Nicci took the flowers, silent for a while as the understanding of his words came to fruition and stalled her breath.  This was not something she had expected at all.<br/><br/>She managed to take the flowers and then finally stammer, "Thank you.......  and........  well, I'm sorry you're going Vince."<br/><br/>She looked briefly back at the two girls and as Vince made no sign of coming in she leaned forward and kissed his cheek, "Good luck Mo Mhuirnín, and may the road rise up to meet you," she said softly, wondering what had made him take this drastic action and sad that he had not found what he was looking for here with them.