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Before I’ve hung up, I’m already out my door. As soon as I’m in my car, I speed the entire way to the airport. I arrive, finding the airport in chaos. Police officers are working to corral travelers safely out, others are working with men in suits, some are monitoring the frantic people in the long lines at the check-in desks. I approach the nearest officer. “Sir, can you tell me anything about the flight? My girlfriend was on flight 422.”
“I’m sorry, Sir. All I know at this time is that all flights have been temporarily suspended, medical and emergency personnel have responded to the crash scene, and all injured travelers have been taken to the nearest available hospitals.”
“Thank you.” Stepping away, I reach for my phone and dial Claire. “Did you find her?”
Her sobs weaken my stomach. Nausea forms as my body aches with fear.
“She’s not at any of the hospitals. What if she’s gone, Grayson? What if she’s gone?”
Tears are burning behind my lids. I’m a man who hasn’t cried since college, but if I’ve lost her, there’s nothing that will keep this pain from destroying me. Breathing shallow breaths, I lean against the wall. The tall, blond-haired officer I spoke with, steps near.
“Sir, are you all right? Do you need medical attention?”
Leaning forward, resting my hands on my knees, I focus on taking breaths. I’ve fucking lost her. My Emma—the most incredible woman to ever come into my life. From the moment I first kissed her, I knew I needed more, so much more. Her wit, quirky humor, and appreciation for all things romantic stole my heart before I ever felt what it was like to be inside her. There was never going to be any other woman for me. She was the one person to see me for the damaged man I am and still love me. She was it. It was always her.
“Sir? Are you all right?”
My voice catches and it’s difficult to speak, while fighting back the damn tears. “I did this to her. I’m the reason she got on that flight, why she took that job, and now she’s gone.” The pain is unbearable, consuming me. I fight for more breaths.
“I’m sorry for your loss. Do you have someone that can take you home?”
“Grayson!” Her voice cuts through the chaos of the crowds and the noise erupting from every direction.
Adrenaline pumps through me as I raise my head, searching for her. “I heard her! Where is she? Help me look. She has long, dark hair and is wearing black pants and a red blouse.”
“Grayson!”
The officer and I turn our heads the same direction. He points right at her. “There! Is that her?”
“Yes, that’s Emma!” Relief slams into me like an ocean tidal wave. Breaking through the crowd, she runs to me. The moment she’s in my arms, I hold her close, kissing her hair, and rubbing her back. To have her here, now, with me, it’s a feeling I can never describe. All I know is her presence makes the broken parts of me whole again.
Cupping her face in my hands, I kiss her long and deeply. “How are you here in front of me?” I stare into her beautiful eyes, wiping away the tears rolling down her cheeks.
“I didn’t get on my flight. I chose you, Grayson. I chose you.”
Epilogue
Grayson
One Year Later…
Megan and I planned it all. It’s Emma’s 30th birthday and we invited all her friends and family to Emma’s and my condo for the big, birthday bash. Megan texted that she’ll be arriving with her at any moment. This party isn’t starting with a joined shout of Surprise! though. I’ve planned a little something special for her arrival. The furry, black and tan Yorkie squirms in my arm, eager to be let free. Adjusting his collar, I ensure the engagement ring is still snugly attached.
The door opens, both women laughing as they enter. The sound of Emma’s voice immediately brings me joy. Hidden in the dark, I set the puppy down, letting it run to their feet. He does just as I hoped and Emma squeals when she sees him. “Oh my God! He’s adorable!”
She lifts him up and I cue Claire to hit the lights. Emma’s eyes brighten with joyful tears as she looks directly at me. Her hand is on the collar, her fingers have found the ring. I approach, meeting her beautiful gaze and lower to one knee. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
“Yes!” she says between tears. “Yes, Grayson. I love you!”
Standing, I take her into my arms. “I love you too, Princess. More than anything in this world.”
Sitting in my leather chair, a scotch in hand, I watch Emma sleeping soundly in our bed, a tiny, little dog snuggled next to her. It was one year ago today that I thought I’d lost her. It was her faith in us that saved both our lives. She chose not to take the job in Atlanta, to be with me instead. I found her after she’d been held up at the airport, filling out paperwork at the luggage claim department to ensure her luggage was returned. A flock of birds had damaged the plane’s turbine engines, causing the crash, and chaos to erupt. She was further detained by law enforcements’ efforts to contain the chaos, and unable to reach me via phone.
By luck or by miracle, that day ended with her in my arms and in my bed. I’ve never let her out of either a single day since. She’s my everything. The one woman to break through my barriers and show me how amazing, crazy and incredible loving her can be.
Setting the glass on the bookstand, I move to our bed. Carefully, I lift the little dog and place him in his bed on the floor. He whimpers and Emma stirs. “Grayson?”
“Right here.”
Raising the blanket, I crawl under, joining her. She moves into my arms and I take hold of her hips, sliding her on top of me. She straddles me, giving tender and sensual kisses. “I love you, Grayson Cole.”
Lifting my hand to her face, I stroke her cheek. She leans her head into my touch. “I love you, Emma, with every breath I take.”
Against my lips, she whispers. “Make love to me.”
She rocks over my growing erection. I turn her onto her back and she reaches down and strokes me. “My dirty little, Princess, always so needy for me.”
She grins, then giggles as I nip at her neck. “Always.”
* * *
