"I think we need to finalize our plans, girls," Myra said as she struggled to her feet. "Charles has assured me that while our requests were a bit out of the ordinary, he can and will comply. Actually, he was choking on his own laughter when we hung up. One of the things Lizzie still has to do is get in touch with Homer Winters. He will make his call promptly at seven o'clock. That means we all have to be in position at that time. Now, let's do one more run-through to make sure we don't hit any snags along the way. Positions, girls!"

Lizzie hit every shoe boutique in just about every hotel on the Strip and was told the same thing, there had been a run on white rhinestone cowgirl boots, and they had none in stock in a size 8. Her shoulders sagging, Lizzie climbed back into Homer Winters's limo. "I cannot believe in this whole damn town no one has one pair of those stupid boots. I guess you didn't have any luck, either," she snarled at Ted.

Ted shook his head. Not for all the chips in Vegas would he tell Lizzie he found a pair in a size 7 that he had the store send to Maggie by overnight mail. "We're running late, Lizzie."

"Ask me if I care? The plane isn't going to leave without us since we're the only two passengers. God, I hope there's some food on board."

It was five o'clock, thirty minutes past scheduled takeoff time, and the Gulfstream was burning jet fuel when Lizzie ran up the steps, Ted behind her. The minute they reached the top, the portable stairway was being pushed away.

Ted didn't know why he turned because he couldn't hear anything over the sound of the jet's engines. Lumbering across the tarmac with a horde of airline employees was Cosmo Cricket, who looked like he was shouting at the top of his lungs. As Ted marveled at the speed of the big man he reached for Lizzie's arm and spun her around. "Lizzie, this is where the rubber meets the road. It's your show now."

And then a huge box sailed upward, and Ted caught it. Cricket cupped his hands around his mouth, and yelled, "Boots!"

Lizzie leaned so far out the door, Ted had to hold on to her arm. He knew everyone in Vegas could hear her when she shouted, "I want a plain gold wedding band!"

Cosmo Cricket's fist shot in the air as he was led away by airport security.

The pilot, the copilot, and the steward clapped their hands and whistled.

"Attagirl, Lizzie."

Lizzie looked like she was in a daze as she buckled up. "I did do that, didn't I?"

"Oh, yeah," Ted drawled.