-Early Morning-
Lyman's smile was as crisp as the accompanying burst of morning air as he slipped into the Contour’s passenger seat and secured himself.
The smiling cat surveyed his friend. "I take it," he grinned, "that my absence yesterday was not a hardship."
"Mas oui, mon ami," grinned Lyman back. "Because you weren't there, I was privileged to meet a most delightful femme snow leopard, Ms. Amandajean Snowpaws. You were of course," he hastened to add, "missed."
"Yeah; right. Tell me another fairy tale."
"You honestly were, but how about 'The check is in the mail.'?"
"That'll do," laughed Lee. "Glad things went well for you."
"Your turn," responded his friend. "How'd things go with you and Debbye yesterday?"
"Pretty good," answered the feline as he threaded the car through traffic. "Good enough that I'm picking her up at home this Friday and meeting her folks."
"Good news, guy," grinned Lyman as he playfully punched Lee's shoulder. "Tell me more?"
Lee then proceeded to give a good, if not complete account of the previous day's events, neglecting any mention of Parker Thompson, as they traveled to the plant. With a modicum of care in timing, the narrative finished just as Lee pulled into a parking slot. Talking and gesturing as they walked, the two friends headed into the building.
The appearance of the icon for a new email message broke Lyman's work-focus as the two engineers concentrated on resuming the tasks delayed by the previous week's special efforts. Stretching a moment, the wolf-fox opened the new message and whistled. "Hey, Lee, you need to check that latest email message. You're gonna need to call Debbye."
Lee paused and opened the message on his terminal. He smiled as he read:
Sent: Monday, 10/04/99 1000 Hours
From: Joe McDonald
To: SET Members and Associates
Subject: "Thank You"
In recognition of the effort and time that all of you put in during last week's special effort, each of you and your spouse or significant other is invited to a semi-formal dinner-dance at Green Fields Country Club this coming Saturday, starting at 7:30pm.
RSVP to the team secretary by Friday, noon.
Joe McDonald
Manager, Special Engineering Team
Grinning by the end of the message, he commented, "It's nice to work for somebody who appreciates you."
"Indeed! Going to call her now?"
Lee looked at the time. "Nope, she's in class now. I'll catch her at work after lunch." He grinned, "She deserves as much notice as possible." The feline paused; then chuckled, "She might need some reassurances, too. I can see where the prospect of meeting all these furs and their spouses could initially seem daunting."
His friend nodded, "Understood. Got a minute, I'm trying to remember how we were going to handle that clearance problem."
The cat padded over to his friend's workstation, "Hmm, let me take a look and see of I remember." Five minutes later he looked up, "I think this is what we came up with before last week's fun."
Lyman looked over the display, "Yeah, I remember now. Thanks."
"De nada, amigo."
With a nod they returned to their joint efforts.
"This is a change of pace," grinned Sabrina from the passenger's seat.
"Well, you had to go and leave your car in Pennsylvania, laughed Debbye. "Besides, this way I can pay you back for all the times you drove me." The young squirrel sobered, "It's gonna feel different not having you around."
"It's gonna feel different living with Chris full time," responded her friend. "I never thought I'd leave Columbus. I'll miss seeing The Clique regularly, but I'd miss Chris even more if I didn't go."
Debbye nodded, "Used to be, I would never have understood that but if things keep going the way they are, I'd be strongly tempted to follow if Lee moved someplace else."
The skunkette's eyebrows rose, "Oh really? Things are going that well, huh?"
"Well," blushed the squirrel, "we both know we've got pretty intense feelings for each other and, well, there's something more; we understand and appreciate each other. I guess I now know how you felt after the first time Chris came here."
The skunkette grinned, "So, has he started appearing in your dreams yet?"
"He has," her friend blushed," and they're a bit more than most romance novels."
"It was the same with me," laughed Sabrina. "Just be sure before you make them real."
"Oh I will," chuckled Debbye. "We've already talked about that."
"You'll have to tell us all about it," smiled her passenger as they pulled into Furry's parking lot. "It seems that you've already learned a lot."
Debbye just laughed in reply.
Once lunch was ordered, The Clique quickly started discussing their respective weekends. Cindy had spent part of the weekend at a church cookout with Clarence, though she implied that they'd more enjoyed chances to slip off alone. Susan surprised the others when she mentioned that she & Josh had agreed to date each other exclusively. "It's a change for me," grinned the lioness, "but it's one I want; he's by far the best company I've found. I’m not interested in even looking at any other fur lately."
