“I’ve never been on a plane, let alone a helicopter. At least that I remember.” She’d been airlifted to the hospital after he found her. That seemed so long ago, but also like it was yesterday that she’d woken up to him holding her hand in the hospital, kissing her head, and telling her that he wanted her to be his.
What a miraculous admission. One she never thought she’d hear from him.
Now, she couldn’t imagine her life without him.
“You’re going to love it. Trust me.”
She put her hand over his on the control he held. “I do trust you. With my life. With my heart. I love you so much.” The past weeks had been everything she hoped for and more.
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. “I love you, too. More than I ever thought possible. And that you love me the same way…I never thought I’d have that.”
She squeezed his hand and showed him all her joy in her smile. “Let’s fly.”
He loved this and she wanted to share it with him. She wanted to share everything with him.
The helicopter rose steadily until Hawk moved the stick and they passed over the airport, then cut across the land until Hawk’s calm voice came over the headset again. “There’s our house.” He pointed down and to the left. Then he pointed to the right a ways off. “That’s Lincoln’s place.” They flew a bit further and two more houses came into view separated by a long distance.
She waved at the couple out on their porch. “That’s your mom and dad!”
As they flew over the other house, another man came out and waved up at them. “Is that—”
“Damon’s home.” Hawk flew the helicopter down lower before taking them up again. He was laughing.
Damon was probably swearing at his older brother for sending a wave of wind his way.
“Don’t worry. He’s used to me doing flybys.”
“How long has he been home?”
“A few days. I needed his and Lincoln’s help with something.”
“What?”
“You’ll see.” His cryptic reply ended with him giving her a tour of the Montana landscape as they passed over towns, rivers, and other notable places until they crossed into Yellowstone territory and the landscape turned into even more spectacular mountains and valleys.
Her stomach tightened as they approached one such mountain top. “Uh, Hawk, what are you doing? We’re awfully close.”
“We’re landing. Don’t worry. Sketchy landings are my specialty.”
“Um, it doesn’t inspire confidence when you use the word sketchy.”
He chuckled. “I would never put you in harm’s way. We are totally safe. I promise.”
She really didn’t have to worry. He landed the helicopter like he’d set it down on an air mattress. They sat for a moment admiring the breathtaking view.
“It’s so beautiful up here.”
He turned to her. “It sure is.” His gaze caressed her face. “Ready for your surprise?”
“I don’t need a surprise. Being here with you is enough.”
He pulled off his headset while she did the same, then he hooked his hand around the back of her neck and drew her into a passionate kiss. “I want to strip you bare on this mountain and make love to you.” He kissed her again, stealing her breath and making her melt. “But first, I need you to say yes.”
“Yes.”
He chuckled and kissed her again. “You don’t even know what you’re saying yes to.”
“If you want to hear it, I’ll say it.”
