Longmire: Second Chances

Chapter 12: Knowing

Vic arrived in Casper the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This time, Walt picked her up and would driver her up to Durant. Vic had requested he be the chauffeur, and he had gladly accepted.

He was waiting at security when she arrived, and they saw each other simultaneously, both of them breaking out in big grins, Vic running to Walt, who wrapped her in a big hug, "Welcome back, Vic", Walt said, not wanting to let her go. Vic closed her eyes, feeling his warmth and remembering again why she had adored him so much.

She backed off and kissed him on the cheek, and they wasted little time getting her bag and heading to Durant. It was a three hour ride, but it went by fast, as they talked as if time had stood still and it was now six years earlier.

As they were talking, Vic noticed a glimmer in Walt's eyes that she never remembered seeing before, yet she recognized it immediately. It was something deep and sincere, and with a fullness of expression that she realized was how she used to look at Walt when she realized that she was in love with the man. She knew then she had always looked at him in awe, and that same awe was etched over Walt's face now.

She could tell without even asking. Walt was in love with her, and this time he certainly wasn't hiding it. Vic did try to mask the warmness that enveloped her at that moment, and kept her voice-she hoped-in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Cady has invited me to stay with her again, and I took her up on it", she said, not daring to look at him for the moment. "I'd hate to keep her and Jacob apart again for a whole week."

"Cady would do anything for you, Vic", Walt said with a smile. "She doesn't mind, and Jacob's been great about it."

Vic still had to laugh thinking of Cady and Jacob, wondering when the two would become engaged. She knew it was extremely serious, but they seemed to be biding their time.

"I know", Vic replied, "and I love her for it, but I don't think I'll stay there this time."

Despite the look in his eyes and on his face, the meaning of that went right over his head. He can still be dense as hell, Vic said sweetly to herself.

"Where would you stay, then? The hotels are filled for the week."

She nodded her head at him. "I know exactly where I want to stay, Walt."

"Where's that."

She now put a similar look on her face that had come over Walt's-that look of awe that she had felt for him for so long.

"With you, Walt."

Vic thought maybe she shouldn't have said that while he was driving, and half expected Walt to careen off the road. But he didn't. Instead their eyes locked for a moment before Walt looked back at the road.

He didn't respond, and Vic wondered if she had misread this eyes and facial expression. As Walt continued to pay attention the road, Vic didn't notice that his right had crept near her left hand that was on her thigh. Suddenly, Vic felt his warm touch on top of her hand, and she looked down with wonder, then back up at Walt. He then entwined his fingers into hers, but kept looking at the road.

"I think that would be just fine with me, Victoria."

Vic suddenly felt it-she knew. She had come full-circle, and he had finally bared his heart to her, and she knew her life had just changed again. She knew her life would again involve this man, this city and County, these people. She didn't know what the future held yet, but she knew they had been given a second chance to find each other.

They stopped for a short break about halfway through the drive. Walt went to get some coffee and go to the restroom. Vic pulled out her cell phone when she knew he was out of earshot, and dialed a number.

"Reservation Legal Aid, Cady Longmire speaking?"

Vic smiled. "Hey girlfriend", she said, in almost giddy tones.

"Vic!" Cady smiled, "are you in Wyoming?"

"I am, Cady. Walt and I are about halfway back and we decided to take a short break before heading in."

"Vic, it's gonna be so good having you back for Thanksgiving." Cady wanted this to be a very special holiday, for a lot of reasons.

"I wouldn't miss it, Cady", Vic said enthusiastically. "By the way, while I appreciate your offer to room with you this week, that isn't fair to you and Jacob. I've made other plans for the week."

Cady was extremely intelligent, but was slow on the uptake on this one. "What other kinds of plans. You get a hotel room?"

Vic's face turned red, despite the cold weather. "No, Cady", she said, not able to hold it in any longer, "I'm staying with Walt."

The line went quiet.

"Oh", Cady said in surprise, but the continuing silence from her friend were if a booming voice had called out, and Cady's eyes went wide. "Oh! Oh, you mean...oh my God, Vic, it's happening, isn't it?"

Gotta love women's intuition, Vic laughed to herself. "It is Cady. There's no doubt now. Walt loves me-finally, he loves me."

"You're sure about that?" Cady trusted Vic but this seemed...sudden.

"I'm sure, Cady. Walt has left no doubt about it. And we need the time together."

Cady actually laughed. "Say no more, or this conversation might get uncomfortably weird for me." Vic joined her in laughter.

"You OK with this, Cady?" Cady's blessing was almost important to her as Walt admitting he was in love with her.

"Oh, Vic", smiling broadly, sure that Vic could almost feel it, "it's more than OK. It means you've both let go of the past and...girlie, I'm so happy for both of you!"

"Thanks, Cady", she said graciously. She spied Walt off in the distance. "Hey kiddo your dad's coming back, I'll talk to you later. See ya tonight!"

"Bye, Vic!" Cady hung up as happy tears filled her eyes. She also knew she needed to talk to Jacob that evening.