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They were meant to meet.
It was fate.
CHAPTER20
DESTINY
Five months later…
May could not get here fast enough…nor could Killian’s flight.
He was coming home for a few days to see her, and they were going to have a baby shower, before he returned back to Afghanistan. He was trying to save his available vacation time so he could be here when the baby arrived. She appreciated that, but also dreaded his departure once again… and he hadn’t even arrived yet!
As the plane started disembarking, she saw several people coming down the ramp towards baggage claim and felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning in surprise, she saw Mallory’s shy smile as Caleb sat on her hip.
“Good morning, stranger…”
“Mallory! Hey! Is Paradox coming with Killian then?” Destiny smiled, hugging the duo knowingly.
The two had been a topic of conversation a few times at Everly’s for brunch on the weekends, or with Killian on the phone as he shared the latest ‘dirt’ with her. Apparently, Paradox and Mallory were growing quite close, and all of them were really happy for them – and in full support.
“Yes,” she said, kissing Caleb on the temple… who pushed her away, trying to get down.
“Mommmaaa, weggo’ of me,” Caleb balked, wrestling to free himself and trying to slide down her side, only for Mallory to give up and put him down.
“Joshua, Ricochet, and Riptide are coming for a visit.”
“Oh good,” Destiny smiled. “I’m glad they both had someone to talk to during their long flights.”
“Oh, I know. I couldn’t imagine flying fifteen hours for vacation… but I suppose it’s not really a vacation, is it.”
“Nope,” came Killian’s voice nearby, causing her to turn quickly in surprise as she met his glowing dark eyes so full of love and affection. “It’s paradise… and home.”
“Killian…” she breathed tearfully, rushing into his embrace.
“Hey, bunny…” he whispered softly, kissing her immediately, and she melted. She breathed deeply of him as he kissed her, her arms treasuring the feel of him – and the sensation of coming home.
“Ehh-hem…” a voice said nearby, causing Killian to laugh softly as they separated only slightly, and Destiny looked to her right. Paradox was there, holding Caleb, hugging Mallory and whispering something against her hair with his eyes closed, and looking just as moved as Killian had been… and there was another man standing there, smiling ruefully.
“Sorry to interrupt, but the sooner you all shuck the third wheel? The faster you can get back to your ‘hellos’ or whatever…” he chuckled easily, smiling, and extended a hand. “I’m Riptide – or you can call me Andrew. Congratulations, Mrs. Briscoe, on the baby.”
“Please, call me Destiny,” she said immediately, shaking his hand and smiling politely at the other man – and hesitated.
It was funny how the mind and heart worked, because this other guy looked like the All-American dream. Golden tan, dark blond hair, bright smile, blue eyes, and built like a football player… and was literally nothing to her.
No, her tastes definitely were specific, and Killian rang every bell within her.
“I told Riptide that we’d drop him off at Flyboys,” Killian explained. “I hope you don’t mind?”
“Not at all,” she agreed easily, making polite chatter as they grabbed their bags and started to head to the car. Surprised, she saw Paradox and Mallory were already walking off, holding hands.
“I’m so glad you are home, Killian.”
“You look wonderful, bunny.”
“I feel great,” she admitted and smiled politely. “Is this your first time to Texas, Riptide, or have you been to Flyboys before?”
“No ma’am,” he replied. “My first time here. I’ve heard a lot about this place, and I’m supposed to be hanging out with a few former Air Force guys – or maybe grab a beer with them?”
