So sorry it's been so long -- the holidays were great fun, but definitely didn't give me much time on the computer. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving as well (or just a great last week of November)!
Thanks so much for all your hard work on this one, groobie -- if the story's good, it's only because of all your advice and encouragement and appreciation!
I actually intended to finish on the last chapter, Virginia, but found that I couldn't just leave it there. Like you said, though, it couldn't just all be great right away; I wanted to be able to show at least a few snapshots of how they were making their way to a strong, lasting relationship (because as hard as this story was to write, there was no way I could write the novel-length story that would be needed to show the whole of their recovery!). It really is only a *semi*-happy ending, but hey, that's better than I was afraid I'd ever get to with this premise!
So glad you enjoyed it, Lynn. The epilogue is coming, but one warning: it is short!
Hey, slow amounts is probably the best way to read this story, DC -- it might get a little too depressing if read altogether! I hadn't originally meant to do the anniversary through Clark's view, but when I started the scene, he had his own things to say about it!
Thank you, scifiJoan! I really was tempted to have them 'reset' themselves, as you said, but it just wasn't possible. The process was much more real this way -- so glad you enjoyed it!
Whew, I'm relieved you were happy to hear about the epilogue, LMA; at the rate I was adding chapters to this story, I was afraid people would get frustrated and begin to think we'd never reach the end!
I love what you said about there being doubt and uncertainty but they are living -- that's exactly what I was hoping people would get from this ending!
Thanks, Morgana! As always, you've been a great help as a beta-reader, and I appreciate how loyal you are, from my second L&C story to now -- even when you have to wait months for updates sometimes!
Thank you, everyone! It's been a joy to go on this journey with you all!