The other heads nodded, each considering their guy and agreeing with ready smiles.
"So how'd your weekend go?" Cindy asked Debbye as they both dug into their salads.
"Well..." responded her friend. Finishing her mouthful, the squirrel gave a quick summary of both the weekend and the strenuous week that had led up to it. Saturday's events got chuckles and sly grins from her friends. Her description of how she and Lee had spent the previous day brought knowing grins out.
"Sure that talking was all you did while waiting for the movie?" asked a grinning Susan.
"Well," replied Debbye, "I’d say there was more body language involved then just talking entails."
"Ah-ha," crowed Cindy, "I've used that line too." As the laughter subsided, she continued, "Now don't tease us; show us the photos you mentioned."
The young squirrel responded by pulling an envelope out of her purse and passing it to Cindy. "Here you are."
The rabbit perused the photos and then gave them to Susan. "Nice looking guy; if he's as good as you described, you've got a winner. If the pictures he took are any indication, he definitely cares for you."
Debbye just grinned as Susan echoed the sentiments and passed the envelope to Sabrina. The skunkette flipped through the pictures carefully. "I agree with that, but you're holding out on us, Debs."
"Oh?" responded the lioness and rabbit.
"There's a gap in the numbers on the back of the photos," explained Sabrina. Turning to Debbye, she continued, "Care to explain?"
With a sheepish grin, the femme pulled another envelope form her purse and spread the 12 photos on the table. "We took some special shots of each other, too."
"I can see that," murmured Susan as she surveyed the pictures of a shirtless Lee. "If I didn't have Josh, I'd be tempted to give you a run for him."
"I wouldn't go quite that far," agreed Cindy, "but he is easy on the eyes."
Sabrina chuckled and looked closer at the pictures of Debbye. "You're certain you hadn't met him before that day, three weeks ago, when you brought him over?"
Yep; why?" Came the reply.
The femme skunk continued as she pointed, "For that little amount of time, he's sure managed to understand you. These caught the real you. Just how serious are you?"
"Possibly quite serious," blushed Debbye. "We're still getting to know each other, but I'm already getting some strong feelings for him. I know he feels the same." She chuckled, "A guy can't fake that. But he's been a gentlefur, well-behaved and self-controlled."
Her friends chucked, "That's great," grinned Cindy. "We're all finding good guys. What're you doing next?"
The squirrel grinned, "Friday he's picking me up at home and meeting my folks."
"Especially your father?" grinned Sabrina, "I remember you complaining to me and Amy about how unfair he was, driving off all your good boyfriends."
"Yeah," agreed the rabbit. "You've told us too. Think your father will scare this one off?"
"Lee? Get real!" chuckled the squirrel. "That won't faze him in the least; he's a lot more grounded and secure in himself."
"And how do you know that?" purred Susan. "You’ve not told us anything to show that."
The squirrel blushed, "I didn't go into all the 'juicy bits' from Saturday. We talked about a number of personal matters and he's willing to wait on full intimacy, without pressure, until we're mutually agreed on it."
"Does that include waiting until after the ceremony?" asked Cindy. "I know you've mentioned that when we've talked. Even if it's a good while?"
"He's willing to wait," stated Debbye. "He says I'm worth the effort."
Three sets of eyebrows raised as Susan whistled, "He's that sure of his self-control?"
The femme squirrel smiled, "More that we've that much confidence and trust in each other. It's a mutual agreement."
Cindy smiled, "Sounds a lot like Clarence, he can be quite the patient gentlefur."
Susan smiled, "Josh is the same; I gotta say it's refreshing."
The skunkette laughed, "This? From you? The one who's dated most of the eligible single males in Columbus?"
"Yep," grinned the lioness. "I had to kiss a lot of frogs to find my prince."
The quartet broke up in laughter and continued their lunch with light hearts.
"Good afternoon, EWS Productions."
"Debbye Squirrel, please"
"Just a minute, sir; I'll connect you."
Debbye grabbed the phone on the first ring. "EWS Productions, this is Debbye Squirrel. How may I help you?'
"By agreeing to attend a semi-formal dinner-dance with me this Saturday evening."
"Lee? What are you talking about?"
The cat proceeded to read the memo; then continued, "I'd be honored and pleased to have you as my companion." His voice evinced a warm smile as he continued, "I'd also relish the opportunity to have you in my arms for several dances."
