She rests her head against my chest. “I love you too. Be safe out there.”
I pull back, cupping her face in my hands. “I will. And I'll be back before you know it. We've got a wedding to plan, after all.”
That gets a laugh out of her. “Do we? I've been planning this wedding my entire life, Matt. All you need to do is show up.”
“I can handle that,” I say.
I kiss her then, pouring all my love, all my promises for the future, into it. When we part, I rest my forehead against hers, drawing courage from her closeness.
“I'll see you soon, future Mrs. Ryder,” I say.
Eliza touches the wooden ring on her finger. “I'll be waiting, Mr. Ryder.”
With one more kiss, I force myself to climb into the plane. As Hank starts the engine, I keep my eyes on Eliza and the Hollisters, watching them grow smaller as we take off from the water.
“I'll be home soon,” I whisper.
