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"Jenna's making fun of my 'spy gear,'" she replied, flashing the text on her phone. It was a lighthearted jest that broke through some of the tension and provided a moment of levity amid the unfolding events.
"Speaking of spy gear," I started, reaching into my pocket, "I have something for you." I pulled out the small box, watching her expression shift from confusion to dawning realization.
"This isn't some kind of spy gadget, is it?" she asked, her voice filled with mock suspicion. The sight of her bemused grin was enough to make me laugh.
"No, it's not," I replied, popping open the box to reveal the diamond ring nestled inside. "This... this is a promise. A promise that I've been saving for months to give you."
The airport noise nearly drowned her gasp, but the shocked look on her face was priceless. "Brad," she started, but I cut her off.
"Courtney," I said, reaching out to hold her hand, "I want you to know that I'm not just committed to this mission but to you. I want to put this ring on your finger before you meet with Clint. I want you to be my wife because I love you now and always."
Her response was instant. "Oh, Brad! Yes!" she said simply, her eyes filled with tears of happiness. "I love you. I love you, Brad. I've been waiting for this day—but today? This is definitely a surprise." I slipped the ring onto her finger, the weight of my promise now resting there for all to see.
We laughed together, a moment of joy amidst the growing tension. I pulled Courtney into my arms, and we shared a passionate kiss. It was a sealing of the promise we'd just made that we would face life together no matter what it would bring.
Breaking away from the kiss, Courtney looked down at the new ring adorning her finger, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
"Brad," she said, her voice barely a whisper, "this ring... it's beautiful." She looked up at me, her eyes sparkling brighter than the diamond itself. "I can't wait to be your wife."
My heart swelled with the promise of her words, the echoes of her excitement intertwining with my own.
Soon it was time for her to board. So, I followed Courtney as she ascended the steps into the plane, her new engagement ring glinting in the sunlight.
Inside, Downing surprised us as he held an open bottle of champagne. He raised his glass high, proposing a toast to us. The pilot chuckled, "I'd love to join in, but I have to heed the old pilot's creed, '24 hours between the bottle and the throttle.'"
"I appreciate that," Courtney giggled, taking a sip and settling in her seat.
After the pilot proceeded to the cockpit, I gave Courtney a final kiss and then, along with Downing, made our way down the stairs while the flight assistant closed the door.
As the plane's engines roared to life, I saw Courtney's face light up in the window, beaming with excitement and a hint of nervous anticipation. Downing and I waved at her one more time. She reciprocated, blowing a kiss in our direction, another glint of her engagement ring making my heart flutter with joy.
Turning towards Downing, I found a rare sight--a slight smile graced his usually stern face, his eyes reflecting a quiet understanding of the moment's significance. "To the future," he raised an imaginary glass in a toast, acknowledging the joyous occasion amidst our ongoing ordeal.
"To the future," I echoed.
ChapterTwenty
Courtney
The momentI stepped out of the cab and into the luxurious lobby of Seattle's Seascape Hotel, I was struck by a wave of calm and reassurance. I took in the majestic chandeliers, the elegant décor, and the murmur of bustling conversation that filled the place. It was just past noon, and Seattle was showing off its beauty with a bright, clear sky.
Focusing on the excitement at seeing friends again, I headed over to the hotel's well-known restaurant. I was there to rendezvous with Jenna and Dylan, and while I was eager to see them, I couldn't forget the importance of my meeting with Clint Tyree.
As I approached our table, I spotted Jenna's infectious smile across the room, with Dylan's adoring gaze fixed on her. My lips curved into a genuine smile at the sight of them. It felt like ages since we'd last caught up, and seeing them so madly in love was comforting.
"Hey, you two," I greeted, hugging them both tightly. Their joy was evident, providing a soothing reminder of the beauty in life despite the circumstances I found myself in. Their contentment fueled my resolve to protect those I cared about, reminding me why I was putting myself at risk.
As we settled into plush velvet seats in a fancy restaurant, the afternoon sun filtered through the window and danced on the tables. An elegant silverware setting gleamed in front of us, and a soft melody played from a grand piano near the corner, setting the perfect ambiance for our catch-up lunch.
"Wow, Courtney," Jenna exclaimed, reaching out across the table to gently hold my hand, her eyes fixated on the sparkling diamond on my finger. "This engagement ring is absolutely stunning. Brad truly outdid himself."
I felt a warm blush creeping up my cheeks as I thanked her, "He did, didn't he? I'm still getting used to it." I wiggled my fingers, watching as the diamond caught the light.
Jenna grinned widely, her joy genuine and infectious, "I'm so excited for you, Court. You deserve all this happiness."
"Jedediah still hasn't come to pick up the work truck and drive it back to the ranch," Jenna noted.
"Oh, I have to call and remind Dad. He's still in Maine." I blotted my lips on the napkin, a gentle but stern reminder that my father had no idea what I was up to. And I had no idea how to explain the whirlwind my life had become in the last weeks—my college courses a distant memory.
