Caroline watched as Tim walked along the shoreline. He'd been a bit distant the past few days.  Several times she found him looking at the photos of Dena and Emily taken when they visited. It was an emotional departure over 3 weeks ago. He tried to hide it but she knew, she felt it. She couldn't keep him from his family, it was time.

She finished her painting just as he returned from his walk. "That's beautiful" Tim remarked stepping onto the gazebo.

"Thank you, baby" she replied putting the brushes in the jar. "I think this is the one I want to donate to the art store".

"Good choice" he said sliding his arms around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder "they will love it".

"Are you hungry? I was thinking of starting dinner but can wait if you want" she asked.

"Sure, what would you like, I can make it" Tim replied.

"I'll do it babe, you relax, enjoy the warm ocean breeze" she told him as they began walking towards the bungalow.

Tim sat on the porch steps as Caroline went in to start dinner. She came back out with an ice cold beer "thought you might like this while you wait" she said handing it to him. He gave her a slight smile as he took it from her. The look in his eyes worried her, convincing her more the time had come.

Caroline finished setting the table as Tim walked in. "Can I help with anything" he asked placing his empty bottle on the counter.

"Everything is ready, have a seat" she told him as she plated the meal of sea scallops with rice pilaf and garden salad. She placed a bottle of white wine on the table as well.

"This looks great, thank you" he told her, opening the wine, pouring them each a glass.

After dinner Tim stated he would clean up and suggested she relax outside, then they could watch the sunset together. She agreed, taking another glass of wine with her.

Tim came out carrying a light blanket for her in case she became cold. He began to sit next to her when she asked him to sit with her.

"Ok, but you should move forward so I can slip in behind you " he stated.

"No please sit here beteeen my legs and lean against me" she replied.

He did as she asked. Once he was comfortable Caroline began to massage his temples "baby, we need to talk" she said softly.

Being mezmerized by the motions of her hands he hummed a response.

"It's time, Tim" she said.

With his eyes closed, feeling relaxed he asked, "time for what darlin"

"To go home, back to Nederland" she replied quietly.

Tim quickly sat up and turned towards her "what are you talking about, are you ok, is there something I don't know about" asking with a bit of panic.

"I've seen you looking over the photos when Emily and Dena were here" she replied.

"Yes, reminders of the fun we had while they were here. Why is that an issue" he asked.

"Its not, but you've been distant lately and that gleam in your eyes is no longer there" she said sliding her hand along the side of his face. "I know you miss them, I can feel your pain" she told him.

"Baby, they're just a phone call or text away. I'm good, really " he tried to assure her.

"It's not the same, you need to be home " she said.

"Caroline, listen to me, you are getting better everyday by being here, we can't leave, this place has been exactly what you needed " he told her.

"I am better, but I will not keep you away from your home, your family...our family" she told him as tears welled up in her eyes. "You've sacrificed so much for me, I can't bear to see you hurting" she told him as a tear escaped from her eye.

Tim wiped the tear from her eye with his thumb while cupping her face in his hands. "I'm not going without you" he said, his voice quivering with emotion.

"You won't be" she said leaning her head against his. "I want to go home".