Chapter 5

Laura walked Jean to her car, thanking for the wine, food and advice. She watched her pull away before turning back to the house, the home she shared with the man she loved. Inside she set about keeping herself busy. Jean's words played on a loop in her mind.

She hadn't realized how much of herself she had lost in the past year. Somehow she had sublimated her own needs to make sure Robbie was happy. She supposed to a certain extent one always did that in a relationship.

Being alone for as long as she had had taken its toll on her psyche. So happy to finally be in a relationship, not just with anyone, but with the love of her life had changed her, made her less her. She needed to find a way to be her again.

She looked at the clock, suddenly realizing how late it was. Anger flared, deep within her. How could he think it was acceptable to not call, text, something? If he had been injured who would the hospital call? She wasn't family, what rights would she have. Tears filled her eyes as she realized he could be dead and there was a real possibility she wouldn't know.

Shaking her head, trying, in vain, to push the thoughts from her mind. James would call her, he would know. She thought about Jean's comments around James. His gleeful expression as he told her about Robbie filled her mind. He'd taken pleasure from her pain, had reveled in it. Perhaps he wouldn't call.

An all new fear filled her. She'd always depended on James and Robbie to take care of each other. With James the way he was, would he? Would James look after Robbie as he always had? She knew Robbie would protect James, with his life if necessary. Would James do the same?

She made a cup of tea, hoping the ritual would calm her. In her mind, she knew she could call Robbie, check on him. But she didn't want to be that partner. The one who nagged and harped. She would just have to have some faith.

Taking her cup of tea she slowly made her way to their bedroom. Her faith in Robbie was strong, her faith in them, while shaken was still strong. It would have to be enough to get her through.

Robbie let himself into the house. He supposed it was something that Laura had left a light on for him. Until he'd pulled into the drive he hadn't realized how late it was. He should have called her, at the very least sent a text.

Honestly, he could have been home hours ago, should have been. However, James was obsessed, pushing to uncover every little detail. The lad had always been single-minded but this was something new. There was a brittleness about him which seemed deeper than before he left. And whatever it was, he was unwilling to talk about it.

He scrounged around the kitchen. Laura might have forgiven him enough to leave a light on but it didn't extend to leaving him something to eat. He laughed at himself, when did he become the type of man who expected the little woman to make his meals? The laughter deepened as he imagined Laura's face when he told her.

Abandoning the idea of food, he headed for the stairs. He needed to see her, needed to touch her, feel her. At the door to their bedroom, he had to smile. She was sprawled across the bed, her arms wrapped around his pillow. He thought briefly about waking her then decided to let her sleep, they could talk in the morning.

In the guest room, he undressed quickly. He was asleep shortly after his head hit the pillow. His sleep was filled with dreams of Laura, their life together. He'd never expected to find love again. The sacrifices she'd made while waiting for him to be ready he would never be able to repay.

His eyes sprung open. What had he done? He'd made this decision without even considering her. A decision made as if he was alone in this world again. The only thought in his mind was a desire to feel useful again. There had been no consideration of them their relationship. How this would impact them?

Sitting up in bed he shook his head. How could he have been so foolish? How could claim to be her partner and not contemplate how his actions would impact her? Knowing sleep was a lost cause he climbed out of bed. He stripped the linens not planning on sleeping alone again anytime soon.

A quick shower and shave then he dressed. Peeking into the bedroom he found Laura was still asleep. He smiled to himself, even in repose, she was beautiful. Knowing her schedule, he knew she wouldn't sleep much longer. Perhaps when she woke he would be able to talk her into breakfast.

Laura stirred in the bed, reaching for Robbie. Disappointment filled her when she found the bed empty. He hadn't come home. Reaching for her mobile she was more disappointed, no message, no text. Quickly, the disappointment was filled replaced by anger.

Throwing the covers aside she bounded out of bed. The time for reason had passed. She'd wanted to have a calm, reasoned conversation with him. But not coming home and not calling was unforgivable. She showered quickly then dressed even more quickly. There were many things to do today including getting rid of that damn canoe.

He was emptying the pockets of his jacket from the day before when he found the brochure. His mind wandered briefly to the case. There was something he was missing. It was lingering just at the back of his mind, out of reach.

Her soft tread on the stairs pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to her, pushing the case from his mind. His focus needed to be on her, on them.

Relief swept through her when she saw him. He had come home. One look told her he was focused on something far away, something which had nothing to do with them. He'd come home to sleep, not for her.

Motioning to the patio she smiled coldly, "If you're not going to finish that, I want my patio back."

Her anger was somewhat amusing, she was angry with him but the canoe would bear the brunt of it. "It'll be seaworthy soon. I have a plan."

The mention of a plan infuriated her. They'd had a plan. He would stay home, take care of her until she was ready to retire. He'd changed the plan. And he'd done so without asking her, "Really, I didn't think you told me your plans these days."

"Come on Laura. The hours will get better."

She pushed passed him, disbelief raging through her. Taking a deep breath she turned back to him, "I don't have a problem with the hours Robbie. If running around in a bullet proof vest makes you happy, go for it."

Turning on her heel she left him alone in the room. Robbie just gaped after her. For the first time he understood it wasn't about him working, it was the idea of losing him that scared her.