"I'd like that too," blushed the femme, "but I'm a little nervous about meeting all your co-workers and bosses."
"I figured you might," replied Lee. "But look at it this way, I want to show you off; to show everyfur just how lucky I am to have you."
"When you put it that way, how can I say 'no'? laughed the femme. "But it's the evening after Sabrina leaves, what if I'm not in the best humor?"
"M'dear, can you think of a better way to shake the blues?'
"Come to think of it, no. Do you want talk about the exact time while we’re out this Friday?"
"I’d rather talk tonight," responded Lee. “So we both can plan accordingly. Mind you, I'm looking forward to meeting your folks."
And I'm sure you'll handle it well thought Debbye. "I'd love to talk further, Lee, but there is work to be done here."
"As there is here, too," chuckled the cat. "Good bye, my dear squirrel; until Friday."
"Until Friday, my sweet cat."
As soon as Lee hung up, Debbye got a dial tone and quickly keyed a number. "Suse? Debbye; I need your help. Lee's invited me to a semi-formal dinner-dance for his job, and I need to find an outfit I can afford that will wow him and make a good impression on the others."
"Is that all?" chuckled her friend. "I imagine we can do it, though it might take some hunting"
"Tomorrow night, maybe?"
"Sure, we'll get an early start on it. See you then.'
"Thanks, Suse. You're a life saver."
"Thank me after you find it and pay for it. Bye."
"Bye."
Debbye stared dreamily into nothing for a few moments before turning back to her work.
Lee looked up at the knock on the doorframe. "Come on in," he called.
To his surprise, a somewhat nervous Rava walked in. "Hi guys," she started. "Ah, you guys have a moment?
Lee looked at her, then Lyman, with a confused look. Recognizing her nervousness, though, he stepped over to the door, placed a "Classified Materials in Use" sign on it, and shut it to gain her some privacy. He padded over to stand by her.
Her nervousness evident by the way her paws twisted her tail, Rava started, "Did Cathy call either of you yesterday?"
Lee shook his head, "We were out kinda late and there weren't any messages on the machine when I got home."
Lyman nodded, "She talked to me, at length."
Lee looked back and forth between his two close friends. "Okay, what did I miss?" Lyman remained quiet, watching Rava. Not getting an answer, Lee asked in a concerned tone, "Rava?"
Rava turned to him and sighed, "I, ahh, need to talk to both of you. I'm taking a small leave of absence; a few weeks, maybe, depending on any new contracts."
A stunned Lee could only keep his muzzle shut while Lyman asked with clenched jaw, "Planning on running from the problem, Rava, or facing it?"
Lee looked from one to the other, "Okay, is anybody going to let me in on the conversation? Or should I leave you two alone to discuss this?"
The cat femme sighed and responded in a trembling voice, "I need some time away from all the stress, Lee; that's all it is. I managed to fall apart this past weekend and I guess I..."
She was cut off as Lyman stepped forward and pulled her into a hug; whispering, "You should have come to us sooner, Ray. We knew you were hurting but we couldn't do anything while you refused to acknowledge it."
Lee draped his arm over her shoulders, his paw on the far one, and hugged her to his side, "You can depend on us for whatever we can do."
The white cat pulled back, looking at her friends, "I know; I just didn't realize it was bothering me so."
"So how much time were you thinking of taking?" inquired the male cat.
Rava explained her plans; then continued, "Meanwhile, I promised Cathy that if I need to talk, I would. But a lot of times I can't talk to her, so..."
Both male friends softly smiled and nodded. "Not a problem, Ray; if you need to talk, we will always be here," answered Lyman to the unspoken question.
"Great!" enthused Rava as her face brightened. Before she left, she got Lyman's agreement to serve as her companion/date for the upcoming dinner-dance. Promising them the full story if they joined her for dinner, she padded down the hall in a better mood.
After she left, Lee shut the door and turned to Lyman, "you knew?"
"Well, a bit," replied his friend. "Cathy called me last night while you were out with Debbye and filled me in. It seems Ray finally unburdened herself to Cathy's cousin; I understand it was quite cathartic."
The feline nodded, "I can only imagine." Looking at his watch, he continued, "However, we do have work to finish today. You can catch me up while we work.”
The two returned to their desks and were soon immersed in resolving design problems.
