The past year has been a blue like the swift flowing snow storms that rise up during the dreary dead days of a Wyoming winter. My routine doesn't stray from the ordinary and we have recovered as well as can be expected with the tragic events of the year. Each day that passes, I decide it will be the day that Vic and I can move forward, but at each sunset I find myself still alone with just my thoughts and my regrets to keep me company.

The morning sun promises new beginnings and I silently whisper to the golden goddess that I will make today a true beginning having been graced by her blessing of a new day. The familiar road leading to town allows my mind to relax as I daydream of Vic. She has waited, as she promised, and I hope for one more day of patience.

I pick up the radio mic, "Ruby, you in?"

"Unit 1, go ahead." Ruby is back on her official radio language kick.

"I have an errand I will be back in a couple of hours."

"Copy, unit 1."

I make the 40 minute drive to Sheridan and stop at Happy Trails Travel Agency and arrive a few minutes early for my scheduled appointment.

"Hi, Mr. Longmire, you are a few minutes early but I have everything waiting for you."

"Thanks." Sherrie, the owner, points to the waiting seat as I look at the travel posters from around the world.

"So, have you ever been to Dallas?"

"Many years ago."

"Well, this is the most popular travel package. With the upgrades, we have 3 nights on the club suite level at the Renaissance Hotel in Irving, two 50-yard line tickets for the Eagles vs Cowboys, and dinner reservations at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse on Thanksgiving evening. Are you sure you don't want to add air travel, Mr. Longmire.?"

Sherrie smiles at me and looks almost as if she wants to take the trip.

"Nope, we're driving, but thanks."

"Ok, but Thanksgiving is the most driven holiday. You sure you don't want the convenience of flying? You can fly right out of Sheridan."

"No, I'm good." Spending the extra time with Vic, alone, is very much a part of my plan.

"It sure sounds like you have a plan, sir. I like that." Sherrie smiles at me again and this time I think she may be actually flirting with me but I'm not sure.

"Your total balance is exactly $1542.98. With that be on a major credit card?"

"Ah, I thought I would write a check."

"Sure thing, hon." Sherrie winks at me.

Now I know she's flirting with me.

I turn over the check and she hands me the travel package making sure to go over every item.

"Now whatever you do don't lose those tickets. They are non-refundable and irreplaceable."

"Got it."

I tip my hat, smile, and say, "Thank you, Sherrie. I'm sure the trip will be memorable thanks to you." As Vic says, everybody flirts.

At Dicks' Sporting Goods I head straight toward the men's section where I find exactly what I am looking for, a white Eagles #92 throwback jersey. Size small. Perfect. The football gods are smiling. The clerk directs me to the gift wrap section and they do 'er up nice in NFL paper. I'm smiling as my plan is coming together.

One last stop. Summers Floral Shop for the final touch. I order a dozen roses. My stomach begins to knot up as the reality of it all sets in but I'm ready, finally. I feel pretty pleased with myself driving back to Durant. Everything has come together after weeks of planning the perfect time for us. I hit the station and practically run up the stairs. I feel good today.

Ruby is the only one in the station. "Good morning, Walter."

"Morning, Ruby. Anything going?"

"Nope. Just the usual. Vic and Ferg are at the Busy Bee. You eat breakfast?"

"Ah, no but I'm not really hungry."

The day goes on with nothing special but by noon my stomach is in a rage for being neglected and I decide on the usual for lunch. I grab my coat and hat and make my way toward the door just as the flower delivery man arrives. He has a long white box with red ribbon tied around it. He looks at me and laughs, "I don't suppose these are for you, Sheriff."

"Don't think so."

He looks at Vic, "Deputy Victoria Moretti."

I look over at Vic and can feel the color rise on my neck. My day can't get any better. I get to see her reaction at the roses.

Vic looks up at the set of 4 eyes looking back at her and she nervously grabs the box, "Gheez, what the hell, can't I get flowers?"

Ferg laughs, "I guess so, Vic. I didn't know you were seeing anybody."

Vic freezes him with her glare as she opens the box. It's two dozen red roses and definitely not what I ordered. My heart drops to my boots. I could only think they got the order wrong but I can't say anything. Vic rips open the envelope and takes out the card reading it silently to herself. I take a look at the envelope and notice the flowers came from the Country Store, the local flower shop here in town and not Summers over in Sheridan.

Ruby walks over with a vase full of water we keep in the reading room.

"Vic these are so beautiful. So are you going to keep us in suspense?"

Vic sighs, "They're from Pete Oliver."

"The councilman?" I mutter.

"Yeah, I didn't cite him yesterday when he rolled a stop sign."

"Ah huh", I looked down from under my hat.

"He asked me to lunch but I told him I couldn't eat with him on duty. So, he sent me these and asked me to dinner when I'm off-duty." Her eyes roll into the back of her head but its accompanied by a smile.

I can feel my hand grip my sidearm a little tighter than usual and my jaw clench a little more. The pain of hunger is quickly replaced by the knowledge of lost opportunity. Everything was going so well, I can't be a day late and a dollar short, I just can't be.

"Well, you gonna say yes or what?" Ferg teases.