The next morning Maddie woke with a slight hangover. She wasn't sure exactly what to attribute that to; the emotionally draining conversation with Harry, the bottles and bottles of wine the four of them consumed before dancing—and laughing hysterically—in their living room, or the intense sex Harry talked her into in the early morning hours before they both passed out. Either way, she was in desperate need of a long shower and hot coffee before they even began to pack up their belongings. They had an early flight, and an even earlier car ride to prepare for.

After they were dressed and recovering, the car pulled up and the good-byes were upon them. As Harry and Collins helped load the bags, Khenda pulled Maddie aside; hoping for one last chance to impart some wisdom to her young friend.

"We need to talk," she linked her arm through Maddie's, steering her off in the opposite direction of the car.

"About?" Maddie smiled at her friend.

"Collins told me what happened on the hike," an eyebrow arched sharply over her eyes.

"Oh. Good for him," Maddie sighed and prepared to hold her ground.

"Well..."

"Well, I know you too well for this Khenda. So why don't you just say what it is you're dying to say and..."

"Maddie...that man adores you." Khenda didn't think twice about taking the invitation.

"Khenda..." Maddie stopped walking and lowered her voice, wanting to keep this particular conversation between the two of them. "I know he does."

"Tell me you don't love him," Khenda turned to face Maddie. "Go ahead. Tell me you don't love him and I'll walk away with my mouth shut."

"It's not that easy."

"It is that easy."

"He wants me to..." Maddie grabbed Khenda's arm and resumed their walking. "Khenda, he wants me to move to London."

"Then move to London."

"What?!" Maddie laughed; astonished at the words that came from Khenda's mouth.

"You heard me."

"Please," Maddie shook her head. "You have a career, Khenda. You worked to get here, just like I did. Tell me you would ever leave Bendal!"

"If Collins left? In a heartbeat." Khenda answered without blinking.

"What?!" Again, Maddie was shocked.

"I wouldn't even think about it. I would pack and go. Or just go...no packing."

"I'm sorry...I just...what?"

"Collins makes Bendal home for me Maddie," a soft, fuzzy look came over Khenda's face as she spoke. "Without him, it's not even close to home."

"I..." Maddie almost couldn't process it fast enough to respond. Khenda, the strongest, most independent woman she knew—giving it all up to move away with Collins.

"And I don't even care if people think that makes me a part of some antiquated patriarchal order...the feminist movement was about women making their own decisions. And mine is to be with Collins. He's my home."

"That is..." Maddie swallowed a lump in her throat. "I don't even know what to say. That's incredibly...sweet."

"Maddie, please listen to me..." But Khenda's words of wisdom were drawn short as the men caught up with them. Collins' arm went around her shoulders and she smiled up at him.

"We're all packed up," Harry smiled at Maddie, his hand resting on her back.

"Great," Maddie returned his smile and then looked to their friends; sadness washing over her.

Khenda moved to Harry, pulling him to her and Maddie went straight into Collins' open arms.

"You know I don't hate you," Maddie spoke into his ear as he held her tight. "In fact I adore you."

"And I you," Collins pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Be brave Doc." And then, with one final squeeze, he released her to extend his hand to Harry. Maddie turned to Khenda, both women looking at the other with such love.

"Oh I am going to miss you," Maddie sighed as they wrapped their arms around each other.

"I'll miss you too..." Khenda pressed her lips to Maddie's cheek and lowered her voice. "Go to London Maddie. Go where Harry goes."

And then Maddie was released; free to go. Looking into Harry's bright blue eyes, she couldn't deny the way he warmed her heart.

"Ready?" He nodded towards the car.

"Yes," she smiled. And, with final waves and promises to keep them updated; Maddie and Harry were driving to the airport—leaving Bendal behind.

The smile remained on Maddie's face until about halfway home. They were mid-air when she asked Harry for a pen. He gestured to his bag and, when she opened it up to look, she found a well-stocked supply of her candy.

And suddenly she found it difficult to breath. As a tear slipped from her eye, she tried her best to cover; reaching for a tissue and blowing her nose. Forgetting the pen, she replaced his bag and turned her face towards the window of the plane. Looking out over the clouds, she took long, deep breaths.

She hated the feeling of not knowing; of having two wonderful options but no idea which way to go.

Pressing her eyes closed, she tried for calm. In less than twenty four hours, all of the options would be on the table and maybe, just maybe, the decision would be made for her.