- Later That Evening -
Lee stretched as he sat down at his home computer. Glad we had that dinner with Rava at Aristo's, he grinned as the machine powered up. I found another good restaurant and we got a lot of things aired out. If I don't see Rava at work, I'll give her a call to check on her, but no more than that; "mother-henning" drives her as crazy as it does me. 'Sides, he thought with a grimace, Lyman's Italian side is more than going to make up for it. I just hope he doesn't push her too far. With that thought, the feline got the address of Green Fields Country Club and proceeded to get good estimates of the driving time from Debbye's home. Shutting down the computer, he padded into the bedroom to get comfortable while he talked to his lady.
Ring-g-g-g
"Squirrel Residence"
"Waiting for my call?" Inquired Lee as he recognized his femme's voice.
"Actually, yeah," blushed the femme squirrel. "I was hoping to catch you before anyone else did." She hesitated, "Are you sure you want me with you on Saturday? I've gotta be younger than anyone else who'll be there and I'm afraid of embarrassing you."
"Silly squirrel," replied the cat with warm humor in his voice. "Firstly, you're not that much younger than me and," he chuckled, "I know several of the shop personnel have femme-friends your age. More to the point, you're well-read, intelligent, poised, and beautiful; how could you embarrass me?"
"You sure know how to turn a young femme's head," she giggled; then sobered. "No more self-doubts then. What time will you be coming by on Saturday?"
"For a 7:30 start, 6:45 – 7:00 looks about right. I could never get used to being 'fashionably late'."
"Nor could I; I like the way you think, my dear cat. With that out of the way, what did you have in mind for this Friday night?
"Considering Saturday night, I figured something simple and fun. How 'bout I pick you up around 6:30, we go out for burgers, and then go bowling?"
"Great! I'll be looking forward to it. I just wish I didn't have to wait for the weekend to see you."
"I miss you too," replied Lee with an intimate murr.
The couple continued their light romantic banter for some while longer before saying their quiet goodnights.
-Late Evening-
Debbye stalked from the closing mall followed by her concerned friend. "That's ridiculous," she almost snarled, "they don't have anything that fits me and projects the image I want, let alone at a price I can afford!"
Susan nodded, "It's just not the season, yet; leastways, not at these stores. We'll try some other malls tomorrow night."
The young squirrel sighed, "I suppose I shouldn't have expected it to be easy. But what if they don't have anything either?"
The lioness grinned, "In that case, Thursday we try my 'ace in the hole', the 'special' rack at a classy specialty shop I found."
"Think they'll have it?"
"If no one else does, they likely will."
"I'll take your word for it."
- Late Evening –
The two dispirited friends trudged from yet another mall. "Well, they had something that fit me and my pocketbook," groused Debbye, "but it doesn't suit the event."
"Yeah," grinned Susan, "that would've been a touch daring for your introduction to Lee's co-workers. You looked great in it and it would've gotten his attention; but that's not the first impression you want."
Her friend lightened up and grinned, "Quite; I'd probably set Lee's career back a bit, too."
As they reached her car, the squirrel asked, "So what do we do now? We've checked darn near every mall around."
"Girl," grinned Susan, "Next stop is my 'ace in the hole'."
"Hope they have something; I want to do this right."
"They will," soothed her friend, "just wait and see."
-Early Evening –
Debbye looked around as Susan guided her. "An industrial park? This place is in an industrial park?"
"Sure is," grinned he lioness. "They don't spend a lot on externals. With their reputation, and what they carry, they don't need to."
At her friend's direction, the squirrel finally pulled into a spot in front of a sign that simply said Chantelle's. The lioness led her friend inside where Debbye's eyes widened at the understated elegance of the interior.
The two friends ooh'd and aah'd as they looked over the sample gowns and the ones for sale. Then the prices sunk in and both handled the pieces with extreme care. After giving them some time to browse, a sales-femme padded up, "Good evening, Ms. Felin. How can we help you tonight?"
"It's not for me, Marie," replied Susan to the pine-marten, "my friend here, Debbye Squirrel, is looking for something special in an outfit and we've had no luck with the 'usual suspects'."
The sales-femme turned to Debbye and offered her paw. "Pleased to meet you. Now, what are you looking for and why?"
Debbye explained her situation and what she wanted; then admitted, "I really don't have the money for the gowns and outfits we've seen so far."
The pine-marten smiled, "Understood. We do have a rack of pieces better suited to our budget-conscious customers. Your friend here has used it to advantage more than once." Looking the squirrel femme over, she nodded, "In fact, I think we've got just the thing for you. Follow me." She turned and padded to another part of the store.
