She’d already met Rick. Her trip to the emergency room was one she’d like to forget, but not the driver. Rick had been as concerned for her welfare as had Cole. He’d pushed the limits of street safety to get her to the hospital as fast a possible.

The relaxed atmosphere at the Garzas’ home was a welcome respite from the busy traffic of Laguna Beach. She took a deep breath and had the most insane urge to kick off her shoes and follow Tina Garza into the kitchen. She felt welcome.

Cole visibly unwound. It was obvious that this was his home away from home.

“Hey, you guys!” Rick yelled from the adjoining room. “You’re just in time. The hundred-meter freestyle is about to begin. Come on in.” He was glued to the set, watching the prerecorded telecasts of the day’s Olympic events.

Tina rolled her eyes. “Come with me,” she urged, taking Debbie by the hand. “You can help chop tomatoes. Those two aren’t worth two pesos when there’s a sporting event on television.”

Cole disappeared with a shrug and a grin, and Debbie followed Tina into the kitchen, missing nothing of her diminutive height or the slightly rounded belly that gave away the fact that little Batman Garza was about to lose his standing in the family as “an only child.”

Tina handed her a bowl of tomatoes and a paring knife.

Debbie began to peel and dice according to her hostess’s instructions.

“When are you due?” Debbie’s voice was wistful.

Tina rubbed her stomach, and her dark eyes softened perceptibly as her mouth curved upward. “I’m only five months. I have a way to go. But we’re hoping for a girl.”

“Cole’s sister just had a baby boy,” Debbie said. “Did you know Lily?”

“Only by name,” Tina said. “She’d already moved out of the house when Cole and Rick became partners.”

Tina saw the look in Debbie’s eyes every time Cole’s name was mentioned. All the worries she’d had regarding this woman from Oklahoma who’d captured Cole’s heart just disappeared. It was obvious that Debbie was very much in love with the man. She couldn’t understand what was holding them back from making an announcement about their relationship.

“So, have you known Cole long?” Tina asked.

“In here—” Debbie touched her heart “—all my life. It just took me a long time to find him.”

Tina caught her breath at the lyrical way Debbie described falling in love.

“Then what’s he going to do about it?”

The shocked look on Debbie’s face had Tina smiling apologetically. “I guess you see where Enrique gets his rudeness. Rick says I have no tact. But I care for Cole and I want him to be happy.”