his name was lars itzo. but once work got underway, lars seemed in no rush to finish the job. >> she was getting very frustrated, and she's just like, i wish this person would finish. >> reporter: but lars' siblings ken and kristi said he wasn't dragging things out for the money. he had an ulterior motive. >> he goes, yeah, she keeps flirting and talking and we're laughing and having a good time. >> reporter: lars liked debbie, and he thought it was mutual. >> and he goes, can i ask her out? and i went, yeah, why can't you? >> reporter: so began an unlikely courtship between debbie, the petite powerhouse, and lars, the 6'2" nordic he-man. >> they were cute. they were goofy. >> like teenagers. >> reporter: debbie got a kick out of lars' laid-back ways, just a guy into old-school board games, restoring muscle cars, and drinking texas' favorite, home-grown soft drink, dr. pepper. >> about a case a day. i mean, he had a lot -- >> reporter: what? >> of dr. pepper. >> at least a 12-pack, i know. >> reporter: i've n