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“Oh, that’s simply smashing! Don’t you agree, darling?” Rory hugged Hank’s arm and looked at him adoringly.

“Absolutely! I love having a wife who can fly. It’s nice being able to take a nap on long hauls while someone else does all the hard work.”

“Don’t be obtuse, dear. Planes are far too exciting to nap in.” Especially with Rory in the cockpit. She’d become a regular in Millie’s barnstorming shows. If Hank tried to sleep, she’d be liable to start doing loop-the-loops.

“Wasn’t I napping in a plane when we met?” Hank winked at his wife.

“No, darling. You were napping near a plane, which is entirely different.”

Mr. Belmont was waiting behind a table in a three-piece, pinstriped suit when they entered the building, along with a sharply dressed man he didn’t know. “Ah, Mr. Thompson. My lawyer has all the papers ready for you to sign. Did you bring the bank draft for the deposit on the property?”

Jack pulled it from his coat pocket and handed it over. “Here it is, Mr. Belmont. And thank you again for financing me. I promise you won’t regret it.”

“I should hope not. I’m not in the habit of making regrettable investments. Aviation is the future of this nation, and I intend to be at the forefront. My daughter and Mr. Hawley say you’re trustworthy, and they’ve lined up at least a dozen customers for your first class. I would say you’re a very good investment indeed, Mr. Thompson.”

The lawyer handed over a thick packet of papers with marks everywhere Jack was supposed to sign. He went through and added his John Hancock to every one and handed it back over. Mr. Belmont countersigned and then straightened. “Congratulations, young man. The airfield and the business loan to purchase your first airplanes are now yours. Best of luck, and make me rich.”

Jack chuckled as he took Mr. Belmont’s hand and shook it firmly. “You’re already rich, sir, but I’ll do my best to make you richer.”

“That’s the spirit.” Mr. Belmont clapped him hard on the shoulder. He was strong for a man in his sixties. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to the city for an important business meeting.” He said his goodbyes to Hank and Rory and left with his lawyer.

As soon as he was gone, Rory led the way to a Jenny so well maintained that it looked brand new. “Here’s the first plane for your new enterprise. I’m upgrading to a custom plane made by Mr. Curtiss, but I promise I’ve taken good care of her. I’m glad she’ll still be somewhere I can visit. One never forgets one’s first plane.” She stroked the wing wistfully.

“I promise to take good care of her, and you can visit any time you like,” Jack said, chuckling. “If you don’t mind, I think we’re going to head out. I can’t wait to show Constance around.”

Rory grinned. “We packed a little surprise for you to celebrate your first day in business. There’s a picnic basket in the front cockpit.” Leaning in, she whispered behind her hand, “And a bottle of champagne.”

Jack kicked himself inwardly. He should have thought of that. But now that the Hawleys had, the afternoon would be perfect. “Thank you both. You’re the very best friends a guy could have.”

They said their goodbyes to the Hawleys and climbed into their new plane. This was a dream come true, and he couldn’t wait to take Constance soaring through the skies, literally this time. She looked so cute in her aviator cap and goggles as she climbed into the front cockpit, and he couldn’t help but admire her curves in those high boots and knickerbockers. His heart pounded in his chest with pride as she glanced back with an enormous smile.

“Here we go, sweetheart,” he called out, as he signaled a mechanic to swing the propeller and opened the throttle. They sped along the dirt runway, gaining velocity, until the wind lifted the wings and they were airborne at last.

It was only about a half hour flight from Mineola to the property in Bayport—just enough time to give Constance a scenic view of Long Island’s southern coast and enjoy a little sun and wind on a summer day. His heart was full as he watched his wife take in the sights, glancing back at him every so often to blow a kiss.

All his life he’d worried he wasn’t good enough for the things he truly desired, but with her, he could let go of his cares and become the man he’d always wanted to be. For her.

He spotted the airfield—his airfield—and started their descent. This was his destiny, his purpose. To love Constance and teach flight. The airplane touched down gently on the newly mowed green field. He’d paid the farmer extra to have it ready when he handed over the property and to leave the tractor mower in the barn so that he could maintain it.

The airplane rolled to a stop, and he hopped down so that he could grab the picnic basket and catch Constance as she climbed out of the front cockpit. He loved the way she slid against him as he lowered her to the ground. “Did you like that, sweetheart?”

“I loved it, and I can’t wait to go flying again.” She kissed him long and deep.

He was in heaven. “Up in the air or down here on the ground?” Nuzzling her neck, he traced her curves lovingly.

She bit her lip and gave him a smoldering look. “Both.”

God, he was a goner. He kissed her again because he couldn’t help it, and they were both panting as they broke apart. As much as he wanted to make her soar to the clouds right that very moment, there was something he wanted to do first.

He took her hand and looked out at the field with the whitewashed barn on one side. “This is it. This is our future. With your help, we’re going to build this into the most popular flight school on the East Coast.”

“Oh, Jack. It’s even more wonderful than I imagined! I can already picture your first class. I can’t tell you how excited I am that this dream finally came true for you.” She squeezed his hand as he stood by her side.

“You’re my wife and my first student, but—” He knelt down, holding her hands. “Constance Ellen Pritchard, will you do me the very great honor of becoming my business partner? I don’t want this to be just my dream. I want it to be our dream. I don’t ever want you to be my employee. I want you to be full co-owner of this new enterprise. The way you’ve helped me organize things just in the last two weeks is a marvel. If this business is a success, it will be as much your doing as mine. I want to share it with you.”

“Oh, Jack. I don’t know what to say.” Her eyes were wide, and the wind played with a wisp of her hair. He was glad she didn’t tuck it back.

“Say you’ll take a risk with me and make this place take off.”