They reached the front of the security line right then, and as usual, Catie was waved onto the designated spot to undergo a manual check. That was why, no matter the weather, she wore either a skirt or shorts to the airport. It saved her the hassle of explaining that she was wearing prostheses, then pulling out her medical forms. She still had the forms in her purse, but having her prostheses out in full view tended to make those redundant.

The security officer she had today was a cheerful and petite blonde who was more interested in Catie’s purse than her prostheses. “I’ve been trying to get something like that,” she said after the purse had come through the detector and another officer had brought it over to where Catie stood, waiting for her body scan. “Designer, I’m guessing?”

“Vintage find.” Catie spread out her arms for the scan. “In an op shop,” she said, referring to the thrift-style stores that existed throughout the country. Each one was unique; that was part of the fun. “Five dollars.”

“No.”

“Steal, right?” Catie had actually felt so bad about the ridiculous pricing that she’d made a significant donation to the cause supported by the shop, but she still loved that she’d found the bag. It was like finding treasure. “I don’t think anyone nowadays is making this style. I’d definitely haunt the op shops and garage sales.”

“I would’ve never thought it, but yeah, I’m going to do that.” The officer ran her wand over the back of Catie’s sweater, checked her bra strap when the wand beeped, then said, “You’re clear, hon. Have a good flight.”

“Thanks. Have a nice day.” She walked over to join Danny, who had his hands in his pockets. All he had on him was a wallet and his phone. Which of course meant he’d hit her up for tissues if he needed one, chewing gum from her stash, a pen if he decided to do the crossword in the complimentary airline magazine.

Men, she thought with a surge of affection.

She expected him to comment on her girly moment with the security officer, but he just said, “All good?”

“Yeah. Sweet.” Waiting until they were in a quieter area, she poked him in the arm. “Seriously, hotshot, what’s up?”

17

ADORABLE BABIES!

Danny’s shoulders hunched in.

Catie blinked. Danny was about the most confident person she knew. This wasn’t like him. Closing her hand gently around his upper left arm, she said, “What’s wrong? I promise not to cackle like a hyena at your misfortune.”

He didn’t smile at her attempt at what would normally pass for a joke between them. Seriously worried now, she slipped her arm through his so they were even closer and fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Do I look suitably besotted?”