As soon as I woke up, I felt tears pricking at my eyes. It was the day that Imogen was leaving for New York. She was flying out this afternoon and not coming back for at least two months. Not caring if I woke her up, I rolled over and threw my arms around her, hugging her tightly.
"Hey. It's okay, babe." She murmured, stroking my hair and hugging me back. "I'll be back before you know it."
"I can't believe it's today already. I'm not ready to say goodbye."
"It's not goodbye, remember? It's just for now. And I'll call you as soon as I get to my hotel." She'd booked a hotel to stay in for the first few nights until she could move into the tiny apartment we'd found near the magazine office for her to live in. I sniffled and lifted my head to press my lips against hers in a feverish kiss. I knew that I wouldn't be able to do that for a while.
"I love you, Imogen."
"I know. I love you too. But I don't have to go just yet so let's just make the most of these last few hours?"
"Abby's in the house..." I said, wanting to be with her in that way but knowing I couldn't with our daughter so close.
"Not that. I just want to hold you. I want to remember everything about you." I nodded and buried my face in her hair, tightening my arms around her as if I'd never let go.
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"Mummy, I don't want you to go." Abby sobbed, clinging to Imogen with her arms and legs wrapped tightly around her. She was holding on just as tightly to Abby.
"I'll be back very soon, princess. I promise. And I'll call you and papa every day."
"You promise?" Abby sniffed and pulled back a fraction to look at her. Imogen nodded seriously, kissing her cheek.
"I do. I love you very much, Abby. Remember that, okay?"
"Okay. I love you, mummy." Finally, she let go of Imogen, slipping to the ground where she stood beside me while Imogen engulfed me in a bear hug. I could feel a couple tears on her cheek where it was pressed to mine but I didn't know if they were mine or hers.
"I'm only a phone call away. If you need anything, anything, you call me. I don't care what time of day or night."
"I know."
"Only sixty days, babe. Then we'll be together again. Two months. It's not that long."
"Two months." I couldn't form proper sentences, just settling for making any words so that she knew I heard her. She pulled back, pressing her hands to my cheeks and kissed me, long and hard. It was the last time I'd kiss her for two whole months.
"Last call for flight UA938 to New York. All passengers make your way to boarding gate twelve." An automated voice over the speaker made her jerk away from me, ending our kiss far too soon for my liking.
"That's my flight. I love you, Nick. Abby, be good for papa. And look after each other, okay? You two are the most important to me in the world."
"Bye-bye mummy," Abby said, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I'll be good."
"I-I love you, Imogen." I managed to get out. She held my hand as she began to walk away, stretching to keep the contact for as long as possible until suddenly not even our fingertips could touch anymore. Blowing one last kiss in our direction, she waved sadly before disappearing through the doors. More tears fell from my eyes as I bent down to pick up Abby and carry her towards the exit.
It took a while before I could see enough to drive home. Abby sat patiently in the backseat, sniffling every now and then.
"Papa, I miss mummy." She said quietly when we were about halfway home.
"I know baby girl. I do too."
