"You waiting for the 345 too," an older gentleman next to her asked.
Heather smiled briefly. "I'm beginning to wonder if it'll ever arrive." A note of worry crept into her voice.
"It's the weather in New York. They have to de-ice every plane before it can take off. I heard they closed her down. The airport, that is. Looks like they got out of there before that since the flight hasn't been canceled. Waiting for your husband?" He laid his book down.
Heather glanced at the title. "The Lives and Times of Today's Generation." She recognized the name, it was making the rounds of all the talk shows. Several of her friends were reading and raving about it. Heather had been given a copy, but preferred to read fiction in the little time she could set aside for reading. John Balint was the author, Heather recalled.
"Boyfriend, " she grinned, feeling her cheeks grow red. "He went home for the holidays."
"You didn't go with him? Pretty thing like you left alone? The man's crazy."
Heather blushed deeper. "I couldn't get away from work and my family is here, so I wasn't alone. Who are you here to meet?"
"My wife's meeting me. Then we are traveling together to California. I've missed her and she missed me for some crazy reason. Life's too short to be separated long. She normally travels with me, but we have a new grandbaby and she couldn't miss the arrival."
"How long have you been married?"
"26 years the day after tomorrow, although sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday. A saint I married. I don't know how she puts up with my nonsense." The man's eyes grew soft.
"How many children?" Heather shifted in her seat, trying to find a comfortable position.
"Seven of them; five girls and two boys. We have 12 grandkids and one great-grand child."
"Wow," her eyes widened, "you don't look old enough to have that many kids." She meant every word. The man's red hair was only slightly twinged with grey about the temples and his face, lightly tanned, was smooth. Hard to guess his height sitting down, but Heather put him over 6 foot. The shoulders appeared broad under his navy blue suit. She would have only placed him to be in his early forties.
"You're a sweet girl. If you weren't taken, I'd have to introduce you to my youngest. Nolan needs to meet some nice young ladies. I have to wonder about some of the ones he brings home. I don't suppose I could convince you?"
She shook her head, hair shaking about her shoulders. "No, I'm afraid not. I'm taken heart, body and soul."
He returned her smile. "I was afraid you were going to say that. How long have you known this young man? I sure hope he appreciates you."
"We met a couple of years ago and yes, he's very good to me, " her train of thought interrupted by the loudspeaker.
"Flight 345 is now approaching the gate. Passengers will be disbarking in a few minutes. Thank you for your patience with the delays."
Heather and the gentlemen stood up at the same time. Crowds from other parts of the airport began to converge on the waiting area.
"Thanks for helping an old man pass away the time." The gentleman smiled and offered his hand. "My name is John Balint."
Heather's eyes widened, but her words were lost in a shriek from the plane's gate. "Johnny!" A tiny blonde surged from the tunnel in front of the crowds. The man at her side stroded forward a silly grin on his face.
Her eyes searched the sea of colours as they came forward to be claimed by groups waiting. "Just like Graham to wait for the crowds to die out. Heather's heart lifted when she saw the familiar face. She hurried forward, a path open to her as the others disappeared to claim baggage.
"Graham." Heather rushed into his arms. Breathing deeply, taking the aroma that was him. "I've missed you, so much."
He buried his face into her hair and whispered,"God I've missed you, sweetheart," then claimed her lips with his own.