The flight back to New York was a lot less lonely than the flight I’d taken to Texas a few days prior. Clara chose the seat beside me and cuddled into me like an adorable little mouse. With my arm around her, I felt like the richest man in the world. I wanted to keep her there forever.
Before getting to the airfield where we took off, I had messaged the crew to have a chilled bottle of champagne waiting for us. Once we hit cruising altitude, I popped the cork and poured us both glasses.
I clinked my champagne flute against hers, overflowing with excitement that she was really here with me. “To new beginnings.”
Clara smiled at me like I was her prince, and it meant everything to me. I had stumbled a bit in our relationship by lying to her, but I promised myself I would be the man she thought I was. She deserved the best version of me.
“Cheers,” she said and sipped. “Oh, it’s good.”
“I’m glad you like it. I have a case of it waiting back at my apartment. I just ordered it special.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Are we having a party?”
“Yes, but there’s only two people on the guest list.” I grinned at her. “It will be a private celebration.”
“And what exactly will we be celebrating?” Clara took another dainty sip, followed by a bigger drink. It really was tasty stuff.
“Well, I suppose we have a few different things to toast to.” I held up a finger on my free hand. “One, I finally got my head out of my ass and properly apologized to the woman I love.”
Clara giggled and her cheeks reddened. “That’s a good reason to celebrate.”
I held up a second finger. “Two, the love of my life is joining me in the city where I live.”
“Yeah.” She nodded, her eyes taking on a faraway look. “That’s a pretty big one too.”
“Three?” I ticked off another finger and grinned at her wickedly. “I got laid last night.”
Clara slapped my shoulder playfully and laughed. The sound was sweet music and I wanted to hear it for the rest of my life.
The flight went like that for the next few hours, just joking around and laughing and snuggling like we couldn’t be apart for too long. The crew kept to themselves unless I went and asked them for something. Clara and I were in our own little bubble flying through the night sky, like Santa bringing one more gift to put under my tree.
I couldn’t stop thanking the stars that she had agreed to hear me out one more time. She had every right to not trust me. Lies, even ones by omission, were dealbreakers in a relationship. I would never do that to her again.
If anything, I was going to start oversharing with her.
It was late when we arrived in New York. The city was still lit up and alive. I was feeling the same way, now that I was back there with Clara. With her at my side, it really felt like we could have it all.
Lenny was there to pick us up right on the tarmac. He held a tray with two steaming cups on it. “I got you coffee.”
“You’re the best, Lenny,” I told him.
“That’s a great idea.” Clara yawned and shivered. “I wasn’t ready for this cold.”
“Hop in and I’ll have you two home in no time.” Lenny put our bags in the back of the SUV while I helped Clara get in.
She didn’t really need my help, but I just liked holding her hand. I climbed in beside her and she leaned in to me again. “It’s good to be back,” she said sleepily.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and gave her an affectionate squeeze. “It’s good to have you back.”
Lenny got driving, weaving through New York traffic like a pro. He turned on the radio and Christmas songs played softly in the car. Outside the windows, the festive lights and snowy sidewalks added to the holiday mood. Christmas Day had passed, but the spirit remained, strong as ever.
Clara sat up and pulled away a little. “I should probably figure out where I’m going to stay.”
I looked her dead in the eyes and shook my head. “Don’t do that. You’re staying with me and I don’t want to hear any arguments.”
She smiled at me. “So bossy all of a sudden.”
“After I fought so hard to get you back, you think I’m going to dump you off at a hotel or something?” I paused. “Unless that’s what you want?”
