Page 66 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"Thanks. I'll check that out."

"Be careful," Noah said.

At Noah's unexpected words, he paused and glanced back at him. "Why would you say that?"

"Because I know how easy it is to fall in love in this place."

"I just want to talk to her." Actually, he wanted to do a lot more than talk.

"That's what I said to myself when I went to find Alice the night after we met. I knew she was married, but I told myself I just wanted to talk. It was a lie. I wanted Alice with every breath that I took."

He didn't know what to say to that. "I'm sorry she hasn't come back," he said quietly, seeing the pain in Noah's eyes. "Lizzie told me your story."

"You must think I'm a fool to keep coming back for Alice, waiting, hoping…"

"I don't think you're a fool," he said carefully. "Maybe a bit too optimistic."

Noah gave him a tired smile. "That's diplomatic."

"I just hope you don't miss what's right in front of you because you're looking for someone else."

Noah stared back at him. "Are you talking about Patty?"

"Or anyone."

"Have you ever had a dream, Justin?"

"Sure. I'm running my dream company right now."

"Did you ever let anyone talk you out of chasing that dream?" Noah asked.

He smiled. "No. And I see your point. It's none of my business."

"You were very kind to give Patty your room, so it is your business. I know my actions don't make sense to anyone else, but I'm doing what I have to do. Alice and I had a connection that was deep, personal, and so very honest. I'd been married before and thought I loved my wife beyond belief, but with Alice, it was different. It was all-consuming."

"Perhaps because it just lasted a short time," he couldn't help saying. "You didn't have time to fall out of love, to be bored, to get annoyed with each other."

"You think I'm romanticizing her. You might be right. Or you might be wrong."

"That about covers it," he said dryly. "Why didn't you ever go look for Alice? Why just wait?"

"Because she asked me to. Because she said she'd return when she could."

"How do you know if she's even…" His voice drifted away as he realized he was getting far too involved in Noah's life.

"Alive?" Noah finished. "I don't know if she's alive. I hope so. I hope she's happy, even if she's not with me."

"What about you? Are you happy? Can you be happy if you can't let go of her, of the possibility of her?"

"Patty asked me the same thing earlier. We've gotten very close, very fast. Patty lost her husband; she understands grief and longing and the hope for a second chance."

"Where is Patty now?"

"She's waiting for me in my room. I had to take a walk around the gardens one last time. We're going to play some cards now."

"That's good. Enjoy yourself."

"I will. You, too."

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