Tara glanced out one of the side windows and saw a police car with its lights flashing. It had pulled up close to the plane. She pulled herself from her father’s grip.
The pilot exchanged a look with the co-pilot before looking over his shoulder. “Sorry, sir, but I have to do what the police say.”
A moment later the engine noise died down completely.
“Open the door to the fuselage,” came the next order from the police.
Inside, Tara felt giddy with excitement. She could barely contain herself until the co-pilot had opened the door to the outside and lowered down the stairs. Moments later, a police officer entered.
“What’s going on here?” Tara’s father addressed him instantly, his voice booming. “Why aren’t you removing that truck from the runway?”
“Mr. Pierpont?” the police officer asked.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“We’ve been told that you’re holding a Tara Pierpont against her will and are planning to take her across state lines,” the police officer said calmly.
“That’s preposterous! Who’s spouting such nonsense?”
“I am!”
Tara whipped her head to the door again and saw Jay enter the fuselage. “Jay!” She flew into his arms.
He pressed her to him. “Are you all right, darlin’?”
“Now I am,” she murmured.
“What is this?” her father growled. “Arrest this man! He’s an imposter and a thief!”
Tara looked over her shoulder, watching as the policeman raised his eyebrows and corrected her father, “I’m afraid, sir, that accusation is incorrect. We verified the identity of this man. And there’s no doubt that this is Mr. Bohannon and that he is the owner of the yacht that was falsely reported as stolen. And if I find out that you were the one making such a false report, there’ll be consequences.”
Tara’s mother pointed at Jay. “But this man is a waiter!” She glared at Tara. “You said so yourself.”
“I tried to tell you who he is, but you wouldn’t listen,” Tara replied.
“Bohannon from Hannon Boats?” her father asked.
“Yes, sir, I’m the owner of Hannon Boats, not that it should matter. Your daughter loves me, no matter who I am. And that’s all you should care about.”
“But, but,” her mother stuttered. “Why didn’t you tell us you were dating Mr. Bohannon? We would have given our consent. We would never put any stones in the way of your happiness.”
Tara huffed. “Yes, as long as I’m happy with a rich man, isn’t that what you mean?”
“Well, let’s not discuss something like that in front of strangers,” her mother said quickly.
“No, let’s,” Tara insisted. “You have no right to tell me who I can or can’t love.”
Her father cleared his throat. “Mr. Bohannon, I apologize for the misunderstanding. I hope this will not taint our relationship in the future.”
Jay nodded. “Mr. Pierpont, I hope you understand that our relationship will depend on the decisions your daughter makes. I won’t go against her wishes.”
Tara turned her face to Jay, smiling up at him. He had her back. She mouthed a silent thank you to him.
“I understand, of course,” Tara’s father assured him quickly. “We only want Tara’s happiness. I hope your intentions toward our daughter are—”
“Stop it, Dad!” Tara interrupted her father. “After all you guys put me through you have to ask him that? I’m not a child! Jay and I will decide what we want when we’re ready.”
Tara’s mother opened her arms and walked toward her. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so happy for you. Obviously this young man really cares about you. Whatever you two decide is fine with us, right Allen?” She exchanged a look with her husband.
“Of course. We’ll support you fully.”
Tara refrained from rolling her eyes. Yes, now they were supporting her, because she was dating a rich guy. It had looked very different only minutes ago when they’d thought she was in love with a poor waiter.
She would forgive them, of course. After all, they were her parents, but they also had to learn a lesson. She would let them stew for a little while longer.
Tara lifted her eyes to look at Jay. He smiled and nodded toward her mother. “Thank you, Mrs. Pierpont, I appreciate that. And let me assure you that I’m more than happy to put this incident behind me and forget the whole thing.”