john meehan went along.ent to a courthouse and just got married before a judge. >> reporter: like that? >> just like that. >> reporter: married. nobody there but them and their secret. they decided, said debra, they wouldn't tell anyone. >> i knew my family would be not very happy with me. >> reporter: what'd it feel like? >> very mixed emotions. a little empty, knowing that they're not on board with this. >> reporter: but that's all on that one side. on the other side, there's this rush of happiness and good feeling, right? >> yes. >> reporter: so debra's daughters, protective as usual, had no idea that their mother was a newlywed. the therapist debra had seen recommended she keep her relationship separate from her family. but of course christmas was coming, and there were very important family traditions like the one where terra would have her own special time with the nieces and nephews of her extended family. so they made a deal. john would stay in a different room while terra had the kids to herself. >>