“I thought you said we were here.”
I guided her around the ranch and toward the area where the balloons were. Lena swiveled her head this way and that.
“Stop trying to see,” I chided.
“I’m not,” she argued. “What’s that noise?”
“Don’t worry about it.” I led her over to the multicolored balloon where Rick, the owner of Rick’s Balloon Rides, met us.
“Howdy, folks.” He stuck out his hand for me to shake. “Mr. Townsend, a pleasure to meet you in person.”
I nodded as I shook his hand. “Gabe.” I pressed my palm to my chest. “And this is Lena.”
“Ma’am.” He stuck his hand out for her to shake.
“Sir, pleasure … um, I think.”
I laughed at Lena’s response. “Guess it’s time to reveal the surprise,” I said.
“Probably should do that before you get on board,” Rick advised.
I nodded.
“Board? On board what? Are we at an airport?” Lena asked, turning her head from side to side.
“Not quite,” I answered as I slowly lifted the veil from over her eyes.
She blinked and brushed a few strands of hair out of her face with her hand. Slowly, realization dawned on her face.
“Are those … are these hot air balloons?”
“That they are, Ms. Lena.”
“We’re going on a hot air balloon ride.” I held my hand out to her.
She glared down at my hand and then folded her arms. With a shake of her head, she said, “Unh, unh. No way. You know about my fear of heights.”
“It’s perfectly safe.” I turned back over my shoulder. “Isn’t that right, Rick?”
“Haven’t dropped anyone out of the sky yet.”
I glared at him when he started to laugh at his stupid ass joke. He must’ve caught sight of my face because he quickly sobered.
He cleared his throat. “A little balloon humor, ma’am,” he said to Lena. “It’s very safe, and I’ve been operating for over thirty years.” He dipped his head at me. “Your fellow, here, requested that only I be the one to take you on this ride, given my experience. He made sure that I provided him with the entire safety history of my company, and he paid top dollar to get you an early morning ride. When the wind is low, and the sky is clear.”
“Thanks, Rick,” I said. “I got it.”
I moved over to Lena, who had backed away from the balloon, and took her by the waist.
“I’m not getting on that thing.”
“Yes, you are,” I said. “Because you won’t be doing it alone.” I leaned in, dropping my forehead to hers. “Trust me.”
She visibly swallowed. “Trust is earned, Gabriel.”
“Then let me earn yours.”
She pinched her lips before looking over my shoulder. I was close enough that I could see the uncertainty swell in those cinnamon pools, but she eventually nodded.
