They stood nose to nose for a moment, her on her tip-toes, before she broke the silence, "It is going to be a long 63 days. I know as soon as I get on the plane you are supposed to call dad and give him a play by play report, but maybe for his sake you could leave out a few scenes." Spencer smiled, "You don't think he'd approve?" She laughed, "No, he'd probably be thrilled actually. But he would also begin to plan the wedding." He feigned a pained face. "Call me when you land. I promise I will give your father a glowing review, but not one that gives away the ending." He kissed her again, and then watched her disappear into the crowded terminal. He lingered a moment longer, calculating hours, minutes and seconds until he might kiss her again.