"Do you think Miss Farrell really meant it?"

Distracted, Oliver turned his head from the window of the autocopter. "Hmm? About what?"

"About there being hundreds of couples. You think it's really hundreds or is it one of those things where grown-ups say a big number but it's really a lot less?"

He shrugged. "I'm sure quite a few turned up." He opted not to mention his own observations that morning nor the feeling that Grace had been modest with her numbers.

"Maybe they really did come back for me…"

Oliver hated himself for how discouraged he felt at the notion. He hated the part of him that hoped they wouldn't show up. Most of the time he knew that was unreasonable. He hadn't wanted a child to come to his house in the first place, much less a girl. Seeing as he did form a bond, so much of him truly did want to give her the happily ever after she deserved. That much hadn't changed from his resolve, even if the ending didn't include him.

He turned his attention back to the window as Annie got lost in her own daydreams. Hundreds of couples… he thought. Why had he left Grace to deal with them all on her own? He finally had a legitimate excuse to cancel on Roosevelt and he didn't take it. Not that today's meeting hadn't been productive thanks to Annie, but ultimately there was nothing he couldn't have waited until tonight to discuss.

It was the idea of potentially facing Annie's parents that took him to Washington. He had to admit it. Though he knew if they were found he'd have to hand over the check, he would be spared the moment of shock in front of him and everyone else. It would spare him having to look across the room at Grace and see her own emotion surrounding the situation.

Grace was another reason the thought of losing Annie devastated him. He'd miss spending time with her outside of the office. He'd miss the outings and the restaurants. He'd miss how the topics of Annie and work had been trailing off to other topics and getting to know more about her. After all these years, Annie had given him the courage to act on his feelings for her, even if only in small gestures or flirtations here and there. He was starting to think she might return those feelings, though his nerves wouldn't let him know for sure. Would he lose his nerve altogether if Annie left? Somehow, it seemed less intimidating to approach Grace knowing Annie would keep him in line.

He let out a sigh. Questions surrounding his relationship with Grace – personal or professional – would have to be put on the backburner. He had to focus on finding Annie's parents and a potential goodbye. Regardless of where he stood in Grace's mind, he knew he couldn't afford to alienate her now. If anyone could get him through the rest of the year, it was her.