The two friends followed and stopped as the sales-femme sorted through a rack. "Ah, here we are," crowed the femme as she pulled an outfit up and held it against Debbye.
The squirrel femme looked down. That midnight blue does go well with my fur and it looks like it should do what I want. "I think this just may be the one," she enthused. "Let me try it on."
Coming out of the dressing room, Debbye turned in front of her friend. "Well?"
"Girl, the way that outfit flatters you, that cat's gotta be dead if it doesn't hold his attention," grinned Susan. "Yet it's perfect for this classy 'do'. Buy it."
The young squirrel looked herself over in the mirror and grinned, "It'll kill my budget, but I gotta have it."
The outfit draped over Debbye's arm, the two friends strolled up to the counter. "I'll take it," she announced. "What's the damage?"
The pine-marten nodded, "I thought you would. That's a were-mouse 'special' that had to be cancelled by the femme who ordered it. After she paid cancellation fees, this is all that's left." She showed Debbye the ticket.
"I can handle that, barely," answered the relieved squirrel. "Why'd she have to cancel her order? I'd hate to profit from another fur's misfortune."
"No misfortune," grinned the sales femme. "She'd ordered it for this season after she and her husband had given up on having kids; after all, experts had told them that she couldn't get pregnant. She ordered this dress and found, to her surprise and joy, that the experts were wrong. She's now two months along and gladly paid the cancellation costs."
Both friends grinned at the story. "Good for her," chuckled Debbye as she looked at the total with tax and wrote her check. "It's a good thing Lee and I are holding off on getting that intimate; I'd hate to think of the dress having that effect again."
The pine-marten grinned as she finished up, "Good luck on Saturday; your guy's going to be proud to be seen with you."
"No more than I am when I'm with him," giggled the young squirrel as the friends exited the store, anxious to return home.
- Early Evening –
Lee pulled up outside Debbye's house a few minutes earlier than the agreed upon time. Better a little early than a little late, he mused as he locked the car, I'd hate to start off on the wrong paw with her folks. Padding up to the door, he noted that the home and the yard looked lived in but well cared for. It fits, he thought, the same attitude shows up in Debbye.
The lady squirrel who answered his ring smiled when she saw him. "You must be the fur we've heard so much about the last few weeks." She extended her paw. "I'm Linda Squirrel, Debbye's mother."
"Lee Evans," he replied, shaking her paw. Bringing it up as he bent his head, he kissed the back of her paw. "A pleasure to meet you, ma'am."
"Debbye wasn't kidding," she chuckled, "you are a real gentlefur. Now," she continued, opening the door, "come on in. Debbye's running a little late; I hope you won't mind waiting a short while."
"Not at all, I realize I'm also a touch early. I'd have been embarrassed if I'd been late picking her up."
"You'll do, Mr. Evans; you'll do nicely. If you'll follow me, I'll show you to the family room where you can sit in comfort and wait."
"Certainly, ma'am. If I'm out of line, tell me so, but I'm curious. Debbye said you worked in a state office but she didn't say which one."
"I'm the office manager for the state Attorney General."
Walking behind her, Lee gave a low whistle but otherwise kept his muzzle shut and his eyes open. About halfway down the hall, his nose came into play as a familiar odor teased it. I know that odor, gun cleaning solvent, Hoppes – I think; why am I smelling it here? Memories of growing up swirled quickly through his mind's eye. An-hah! The old "Daddy cleaning his guns" gambit; I remember Dad using that one on Marilee's boyfriends. He smiled, "forewarned is forearmed", two can play that game.
Linda Squirrel stepped aside as she entered the family room. "Mr. Evans, I'd like you to meet my husband and Debbye's father, Captain George Squirrel, Columbus Police Department."
Captain squirrel stood up from where he was cleaning his pistol and shook Lee's paw; receiving a firm pawshake in return. "A pleasure to finally meet the young fur Debbye's told us so much about." Gesturing to the couch beside him, he offered, "Feel free to sit while you're waiting."
With thanks, Lee sat down. George Squirrel smiled at his wife, "Why don't you go check on Debbye while Mr. Evans and I get better acquainted?"
"Certainly, dear," she replied; winking at Lee as she headed down the hall.
George smiled after her; then turned to Lee who was ready with an upraised paw. "Captain, before we get into a discussion, I'd like to offer a few stipulations to save time. Let us stipulate that you love your daughter deeply and that, if I hurt or harm her, you will hurt me and your brother officers will make my life as difficult as possible. In turn, I'd like to stipulate that I care very much for Debbye and would be willing to do darn near anything to keep her from hurt or harm."
