I do laugh then, low and genuine. “It’s excessive. I know.” We use it for many things, a vast majority political.
“How many people does it seat?”
“Twenty. Maybe thirty if we’re cozy.”
“Okay then.” A small laugh leaves her. I’ll take it. It’s not as though I can hide any of this. Not when I’m taking her home. I need her to fall in love with not only me but the country too.
The stairs are already down. I keep her hand in mine, leading her on board.
The cabin is all cream leather and polished wood. There is a bedroom in the back that I’d love to make ours, but my parents will be joining us shortly.
“Here,” I tell her, picking a spot for us that is more isolated from the rest.
She settles into a window seat, and I grab a blanket. “Do you want something to drink?” I ask her.
“Doing my job for me?” I turn, holding my hand out to James to shake. He pulls me in for a half hug.
“You’re back. How’s the baby?” James’s whole face lights up at the mention of the newest member of his family. He’s worked for us for a handful of years. We have traveled a lot together. There have been times I think the plane is more his than ours. He runs this place, including the captain.
“Perfect and tiny, man.” He shakes his head, holding his hand up. “Like this big, but my wife swears they’re not as fragile as they look.”
Mable giggles.
“What’s going on here?” James turns toward her. A flash of jealousy hits me when she drops her head back and gives him a bright smile. It’s ridiculous. James married his high school sweetheart. They are madly in love.
“I’m Mable.” She holds her hand out.
“It’s lovely to meet you.” He shakes her hand, giving me a knowing look that saysAbout damn time.“I’m James.”
“You too, and congratulations. What’s the baby’s name?”
“Savanna,” he says proudly. That longing hits me again. Sure, I had some fucked-up thoughts about getting Mable pregnant. That it would bind her to me, but it’s more than that. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever want kids or if I’d have the time. Now that’s not as stiff a sacrifice, and with Mable, I’m willing to make it. I want to see her pregnant with our children. It hits me hard just howbadly I do want that. How since I met her, I’ve been envisioning spending the rest of my life with her.
This time home isn’t only going to be about getting Mable to fall in love; it’s also to see how this all plays out. Not only in the public eye but also with my family and, most importantly, Mable. Then I might have to make big changes no one will be happy about.
Too bad for them, Mable’s happiness will always come first. She’ll be my wife and the mother of my children one day. At least that’s my plan, and if I’m good at anything, it’s getting things to go how I want them. I’ve spent my whole life maneuvering deals.
James and Mable go back and forth talking, and I end up getting our drinks. My parents board but must get the message that I sat over here for a reason. They take an area up and to the left but give us smiles before sitting.
I’m about to sit beside Mable when I hear the loud click of heels on the stairs. Cordelia appears in the cabin doorway, all smiles, her eyes finding Mable immediately and then over to me.
“Wells! I hoped I’d catch you.” She moves past me without waiting for an invitation, dropping into the seat across from Mable. “Eleanor mentioned you were heading back early. I had some business in the city, so I thought I’d hitch a ride.”
Fucking hell. I wanted to be alone with Mable.
“John, can I get an espresso?” Cordelia asks him.
“James,” I correct.
“Shit, sorry, see, I need the coffee clearly.” She lets out a playful laugh, but I can tell it’s fake. Maybe she’s embarrassed for calling him the wrong name. She knows James, or at least she should.
I stare at her, my jaw tight. “Cordelia,” I say, my voice low. “A word.”
“After takeoff.” She smiles at Mable, all teeth. “Did you enjoy the wedding?” Cordelia asks her.
That old temper of mine flares again. The one I thought I mastered keeping under control long ago. I don’t want to share Mable right now—fuck, maybe ever.
The pilot’s voice comes over the intercom, letting us know we will be taking off soon, and I force myself into my seat, my shoulder pressed against Mable’s. I reach over and put my hand on her leg.
