Page 81 of Air Affair

She loved him. She said the words. He’d hoped but never dared to expect that she would. The marriage agreement worked its magic, he supposed. He never thought a legal document could be so romantic. Rory needed someone who understood her, who could offer her thrills and excitement but also the assurance of independence. He finally understood that, and now she was his.

His reverie was interrupted by a knock. “Hawley, are you awake in there?”

O’Donnell. Of course.

“I’m awake now,” Hank grumbled as he pushed himself up to sitting.

“Excellent. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

“I hope you don’t mind,” said a feminine voice he didn’t recognize. “If we’re disturbing you, we’ll go.”

O’Donnell appeared around the curtain, towing the war widow with the green eyes and auburn hair, who wore a touching look of concern.

“Hawley, this is Ann Prince. You may remember that I met her at Rory’s birthday. When I told her what happened, she asked to come and visit you. I can’t imagine what for, you tiny-brained baboon.”

“Bill,” she admonished. “The man is injured.”

Hank laughed. “Don’t take him seriously. I never do.”

“I hope you don’t mind my intrusion,” she said. “I…” She paused and looked at O’Donnell who gave her an encouraging nod. “I didn’t get to see my husband at the end. He was hospitalized for injuries but caught a fever that killed him. I had things that I wanted to say but never had the chance. I wanted to speak to you because I wanted you to know I think you’re very brave.”

“He’s brave? What about me?” O’Donnell objected.

“You are too. But what I mean to say is I don’t blame flying for my husband’s death. We both knew the dangers that came with being a pilot. I loved him for facing them valiantly every day in the service of our country. I know he worried that he was risking too much with a new wife at home. He didn’t want to leave me heartbroken and alone. But if I had it to do over again, I would still have married him, even knowing how little time I had with him.”

She dabbed a tear away with her handkerchief.

“Bill told me about you and Miss Belmont. I wanted to tell you that you don’t have to choose between love and flying. You probably think you do, especially after this. But women who love pilots know the risks. We chose brave men who explore the skies and push the boundaries of human achievement. We don’t love pilots despite their chosen vocation. We love them because of it. Whatever you choose to do next, don’t give up flying for Miss Belmont. Make the right decision for you, and she’ll love you for it.”

Hank didn’t know what to say. His whole adult life, he’d feared commitment because of his choice to be a pilot, and now that he was ready to commit, he was certain he had to give it up. But if a war widow who had been through the worst possible tragedy didn’t think he should quit, perhaps it was worth rethinking. He’d already put in the paperwork to resign his commission and told Glenn Curtiss he accepted the job. Maybe he could speak to Curtiss about being a test pilot as part of his duties. If he didn’t have to choose between love and flying, then he wanted both.

He looked up at Mrs. Prince. She wiped away her tears with O’Donnell by her side, holding her hand.

“Thank you for sharing, Mrs. Prince. I appreciate your kind words more than you’ll ever know. I know it can’t have been easy to come here today.”

“It wasn’t, but as soon as Bill told me, I knew I had to.” She clutched O’Donnell’s hand, and Hank didn’t miss O’Donnell’s big puppy-dog eyes as he looked at her.

“I hope it has given you some comfort and relief to speak what was in your heart. I know your husband would have been deeply moved, hearing what you have to say. I know I was.”

“That’s very kind of you. We should let you rest. Thanks again for hearing me out.”

She turned to look at O’Donnell, beaming.

Hank smiled. “I’ll be sure to invite you both to the wedding.”

“Wedding?” O’Donnell said in a high-pitched voice.

“She finally accepted my proposal. We’re planning to marry as soon as I get this bandage off my head.”

O’Donnell looked like he was going to combust from excitement. “He’s getting married! Did you hear that?” he said to Mrs. Prince, who smiled shyly. “Hank Hawley is getting married. I never thought I’d see the day. Can I tell Pritchard and Thompson?”

“You can tell whoever you want.”

O’Donnell took Mrs. Prince by the waist and spun her around. “I can tell whoever I want. Did you hear that?” He kissed her on the cheek, and she turned bright red.

“Bill,” she said, grinning and shaking her head, “we should let your friend get some rest.”

“I’ll see you later, Hawley. Congratulations, buddy! I’m truly happy for you.”