George's eyes widened at Lees first words but he was grinning by the time Lee finished. "I can go with those stipulations; that's very perceptive understanding on your part. I wonder, though, has anyone ever called you 'impudent', Mr. Evans?"
"I've been called that and a few ‘other things’ when I've spoken my mind, Captain."
"I can believe it. Since it looks like we're going to be seeing a lot of each other, please call me 'George', not 'Captain'."
"As long as you call me 'Lee'; 'Mr. Evans' is my father."
"Deal! So, what exactly is your function on the Special Engineering Team?"
"Well, the job title is "Integrated Design Engineer" while the reality is taking a critical design effort from concept all the way through to a vehicle out the door. All the engineering disciplines and representatives from manufacturing, field service, et al. are involved from the beginning. The designers stay involved all the way through until the vehicle is handed off to whatever customer it's for."
"Impressive for a young fur. Now, tell me, how did you know to make those stipulations before I could say anything?"
"Has Debbye told you much about my family?"
"Not much, only that you're the oldest of four siblings."
"Well, the next oldest (we differ by minutes) is my twin sister, Marilee. Dad's a long-time shooting enthusiast and he's used this same basic gambit with the young 'gentlefurs' who've called on her. Heck, I've even played the "menacing older brother" a couple of times. When I caught a whiff of gun cleaning solvent on the way back here, I had a pretty good idea of your gambit."
"Congratulations, you're the first to catch it. Now that you've impressed me with your abilities, let's cut to the chase. What are your intentions regarding my daughter?"
"Honorable, George, strictly honorable. Right now, I just want us to get to better know each other; to both know for certain if there's something solid between us, rather than just emotions and hormones. When/if we both know that there's something solid there, we'll take things slow and build on that. I know we've both got a lot on our plates and I'm a patient fur."
"Fair enough, Lee; it's appreciated that you two are thinking and not just reacting. I think we understand each other and I'll certainly not hinder you."
"Thank you, sir."
After they'd sat for a moment, Lee chuckled, "Since you've gone to all the trouble, George, may I examine and dry-fire your pistol?"
"Certainly," grinned George as he passed the pistol over.
Lee verified that the magazine well and chamber were empty, experimented with handling the pistol, and finally pointed it in a safe direction and dry-fired it to evaluate the trigger pull. "Nice, I'll have to rent one of these 9mm Beretta's at the range some time." He smiled, "I generally shoot a mildly worked over Model 1911."
"A classicist, eh?" came the chuckled rejoinder.
"More or less, I've a carbine also chambered for .45ACP that'll use the same magazines."
"At least you plan your purchases rather than buy every new 'toy' like some shooters."
"I have to; I don't have unlimited funds."
At a sound from the hall, both males looked up. "Here she comes now," grinned George as they both stood. "I won't keep you any longer and I'll wish you both a pleasant evening."
As Debbye and Linda entered the room, both looked a bit apprehensively first at Lee, then looking in surprise at both as they recognized the obvious warmth between the two males. Lee turned to Linda, "It's been a pleasure meeting you both, ma'am, but we'd best be on our way." Offering his arm to Debbye, he asked, "Shall we?"
Smiling at nods from both parents, Debbye proudly slipped her arm through his. "Yes, let's." She turned to her folks, "G'night mom; dad. I'll just let myself in when Lee brings me home."
"Goodnight, darling," answered her father. "You two have a good evening."
As Lee and Debbye walked out the door, George put his arm around Linda and pulled her close. "I think we're going to be seeing a lot of that cat, and I can't say that I'm unhappy at the prospect."
Linda turned a questioning eye on him. "He sold you, too? This is an event. Do you suppose they'll last?"
"I rather suspect they might. If that's the case, he's one fur I wouldn't mind as a son-in-law."
Linda looked at her husband and chuckled, "I never thought I'd see the day."
As they walked to the car, Debbye asked, "How did you and my father get along? There seemed a fair warmth there."
Lee chuckled, "Quite well, really. No reason for us to be any other way; we're both straight-talking furs who care very much about you. We got that settled fairly quickly and then had a nice chat. He reminds me a bit of my dad."
Arriving at his car, Lee gave her a quick kiss as he held the door for her. Hurrying around to the driver's side, he slid into the seat, made certain they both were buckled up, and headed the car to the restaurant.