'It doesn't have to be good bye.' he said the words before thinking anything through. He didn't know the future, what was going to happen to Shana, the baby or how Alexis would accept any of what he had now told her.  He wanted to stay but he knew he had to go. It was a lot for her to hear in one night. He knew her, she would go over what he said to her and maybe, just maybe she would find some forgiveness in her heart. Maybe there was still a chance. He knew it was a long shot. He pulled her close to him without any warning and kissed her lips hard. 'I love you Alexis.'  Letting go of his hold on her, he wanted to give her space and time to think about everything he said, but he would not say the word good bye, he just let go and started walking away, knowing to himself it really was not over.