"Ahhh!" the baby giggled as she ran to the approaching figure. She was unsteady but eager to get where she wanted to go. In one quick movement, the blond man scooped her up into his arms.

"Hey, S.J., how’s my favourite girl?" He was greeted with a slobbery kiss and a hug. Trent carried her over to her mother, before putting her down. The toddler was off again. "Hi Sarah," he said planting a kiss on her cheek. "Where’s the big guy?"

"Just getting the burgers from inside. Where is Jess?"

"She is going to take a taxi from the airport. She should be here soon."

"Was she excited about meeting Oprah?"

Trent laughed. "She tried to play it down but, yeah, I think so." Jess had been invited to tape an episode of the Oprah show regarding psychological help for victims after the work she had done had come to national attention.

"Speak of the devil," he said as he heard the taxi pull into the driveway. He went out the side gate of the Sandoval house, greeting Jess as she stepped out. "Hi," he said, kissing her tenderly. "I missed you."

"Thanks." As Trent reached for her bags, she pulled a bill from her purse and handed it to the driver. Following Trent, she headed into the back yard. Soon, she was surrounded by friends, all asking about her Chicago adventure.

**

All that remained were the four friends. The baby was in bed and they sat in the backyard, enjoying the night air. Carlos spoke first. "So, when are you two going to settle in for the domestic life?"

Trent smiled. "Soon."

Sarah didn’t miss the look of sadness that crossed Jess’ face. She realized that Trent and Jess hadn’t been alone all evening, after having been apart for a week. She tugged at her husband’s arm. "Carlos, can you help me with something in the kitchen?

When they had gone, Trent smiled at Jess. "I think they did that on purpose."

Jess was looking at the full moon that hung above them. "We need to talk," she said.

Trent turned to face her. "Okay, let’s talk."

"I’ve been offered a tenured position with Dr. Reynolds at NYU, consulting for the State prosecutor’s office. He wants me to move out there in a month."

Trent sat back, the words hanging between them. He couldn’t say he was completely surprised. Jess had seemed to be getting more and more distant. Quietly he said, "If that’s what you want Jess, I say go for it. You’ve worked hard for it."

Jess turned on him. "That’s all you have to say is ‘go for it’?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"’No, Jess, I love you and want you to stay here. Don’t go!’ That’s what I want you to say!"

Trent shook his head. "Jess, you know I love you…"

"Do I? Then fight for me, dammit!" Jess got up and walked away. "Or better yet, come with me, Trent. Come to New York with me."

"Jess…"

"I know, you can’t. Can’t leave the business, or Carlos, or the family. Well, you would have left for her." Jess wrapped her arms around herself, fighting not to cry.

Trent got up and walked to her. "I don’t know if I would have left for her," he whispered. "Things were different then."

"That’s a cop out."

"No, it isn’t. Things were different. She moved here to stay. She was happy to stay in Dallas. You, well you have so much more that you want to do." He put his hands on her shoulders. "I do love you, Jess and I do want you to stay, but not at the cost of your happiness. If this is the job you want than you have to make that decision. I can’t and I won’t make it for you. And you can always come home. You know I’ll be here."

"I love you, Trent," she said. "But I can’t compete with her."

"You’re not competing with anyone, Jess."

"Well, maybe it is just in my mind but I definitely am. And I can’t anymore." She walked away, heading toward the house. Truth was, she knew she didn’t deserve Trent, not after what she had done to him. He would never know.

As he stared at the dusky sky before him, Trent heard the sound of Sarah’s car starting. He barely heard Carlos walk up behind him, until he spoke.

"You okay, manno?"

"Jessie is moving to New York." His voice didn’t even sound like his own.

"Is she coming back?"

"I don’t think so."