A few hours later, Ardy stared into a mirror critically eying a sleek cocktail dress. John, as she knew, sat right outside in a plush armchair, his patience never faltering. Ardy smiled gently and leaned a hip against the wall of the changing studio. The cheesy grin on her face came from thoughts of her John, the way he spoilt her rotten. Giving a soft sigh, she pushed up to stand straight once more. She moved out towards the door, opened it and stepped out into the little shop. Twirling to let the skirt of the satin dress flare out, she continued on without breaking stride. Stopping just short of him, she leaned and gave him a kiss. At first, they ignored the beeping from John's pocket, but then Jeff's voice rang through the small shop. John pushed up, grabbing Ardy's hand and tossing bills onto the counter as he went by. Once out onto the street, he fished a cell phone from his pocket, engaged the call.
" What took so long John? We've got important business. Pack for a sea recovery. Light scuba, few oxy-tanks." Jeff disconnected, leaving Ardy staring over Johns shoulder with wide eyes.
"He has to be kidding." Was all that Ardy said as John ushered her towards the car and into the confines.
"Somehow, wife of mine, I don't think Dad kids." John gave her a soft smile as he eased out into traffic.
They were on their way within an hour's time. The briefing was short, not so sweet. They would be posing as newlyweds by the name of Gipe. Dorothy and Emmett Gipe. It was something only John and Jeff knew of. The name of Ardy's maternal grandparents. Their mission would be to find a way into the Aruban islands underwater customs hold. Rumor had it that a panel of emerald from the Russian palace throne room had surfaced along their coast, only to be recovered and held in customs, no one knowing what they had. It was a priceless artifact chock full of history.
After the briefing, John settled to sleep as Ardy piloted the aircraft for once. Settling back in the chair, she switched to auto pilot and turned her head to watch him. She was startled at just how strong her love for him was, as she physically reeled from them. A shake of her head as she righted herself, whispering gently to him.
" I..love you John."