apter 10 Chapter 10 Ryder went to Mrs.
Gables house again .
Before he could speak , she said , Merry Christmas , Colonel Landon .
Why didnt Claire come with you ? Ryders dark eyes flickered ; his last hope shattered .
His blood felt like it was draining away .
Mrs.
Gable saw the change in his expression .
Colonel Landon , whats wrong ? Did you have a fight with Claire ? On Christmas Eve ? Dont quarrel , its bad luck .
Claire is such a talented woman ; youre lucky to have her .
Claire gave me a voice activated lamp a few days ago .
Its better than any expensive lamp .
Shes the only one in the base who can make something like that .
Ryder froze , his intended departure halted .
Mrs.
Gables words echoed in his mind .
He grasped the key detail , his voice urgent .
A few days ago ? Which day ? Mrs.
Gable thought for a moment .
Five days ago , I think .
Claire said she didnt need it anymore .
She gave me the lamp , a timer clock to Mrs.
Lewis next door , and one to Mrs.
Green … Ryder couldnt hear her anymore .
Only five days ago repeated in his mind .
Five days ago .
It wasnt because he hadnt been with me on Christmas Eve that Id left .
Id planned to leave him all along ! The realization hit him with a crushing force .
11:37 < Chapter 10 Menu He didnt hesitate , speeding towards the train station .
A soldier saluted .
Colonel Landon .
After hearing Ryders description , the station attendant was surprised .
Colonel , do you have a picture ? The station is crowded ; a description might not be enough .
Ryder was about to say yes when his mind went blank .
He realized he didnt have any pictures of me .
I loved taking pictures , always begging him for an annual photo shoot to document our lives .
He was often too busy to oblige .
Once , on our anniversary , I hired a portrait artist .
Hed exploded .
Claire , youre not a child anymore ! Act your age ! As an army wife , you have responsibilities .
Look at everyone else striving to make a living ; you cling to me all day ! Im a soldier ; I have more important missions .
That day , Id cried in front of him for the first time .
He hadnt comforted me .
My bright eyes filled with tears , Id sent the artist away and never mentioned pictures again .
Looking back , we only had one wedding photo .
And that photo … had been discarded when Id cleaned out our wedding things .
He hadnt thought much of it at the time .
I was still with him ; a photo was insignificant .
Ryder clenched his fists , his voice hoarse .
I dont have a photo , 11:37 1.4 % < Chapter 10 Menu Shes about this tall , he gestured to his shoulder , long hair , big , bright eyes , dimples when she smiles … As he described me , his face softened involuntarily .
The attendant was astonished .
The cold , unyielding Ryder Landon , showing such tenderness .
He quickly gathered the staff on duty that day .
Two hours later , the answer remained the same : No .
A biting wind blew , snow falling softly .
It settled on Ryders shoulders , accumulating steadily .
He seemed oblivious .

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He stared at the train station sign , a lost man with no destination .
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