“It’s early, and by that I mean early in your career. If it comes, great. If not, don’t be the least discouraged, especially not after what you did with those punks Chatlin and Fedek.”

“It was Brill’s bust.”

“It was your legwork. Even Brill’s not denying it.”

“Yeah, Brill’s been okay.”

“Sit down.”

“You know, I’d rather stand. I’m a little antsy.”

My father studied me. “If it isn’t work, it must be personal. Is everything all right with Koby?”

“Great.” I didn’t make eye contact with him. “We’re planning some vacation time together. We’re going away.”

“Fabulous. Where?”

“Israel.”

“What?” Dad was horrified. “Now?”

“Yes, now.” I took in Decker’s worried eyes. “Koby wants me to meet his family. I want to meet his family.”

Decker was stunned. “And this can’t wait until calmer times?”

“No, because who knows the future? Besides, I’ve survived bullets and maniacs before.”

“And that’s supposed to calm me down?”

I took my father’s hand. “I need to do this.” My smile was plaintive. “Daddy, I think he’s the one.” I took in a breath and let it out. “I mean, I know he’s the one.”

“Oh my, my.” The Loo’s eyes abruptly moistened. “Are you sure?”

“I can’t picture my future without him. So I guess that’s that.”

Decker covered his mouth with his fist. Then he dropped his hand and managed a wistful smile. “He’s a great guy, Cindy. A great guy and a good man. You chose well.” His hug was brief but with feeling. “I love you, Princess.”

“I love you, too, Daddy. Nobody will ever replace you in my heart. Lots of guys out there in life, but a girl only has one father.”

“You deserve the best.” His voice was choked. “You tell him that if he ever, ever gives you a hard time, I carry a gun and know how to use it.”

“Daddy, I carry a gun.”

My father laughed and so did I. Then he turned serious. “When are you leaving?”

“We’ll be in Israel for Rosh Hashanah—that’s the main reason we’re going right now—but we’ll be back before Yom Kippur.” I shook my head. “Listen to me, planning my schedule around Jewish holidays. I’m beginning to sound like you.”

“There are parallels in our lives,” my father noted.

I considered his words. “Yes, you’re right. Except Koby’s more flexible than Rina. He may not go out to a restaurant or a movie on Shabbat, but he does drive and turn on lights … watch TV if there’s a play-off game. He’ll even work if the hospital’s short staffed.”

“He’s still a far cry from what you were raised with.”

“That’s true. So I suppose some of your current lifestyle has rubbed off. Keeping kosher doesn’t seem as daunting as it once did. Of course, people often revert to what they grew up with when they have children. So we’ll see what Koby’s like when the occasion arises.”

“You have plenty of time for that.”