“Anyway, no one had any long-term gigs, but my friend Dave had a lead on a plane that needed to get to Los Angeles by Tuesday. So, I said I’d take the flight as long as I could take it to Seattle first. Then I’ll get it to L.A. where you and I can get our flights to Costa Rica.”
Her eyes went wide.
“Fly to…but…that’s only three days from now. I’m supposed to…”
Reaching up, he cupped her face and silenced her with a quick kiss. “You’re supposed to have a life and not worry about everyone else’s expectations,” he reminded her. “The way I see it, we’ll get to Costa Rica before everyone, and there is some beautiful scenery for us to explore, along with some amazing waterfalls.”
Just imagining it made her sigh happily. “That sounds lovely, but…”
“No buts, Evie. We’re going to do this, and we’re going to do it right. No matter what. This isn’t your wedding. Your brother and his fiancée can handle their own stuff. Text him and let him know now so he’s not completely blindsided.”
For a minute she was too stunned to speak. If she agreed with him, she’d be letting down her brother and Morgan. But if she didn’t, then she’d be letting Slater down.
And herself.
He was offering her the opportunity to do something for herself—something she desperately wanted to do—but could she?
“What do you say, Evie? I’ve made all the arrangements—including our flights from L.A. to Costa Rica. Nora told me the name of the resort and I booked us a suite.” His hands rested on her waist. “You, me, tropical scenery, and our own private pool. So? Are we doing this?”
Just say yes…just say yes…just say yes…
“Yes!”
“That’s my girl!” he said, lifting her up and spinning her around. “I knew you had it in you!” When he placed her back on her feet, he stood back with the biggest grin. “I knew everything would come together. The management here at Horizons didn’t believe me and refused to let me make the announcement to get you, but I knew this would work!”
Her laugh came out watery and disbelieving. “Wait, did you seriously hijack the airport loudspeaker for this?”
“Technically,” he said, “I asked very politely.”
She shook her head, overwhelmed and breathless and suddenly so full of hope it almost hurt. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Probably.” Slater reached for her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “But you’re worth it.” He paused. “I love you, Evie. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. Even hijack an airport loudspeaker.”
Her chest tightened. “I love you too.” Tears stung her eyes. “I never thought you’d…”
But he didn’t let her finish. Instead, he silenced her with a kiss that was beyond perfect. She clung to him, but the sound of a jet engine in the distance reminded her of where they were and why this wasn’t really the time or place for them to stay in a romantic clinch.
He squeezed her hand gently. “So…what do you say?” He nodded toward the plane. “Ready to go home?”
For the first time since she’d walked into the airport almost two hours ago, Evie felt the weight on her chest lift. Because suddenly home didn’t feel like Seattle. Or Harbortown and the resort.
It felt like him.
She smiled. “Yeah,” she said softly, squeezing his hand back. “Let’s go.”
Slater picked up her carry-on with his free hand, holding hers with the other. When they reached the plane, there were people all around doing inspections or whatever she guessed went on pre-flight. Someone came over and handed Slater a tablet that he needed to read something on, and she took that time to let all of this sink in.
A few minutes ago, she’d thought she was leaving something behind, but now it hit her that she wasn’t leaving at all. She was heading toward something.
Something that had the potential to be everything.
When he thanked the crew around them and turned to face her, he looked completely in his element. “This is a smaller plane than the one we flew here in, so we’ll have to stop to refuel. We’ll make a quick stop around halfway. Gives us a chance to stretch our legs.”
Nodding, she turned toward the steps leading up to the plane. But she didn’t move. Not yet. “You realize if I get on that plane,” she said, “you’re stuck with me, right?”
Slater smirked. “That’s kind of the point. But I could say the same for you. If we get on that plane, you’re stuck with me.”
Just the thought of it made her smile. “That’s what I’ve always wanted.”
