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"Think about coming for a visit," I said as I hugged Krista. "I really would like for you to see Wilkins' Gap and meet everyone."
"Sounds like fun. We'll talk about dates once you're back home. Have fun and keep in touch." We hugged, and she left Chance and I standing outside the restaurant with Gracie Layne and Mama.
Gracie stepped in to hug Chance, giving me a thumbs up. "I want one of those," she said as she hugged me next.
"Someday," I said. "For now, concentrate on finishing school. Let us know what you decide to do about the DHS job."
Mama stepped in for her round of hugs. "I'm glad you came home, Baby Girl. It's good to see you so happy. You deserve it."
"Thanks, Mama."
"I wish you lived down the street, but I can see you found what you need in Wilkins' Gap. Call or text whenever you can. Stay safe."
She pulled Chance away for a whispered conversation, and they walked back arm in arm. "Take good care of my baby girl, Chance."
"I will. Thanks for everything."
He took my hand, and we headed for the car, waving to Mama and Gracie Layne as we pulled out of the parking lot.
"Thanks, Chance. The visit was great," I said after I wiped away my tears.
"It was fun. Maybe we can get them to Idaho for the holidays next year. You OK?"
"I'll be fine. I really do feel like Wilkins' Gap is home now."
"Glad to hear it." He reached for my hand and held it on his leg as he drove. "I'm glad we've had so much time together the past few months, but I hate that I'm going to be gone so much now."
"We'll find a way to make it work," I said, and I was committed to doing just that. I knew when I was back in Wilkins' Gap I'd miss Chance a lot, but I had a lot to do. Besides continuing to make some changes at Hairy's, we wanted to make progress on the museum. We'd done some planning but hadn't really done any work other than securing the space on Main Street. I still had Uncle Harry's files and papers to go through. I knew I'd miss Chance, but I had plenty of things to keep me busy and good friends to lean on.
I stuck close to Chance while he handled the paperwork required to transport weapons. I'd be flying home with my new gun and would have to handle it myself. Chance had filled out the necessary forms, so it was just a matter of the extra time and checks required.
Chance had done a great job on the planning. My flight left more than an hour before his, so he had time to see me off and then get to his flight in time for boarding. "Leif, will pick you up at the airport. He's a good guy, but his military side is always evident. We'll talk tonight.” He pulled me into a hug as my flight started boarding. "Be careful. I don't think there's any way that the BITES people could know our travel plans, but if something doesn't feel right. Trust your gut."
"I can't believe you're going on a snake hunt. Who does that?"
"Me and my clients. It should be a fun week. I'm anxious to get back in the field. He gave me one of his brain freeze kisses that left me unable to function normally. "We'll talk tonight, and I'll see you next weekend. Don't forget that." He led me up to the point where I had to hand over my boarding pass. He handed it to the gate agent. "Is she OK? Does she need assistance?"
"She'll be fine in a few minutes. She's just a little overwhelmed," he said, as my fellow passengers pulled me into the flow in the jetway. We were airborne before I really knew where I was. Once I regained my senses and had a cup of tea, I pulled out the folder of data about my training. There was a brochure with a picture of Leif Thorsten. As I read over the information I wondered just what lapse in judgment prompted me to agree to this.