"Pack your bags, my love. I don't want to miss another second of your life."

Alexis felt overwhelmed with emotion. Tyler quickly kissed away the tears that dampened her cheeks.

"I want you to be happy," he told her.

"I am happy, Tyler. Happier than I ever thought possible." She pressed her lips to his one more time before pulling herself together. "I'll meet you at your house," she paused and smiled, "I mean our house, later tonight. There are a few things I need to do

first."

She practically ran out the door; she couldn't wait to get back to him. The old golf cart, however, wasn't nearly in the hurry that she was. She decided that, as soon as she earned an income again, she would purchase a new golf cart for her parents, as well as one for herself.

Her parents were playing cards at a neighbor's house, so she went straight upstairs and unearthed her laptop. Her first email was to Hal, thanking him for all his years of support and letting him know that she would not be returning to the firm. Her second email was to the Human Resources Director, giving her formal resignation. When she hit the send button, she expected to feel a pang of regret or a sense of loss. Instead, she felt only a sense of relief. Her last email was to Mark's parents, to let them know that she was doing much better and that she planned to settle back on Mangrove Island. She knew they would be happy for her.

Next, she emptied the contents of the dresser and set to work filling her Louis Vuitton bags, those remnants of another life. When she reached the black velvet box, she didn't open it for a somber inspection like she normally would. Instead, she stuffed it between two sweaters to keep it secure during the short journey. She intended to keep the ring in honor of Mark and their marriage. She knew that Tyler was the kind of man who would understand and not feel threatened by its presence. She also packed the infant Santa suit in the hope that, if she were to get pregnant again, the third time would be the charm. The last item to stow was, for her, the most significant. The gift of hope. Ever so carefully she placed the bottle of Dom Perignon on top of her belongings. Alexis was ready to trade in the burn of her whiskey for the tickling fizz. Tonight she planned to pop the cork and celebrate her new life with Tyler.

Alexis wrote her parents a quick note and told them that she'd bring dinner to their house tomorrow and that she hoped it would be okay if Tyler joined them. She'd tell them about the engagement in person. She slung a bag over her shoulder, rolled her suitcases to the awaiting golf cart, and lifted them inside.




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