Longmire: Second Chances

Chapter 11: Plans

Vic had spent a full six weeks in Durant, having spent a lot of time with all her friends. She had, for good reason, spent more time with Walt and Travis than the others; but that was to be expected. She had loved Walt, and Travis had been the father of her miscarried child. Those fences had needed more mending.

The last evening that she was there, everyone met at The Pony for her going away party. It was like time had stopped more than two years ago, as it was a happy, fun night. The trip couldn't have gone any better. Vic's drinks and food were on the house, courtesy of Henry. There was fun and lots of laughter, Vic fully reconciled to her gang that had meant so much to her before she had suddenly departed. She didn't want to leave, but school was just around the corner, and she had to get ready for it.

After the revelry broke up, Vic drove Walt home. She had picked him up, hoping he would let himself go a little to enjoy the fun, and he had downed three beers, but that was more than enough for him these days.

When they arrived at Walt's now-finished abode, they both got out. Vic smiled at him and sat down on the granite steps, and they both looked out at the moonlit night, which was warm and quiet.

Vic sighed. "Part of me wants to get back to school, but part of me could soak in the sights here for a while longer."

Walt chuckled. "I think seeing you become a lawyer would be a hoot, Vic", and they both laughed.

For a while the simply stared ahead, as if they were trying to gauge their own futures and what lay ahead for them. Their friendship was back, and Vic prayed it would never break again, as did Walt. Vic closed the space with Walt so their arms were touching. It simply was a platonic gesture, both of them acknowledging what had been lost and found again.

After a good half hour, Vic spoke up. "I hate to terminate this tranquility, but I gotta get over to Cady's and get some sleep. Jacob has to have me in Casper by 11 am to get my flight to Chicago."

Walt nodded. "Yup, sounds like a plan Vic."

They stood up and Walt escorted her over the the car. They smiled at each other warmly, Walt speaking first. "I'm very glad you came back out here, Vic", he said honestly. "Life here hasn't been the same without you."

Vic laughed. "I fought so hard in my mind whether I would come out here or not, and now I can't figure out why I fought at all."

"All of this hasn't been easy for you, I know that-for any of us, for that matter. But I think it was worth the effort, don't you?"

Vic nodded and smiled. "I know now that I always have people here who care for me and love me, and that I'm welcome here at any time. That makes the effort worthwhile, Walt."

Walt looked down for a moment. "I will miss you, Victoria", he said sweetly.

"I'll miss you, too, Walt." She stared into his blazing blue eyes, as he looked back into her bright hazel eyes. She then moved up to him, removing all space between them, put her arms around his neck, and tiptoed up and kissed him gently on the lips.

Walt was shocked by her movement. But he hadn't resisted. He barely remembered the kiss she had given him after he had killed Barlow, but this? Her lips were warm and gentle, her eyes filled with tenderness.

When the kiss broke, Walt leaned in for another one, but Vic stopped him, putting an index finger on his lips. "I don't need you to reciprocate, Walt. We're friends now, and we will be friends always. I just wanted you to ponder that, and think about me."

Walt chuckled. "Well, I'll certainly not forget you again, that's for sure", and Vic laughed with him. "I hope you come back and visit, Vic?"

She nodded. "I plan to. A large part of my heart is here, at Cady's, as the station, at The Pony. Maybe you can head to Boston one of these days. I want to keep the fence mended for good this time, Walt."

She put her palm on his cheek, then turned without a glance, got in the car and drove away.

Walt was letting her go-again. But this time he was certain she would be back, and he was still determined that they would fall in love again. And this time, he wouldn't hesitate if the moment arose.

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When classes started back up at B.C, Vic had met with Jason when he arrived. She didn't want to coldly cut him off and inform him that she was headed in a new direction. Instead, she informed him of that, then had spent one final glorious night with him. That night, it was closer to making love than simply fucking. She liked Jason a lot, and now considered him a good friend, but both realized that they had to start looking ahead to a more stable future. She had taken him out to breakfast that morning on her dime, and the affair was over. They remained friends, occasionally getting together for pizza and beer, but no more than that.

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It was early October in Boston. Fall was definitely in control of Mother Nature, and the bite of winter wasn't far behind. She had kept in contact with Cady by phone, and made sure to call the others once in a while, especially Ferg and Travis.

She and Walt also talked at least once a week, and had been exchanging more and more emails, filling each other in on their comings and goings. Their relationship was almost as strong now as it had been before she departed Durant. Vic, for her part, simply wanted now to be close friends with Walt. She didn't know that Walt's mission was to get him fully back in her life, and be with her, whether in Durant, or Boston, or Philly, or wherever. He had hesitated and it had cost him something he loved and cherished dearly. He was not going to make that mistake again.

They still emailed, and he would send her goofy pictures of him and the other, which made her laugh. She had never seen this playful side of Walt, and it simply endeared him to her even more, realizing that Walt was truly over his past and grabbing his future.

They were talking one day on the phone, when Vic mentioned Thanksgiving. "We have to usually get a bout a twenty pound turkey, with the family I have", she joked. "Italian or not, turkey is required at Thanksgiving."

Walt laughed pleasantly. "That's a big bird, Vic. I love turkey, and the stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy...I'm drooling just thinking about it."

"That's just your old age showing, Walt", and they both laughed loudly.

Walt then asked what he had been wanting to ask. "Why don't you spend Thanksgiving out here? You'll still have Christmas with your family. I think it would be wonderful if you had Thanksgiving dinner with me, Cady, Jacob and..whoever else shows up."

Vic laughed, but then became serious. "I think I'd like to do that, Walt", she said without hesitation. "I have that entire week off. I can fly out the Saturday before, and fly back the Sunday after. Thanks for the offer."

Within two days, Vic had made flight plans, and now simply had to wait. Her heart raced when the flights were concerned. And she wondered...