He drove toward the Emerald City Travel Company, doing his best to keep his breathing steady. Could he really do this, make such a bold move without revealing his feelings? He loved Daphne with all of his heart and even if he could never have her, he wanted nothing more at that moment than to make her dream come true.
He'd been a loyal customer of the Emerald City Travel Company for as long as he could remember; even before he'd married Maris.

But his first experience in dealing with the Company had been a good one, prompting him to stay a customer for the rest of his life. His trips with Maris to places such as Beijing and Rio de Janeiro were wonderful but they didn't compare to their honeymoon in Zurich. However, this visit was different. Not only was he about to embark on the biggest journey of his life, but he was also entering the Emerald City Travel Company once again as a free man.

Feeling both confident and a bit nervous, he pulled into the parking lot and turned off the engine. The familiar blue and white sign with a cartoonish airplane, cruise ship and steam train beckoned him inside.

As had almost always happened, the second that his presence was noticed, he was surrounded by them; Marlene, Michelle, Adrianne and Cynthia, the helpful and friendly travel specialists who in the course of becoming a patron of The Elliott Bay Travel Company, had become his friends. They greeted him warmly, as they had done every time they saw him.

"Dr. Crane, how are you?"

"It's been so long!"

"How is Maris?"

"You look wonderful, Dr. Crane!"

He smiled and greeted each woman just as warmly with a kiss on her cheek and a hug. "It's wonderful to see you."

"Thank you, Dr. Crane. I'd been hoping you'd stop by." Marlene said. "Where are you and Maris jet-setting off to now? Somewhere exciting I'm sure. How is Maris, by the way?"

His smile faded and he felt a twinge of irritation. It was obvious that Maris had neglected to inform the women that they were no longer husband and wife. Surely she was planning on using their services in the future. As many times as she'd traveled to Europe, at least one of those journeys was bound to be booked through the Emerald City Travel Company.

But now he realized that the duty of telling his friends the news had fallen upon him.

Marlene took his hand. "When are you planning your next trip? Let me show you our newest specials. Come here, I want to show you…"
Michelle followed suit, carrying a red folder full of colorful brochures. "Here Dr. Crane, these should be of interest. We have special pricing for Las Vegas, Reno and even San Francisco. Do any of these destinations strike your fancy?"

He smiled, grateful for the kindness of his travel specialists-turned friends. How would he say what he needed to say without hurting their feelings? He thought for a moment. "Actually, I had a completely different destination in mind."

But instead of being upset, their eyes brightened. Always the cheerful one, Cynthia spoke first. "Then you've come to the right place! Have you been to Iceland, Dr. Crane? It's a hot destination right now and we have direct flights to Reykjavik; only seven hours from Seattle, isn't that wonderful? And just look at these pictures! Aren't they beautiful?"

She handed him the tour book and smiled. He glanced at the book that was filled with images of the vibrant city that he'd heard so much about. It certainly was beautiful with its' colorful houses, incredible architecture and a beautiful church, right in the heart of the city. In addition there were thermal pools, waterfalls and geysers.

"So what do you think, Dr. Crane? Shall I book you and Maris on a flight? First Class as always of course."

He studied the pictures carefully and then handed the brochure back to Cynthia, making sure to smile. "Well, Reykjavik certainly looks beautiful and I've always wanted to go there, but for this trip, I was thinking about somewhere closer."

Cynthia nodded. "I completely understand. "I have a brochure on the San Juan Islands, or-."

He grinned, feeling like a little boy. "Actually I was thinking more along the lines of Disneyland."