“I’d demand a rematch.”
“And now?” Leo asked.
“I still want to challenge Crenshaw, but I don’t want to put you or Vera’s Flying Flappers in harm’s way.” Mattie knew she’d be getting a call from Rockol after this coverage, and if she had a plan to defend her good name, she might convince them not to drop her. A rematch would also go a long way in securing other sponsors, and the positive press would help make her more well known as she tried to market her RadioNavigator. But as much as she wanted to protect her family’s business and her own career, she wouldn’t jeopardize the safety of those she loved. Not again.
“Then we’d better be especially cautious in how we organize the event. I assume Vera will have some foolproof ideas, including how to announce the contest in a way that prevents even Crenshaw from slithering out of it.”
A swell of love burst through Mattie, along with a sense of incredible relief. Perhaps there was a way to safeguard Leo and her friends while still pursuing her dreams. “You’d help me arrange a race?”
Leo nodded, his certainty reigniting her confidence. “You apologized for not taking my concerns about Crenshaw seriously, but I didn’t say I was sorry for dismissing yours. You were clearly righttoo. Crenshaw manipulated the reporters into denouncing female aviators.”
“It didn’t take that much manipulating.” Mattie tapped her foot in frustration. She wanted to pace, but the small confines of the room didn’t allow for a lot of movement.
“No, it didn’t,” Leo agreed. “I should have listened more to you and tried better to understand what flying means to you—how you see it as a mission, a cause, a battle even. You said you’ll start considering my advice more, and I need to learn how to support you even better.”
Mattie yearned to fling her arms around Leo and squeeze him tightly, but she didn’t want to reinjure him. Instead, she leaned down and kissed him gently but thoroughly. Joy and deep contentment mixed in a wonderful, ecstatic swirl that zipped through her like a bunch of barrel rolls, one glorious twist after another.
When they broke apart, they just grinned at each other, happy, silly smiles that despite their goofy giddiness were anchored by something strong, lasting... and solid just like Leo himself. This mutual respect—this was the foundation for a future. White picket fences and a neat little house on a quiet street weren’t for Mattie, but a lifetime with Leo? It gifted her with something as broad and unlimited as the skies themselves.
“Knowing you and your meticulous planning, I assume you already have some ideas for making sure Crenshaw can’t sabotage this competition.” Mattie sat on the edge of the bed so she could be closer to Leo as they strategized.
He dipped his chin, looking more relaxed than she’d ever seen him. There was a casual looseness about all his muscles, including his facial ones. He looked boyish and utterly content.
“I may have a couple plans of attack,” he admitted. “But do you want to come up with some of your own first?”
“My only goal at the moment is to firmly trounce Crenshaw. The details are more your expertise.”
Sinking deeper into his pillows, Leo reached for her hand. “Do you remember the Canyon of the Bridges?”
Mattie rolled her eyes. “Another place where my brothers refused to let me fly.”
Despite her old exasperation, a burst of excitement rollicked through Mattie at the mention of the series of impressive natural bridges carved into the sandstone rocks by a long-gone river. The tight, twisty canyon was located close to the main line of the Santa Fe Railroad and attracted a healthy share of tourists. She’d wanted so keenly to swoop under the massive slabs of rock stretching over the top of the deep gorge. The middle bridge in the set of five required the pilot to fly diagonally through the narrow opening. That and the sharp turns made it potentially perilous but nothing that Mattie couldn’t handle. It was the perfect setting to ensure Crenshaw couldn’t tamper with the course and put anyone else in danger.
“I was thinking we could use the Fabins,” Leo said. “Aida and Vera both have been talking to the owners, and they believe our story of sabotage. My guess is that they’ll be happy to provide the planes to prove their machines are safe. And they will be double- and triple-checking the engines. We can arrange for you to have time to fly one of their machines before the meet so you’re comfortable with its quirks.”
“If we’re using a fast plane like a Fabin Flyer rather than a slow trainer like a Jenny, are you thinking more along the lines of a speed competition rather than the aerobatic ones that you and I do?”
“Both. We’ll come up with a specific course for you and Crenshaw to follow when you fly through the bridges. The choreography will be included in the newspaper article so Earl can’t change it. I figured that you’d want a contest where you can show off your maneuvering skills. You’re top notch at aerobatics.”
Leo pressed their fingers together briefly, and a jolt shot through Mattie at his compliment. This...thiswas the partnership she’d dreamed of: a man who worked with her.
“We could use white smoke to show how close we fly to the formations!” Mattie added excitedly, referring to the white vapors employed by aviators to “write” messages in the air. Vera had been talking about purchasing some of the smoke-generating machines anyway.
Leo paused, considering. Mattie knew he was thinking about how the use of the smoke might encourage her to take unnecessary risks, driving her closer and closer to the unforgiving sandstone walls.
“I won’t get overly cocky. I promise. If I start feeling invincible, I’ll think about how I felt watching your Fabin tumble earthward.”
“Okay,” Leo agreed, his voice calm and resolute, without a hint of doubt. “We’ll use the white smoke. Crenshaw won’t be able to manipulate the obstacles, since they’re rock structures that have been around for centuries.”
“I figured that’s why you chose Canyon of the Bridges—very cleverly done.”
Leo’s lips quirked up into a shy but proud smile. As much as Mattie enjoyed sparring with him, collaborating was just as thrilling and twice the fun.
“This time, you and I will be able to keep a close eye on your Fabin and make sure that neither Crenshaw nor any of his hired thugs tamper with it.”
“That makes sense.” Mattie bobbed her head, sending her short red curls flying, as if even her mop of hair wanted to join in the affirmation.
Crenshaw might be underhanded and diabolical, but he was no match for Mattie and Leo. They made an unbeatable team when they finally stopped arguing and started listening to each other.
