Page 124 of My All American Girl

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SARAH

Istared at him in shock. My heart was racing, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. The words reverberated through me like a song played on repeat. I was stunned, unable to fully comprehend what he’d just said.

“Me?” I asked again, bewildered. “You’re in love with me?”

His eyes were soft and serious as he nodded, taking my hands in his. “Yes, Sarah,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

My mind was a whirlwind of emotions—surprise, joy, fear, and elation. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Dean Ryker was here, with me, saying he wasn’t going anywhere. Joy surged through me so powerfully that I wanted to throw my arms around him, but my seatbelt locked, nearly cutting off my air.

I let out a choking laugh, unbuckled myself, and climbed over the console to straddle him, showering him with kisses.

“This is the most romantic thing that has ever happened to me,” I said between kisses. “Dean Ryker, of all people, came to get me. Always my knight in shining armor.”

Dean chuckled, holding me close. “You’re not a damsel needing saving, but I’ll always be here for you if you want me.”

“I want you,” I said giddily.

“Good, because I want to make sure you know I mean it. I’ve realized you are the most important person in my life. I choose you, Sarah.”

I pulled back slightly, my eyes wide. “You what?” I asked. “You choose me? Was there someone else I was competing with? Tell me that bitch’s name.”

He grinned. “Just Uncle Sam.”

I frowned, shaking my head with confusion. “What are you talking about? I’m too turned around for you to be subtle right now.”

He smiled that sexy little grin that turned me inside out. “I quit the Air Force.”

My mouth fell open. “You quit? Just like that? You can’t quit.”

“I’ve been sitting on my re-up package,” he said. “I decided not to do it. I don’t want to commit another year, let alone five to the Air Force. I’m out.”

My ears were ringing. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The man was crazy. Certifiable. He was one of the top pilots in the world. He was crazy to bounce out.

“What the hell were you thinking?” I gasped. “You did not!”

Dean nodded. “I realized I’ve been going through the motions for a long time. Yes, flying brings me joy and peace. But it doesn’t bring me more than you do. I’d rather give up being a pilot than give up being with you. Your father can’t pull strings to keep us apart this way. We aren’t breaking any rules anymore. You can pursue your career and your dream, and I’ll be right there with you, backing you up.”

My eyes filled with tears as I listened to him. “And what will you do with yourself, Dean?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper. I couldn’t imagine him not flying. It was important to him. I completely understood it because I felt the same way.

He smiled at me, those eyes staring right into my soul. “I guess we’ll have to figure that out together, won’t we? I might not be a pilot anymore, but there’s plenty I can do.”

“Like stopping potential bar fights?” I teased, my heart swelling with love and gratitude.

He laughed. “That too.”

I was stunned. “Are you sure this is what you want? I don’t know if I could ever give up being a pilot.”

He cupped my cheek, his touch gentle and reassuring. “I know that, and I would never ask you to. This feels right to me. Does it feel right for you?”

I nodded, tears of happiness welling up in my eyes. “Yes. I love you too, Dean.”

Our lips met in a sweet, intimate kiss, full of promise and new beginnings. I melted into him, feeling the weight of the past few weeks lift off my shoulders.

I held his face in my hands and kissed him. “This is our new beginning,” I whispered against his lips before sinking against him once more. His hands traced circles on my back, setting my skin on fire.

The moment stretched on impossibly long with us lost in the embrace. When we broke apart, I was flushed and breathless, feeling a sense of certainty I hadn’t felt before. Dean’s eyes searched mine, and his hand reached up to tuck a loose curl behind my ear.