Page 66 of Gentle Persuasion

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.

“What about me?” Case asked. Lily smiled at her husband, who sauntered outside as if he were on a weekend stroll. He was way too laid back for California time.

Cole loaded him, too. Finally they were ready to proceed. Debbie sent Cole one last look he couldn’t misinterpret. They went into the house.

“So! Tell me everything,” Lily said.

Debbie’s eyebrows shot up into the fluff of her bangs and her face turned pink.

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