Page 12 of Changed By Firefighter Daddy

When I stood there with my mouth gaping open and couldn't give her a reason, I jumped up as understanding hit me.

"Thank you!" I cried, giving her a huge hug. I knew what I needed to do.

I started looking into flights, but the only ones to Alaska were few and far between. I tried calling Jeremy to tell him what I’d decided, but his phone kept going to voicemail. He’d already texted to say he missed me everyday we’d been apart.

I headed for the airport he’d taken off from. It was a small private operation and I prayed they’d be able to at least help me out somehow.

As I walked into the hangar where I’d last seen Jeremy, I started to lose my confidence. What did I know about living in Alaska? What if he didn’t really want me there?

I was just about to turn around when a gruff voice asked if I needed some help.

I explained who I was and where I was trying to get to.

“My boyfriend flew out of here a few days ago, so I didn’t know if you had regular flights out, or if those were just for emergency team members. He’s a firefighter.”

“I remember him! Jeremy? Seemed like a nice fellow. I’m Charlie, the pilot around here.”

He continued walking and motioned for me to follow him.

“Let’s try and see if there’s room for you on the next flight out. It all depends on weight and freight. Wait here.”

I sat on the bench he pointed to and only had to wait a few minutes before he came back out of the office.

“You’re in luck. We have a light but necessary load heading there. You can hitch a ride, but it’ll cost you.”

He named a figure, and I handed over cash with my heart thumping.

“Jeremy know you’re coming?” he looked up at me suddenly. I couldn’t tell if he was concerned for me, or Jeremy.

“Yup!” I lied cheerfully, suddenly realizing I was going to be flying alone with a complete stranger. “Will we land in the same location he did?”

“Yeah, there aren’t a lot of options up there,” he replied with a chuckle.

I had a feeling I was in for quite a learning curve.