Page 27 of Landing Love

He and Ann walked into the room together. Fortunately, Hank was alone. It was good to know Rory had gone home for some rest.

“I hope you don’t mind.” Ann released his hand and stepped forward. “If we’re disturbing you, we’ll go.”

For a moment, it looked like she was going to lose her nerve, so Bill took her hand again and squeezed it. “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 turned on him, eyebrows raised. “The man is injured.”

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

She was looking at Hank but didn’t seem overcome with that dreamy look most women got in his presence. Her hand clutched Bill’s, and he loved it.

“I hope you don’t mind my intrusion,” she said. “You see I… 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.”

Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes.

Bill had to cheer her up. How could he lighten the mood? “He’s brave? What about me?”

She chuckled sadly, but it was a chuckle, nonetheless.

“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 sniffed and dabbed a tear away with her handkerchief.

Her grief ran so deep, and there wasn’t a thing Bill could do about it. No matter how he wanted to make things better for her, he knew he couldn’t. Only time would heal those wounds, and until her heart had healed, it would never belong to Bill. Patience had never been a strong point, but he would wait as long as it took for her.

“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 choose brave men that 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.”

Bill wanted to fold her into his arms and hold her until she’d cried all her tears away, but he settled for holding her hand.

Hank looked up at Ann, who was wiping away her tears. “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 Bill’s hand.

“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.”

And so was Bill.

“That’s very kind of you. We should let you rest. Thanks again for hearing me out.” She turned to look at Bill, who could hardly stand to see the look of adoration on her face, knowing full well that he couldn’t kiss her into oblivion like he wanted to.

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

Bill’s brain stuttered. Surely he misheard.

“Wedding?” What wedding? Were Hank and Rory going to tie the knot?

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

Bill thought he might combust from excitement. “He’s getting married! Did you hear that?” He turned to Ann, 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.”

Too exuberant to worry about the consequences, Bill took Ann 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 smiled but disentangled herself from his embrace. “We should let your friend get some rest.”

Oh dear. He’d overstepped. Hopefully, she wouldn’t hold it against him for long. But Hank was getting married! How absolutely incredible!

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