Relief blossomed until he realized that she’d never answered his question.

“Final boarding call for flight 1207 for Dallas—Ft. Worth and Oklahoma City,” the attendant called.

Debbie turned around and started walking toward the gate.

Cole wanted to cry. What else could he say?

“You’re leaving me anyway? You’re going back to Oklahoma after all we’ve meant to each other? Why?” he begged. “Just tell me why.”

Debbie couldn’t prolong his agony any longer. She turned and smiled through her tears. “I’m going to get my mother’s wedding dress,” she said. “I’m not getting married without it.”

Cole started to shake. “I ought to wring your little—”

She was in his arms.

“Last call for flight…”

“I’ve got to go,” she said.

“I’m coming with you,” Cole answered.

The small crowd of people who’d witnessed the entire altercation began to cheer and clap.

For the first time since the entire incident began, Debbie was at a loss for words.

“But you can’t. You don’t have a…they won’t let you….”

“I’m a police officer,” Cole said quietly. “Sometimes it pays to be special. I think I can talk them into letting me pay at the other end. Trust me?”

“Forever,” Debbie said. And she did.

Epilogue

“We’re going to be in trouble,” Debbie warned as they pulled into the driveway.

Cole grinned. “It won’t be the first time.”

“They’ve probably been planning and planning. They’re going to kill us.”

“So don’t tell them,” Cole offered.

Debbie stared. “But think of the waste of time and money they’ll go to if we don’t.”

“Think of the fun they’ll miss if we do.”

Debbie sighed. “We’ll see,” she said. “Just don’t blurt it out too fast. Let’s feel them out about the whole thing first.”

Cole parked. He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. He’d been trying for the past two days. But it was still there, and he’d be damned if he’d worry about it again. And, if tonight was anything like last night, it might never come off.

The front door opened and his father and sister ran out.

“It’s about time you two go home,” Lily cried. “I thought you’d be here yesterday.”

“Couldn’t get a flight,” Cole said calmly.

Debbie’s stomach twisted. It wasn’t really a lie. They couldn’t get a flight because they hadn’t tried.

Lily sighed and wrapped them both in a hug. “Wait till you see the flowers I’ve picked out.”

Debbie sent Cole a piercing glare.

He shrugged and started loading his arms with bags. They’d packed everything possible and were shipping what hadn’t fit.

“Need any help?” Morgan asked. Cole shifted several bags into his arms.