Oh, no. I didn't want it to come to this. Especially not now, sitting here in the Australian desert after just barely escaping with our lives. I wasn't sure what to say.
"Oh, it's beautiful, Tex. But I don't think I can...I'm so sorry." The hurt puppy-dog look on his face was almost too much to bear. "Listen, you mean a lot to me. But I don't think we're ready for that. The past few days I've learned more about your line of work, and I'm not sure if our relationship would work out with you risking your life saving the world so often. I think it's noble, and I think you're one of the greatest guys on earth, but what if we had kids? I wouldn't want to expose them to that." I kept trying to comfort him, but the more I said the more I seemed to make things worse.
"I care about you, Tex. Don't ever forget that." I kissed his forehead tenderly.
By now the other two had come back, ready to leave. Chance looked at Tex expectantly, to which Tex sadly shook his head. I guess even Chance knew he was going to propose.
I helped Dalton walk out of the wood, and Tex and Chance helped each other. They were too far behind for me to hear them well, but every now and again I thought I heard a sob. He was sure taking it rough.
We reached the speeder in tact and the FBI immediately flew us back to San Francisco. I didn't have too many opportunities to talk to Tex; he slept during most of the trip. The four of us went straight to the hospital. After a few hours, Dalton and Chance were released. I told Chance to give mom a call and told Dalton that he needed to see his Uncle Louie right away. We hugged, and they went away.
Tex had to stay overnight so they could tend to his shoulder. I wanted to stay with him, but I had hurt him too much for that. So I went to the Brew & Stew and updated Louie as best I could. I wasn't authorized to share too many details, but I told him what was important. He was happy to have us all back, and a little concerned that I had refused Tex's proposal. I explained it to him the best way I knew how, even though I wasn't exactly certain myself. It was good enough for Louie, who loved all of us regardless of our decisions.
Life is pretty much the same. I work the newsstand every day and Tex has returned to his office. He doesn't ask me out like he used to; it was cute when he used to hit on me everyday. But at least he's forgiven me enough to talk like friends occasionally. I don't know. I think it fits into our images better to stay single.
And life goes on.
The End
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