~29~
"This seat taken?"
Attempting to hide her embarrassment with an overly bright smile, Sheridan hastily wiped at her eyes and stood up to accept the bear hug Hank pulled her into. "Hank, what are you doing here?"
"Forget that," Hank held her at arms length, searching her watery blue eyes. "The question is, what are *you* doing here? I ran into your niece at the luggage check-in. It looked like she had everything she owned and then some packed up and ready to go. Like she's leaving Harmony forever," he laughed. His laughter faded at the serious, somber expression she wore.
Sheridan bit her lip, busying her fingers with the soft leather of Hank's collar then moving on to the woolen fringe of the scarf around his neck. "We're going to catch some of the sales in New York before, before…" her voice wavered slightly before she carried on, shying away from his worried brown eyes. "She was really sweet, Hank. She offered to help me find a place to start over and to get me settled in, and I needed the friendly face so far from ho—so far away from Harmony."
Hank followed her to the cushioned chairs below, running a disbelieving hand through his hair as he cut her a glance from the corner of his eyes. "So this is it? You're really leaving this time?"
"I am," Sheridan whispered softly, leaning companionably against his solid form and taking comfort in the arm he tossed about her shoulders. "Marty and Luis," she paused, taking a long, shuddery breath, "they deserve so much better than me, Hank."
"Are you kidding, Beautiful?" Hank murmured against her temple as he held her close and let her cry on his shoulder. "You're the best damn thing that's ever happened to them."
Aww Hank and Fancy.
Sheridan's so down on herself; she's got herself convinced she's doing the right thing.
Your thoughts, Shaun?
;)
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It truly has put a smile on my face.
Thanks for reading!