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“I can’t let your planning go to waste, now can I?” she teases, following me into the stairwell.
Here’s to hoping this trip goes off without a hitch and that when we get back, Everly will be irrevocably and unequivocally mine.
“You’re really not going to tell me where we’re going?” Everly asks, turning her head in my direction when we pull up to the tarmac.
I give her a cheeky grin. “It’s a surprise, remember?”
“Is it somewhere tropical? Are we leaving Europe? Is there a beach?” She ticks each destination option with her fingers.
My face falls as I rub the back of my neck. “Maybe I set your expectations too high.”
“I’m just wondering if I’ll have access to the internet in case I’m not able to get all my work done on the plane.”
“Yes, you will.”
She studies me closely as if trying to read my mind. “Are we going to Aspen Grove?”
I lower my gaze. “Yeah,” I admit. “We were only there for a day last time, and you said you missed it. I figured it would be a nice change of pace for a few days. Plus, your mom won’t be in town, so I didn’t think—” I lose my train of thought when Everly places her hand on my cheek.
“Cash, I’m glad we’re going there.” She offers me a reassuring smile.
“You are?”
She nods. “Yes, and I’m looking forward to spending time with your family.”
“How do you know we’re going to see them?”
Everly cocks an eyebrow. “There’s no chance your mom would let us visit Aspen Grove and stay somewhere else.”
She’s right. When I told my mom this morning about our impending visit, she was overjoyed, insisting that we stay with her and dad. If everything goes according to my plan, this will be our last opportunity to do so, and my mom knows it.
“Are you sure? That means we’ll be sharing a bed, wifey,” I taunt her.
“I’m looking forward to it, hubby.” She leans in to give me a kiss on the lips. “Does Harrison care that you’re using the Stafford Holdings jet for personal use? Last time, you were technically on business, aside from the detour in Aspen Grove.”
I scrunch my nose in confusion. “It’s not the company jet. It’s ours.”
“How did I not know you owned an entire plane?” She laughs.
“We own a plane,” I state.
“I’m sorry?”
“We’re married, so it’s our plane, and you’re welcome to use it anytime you want.”
I meant what I said. What’s mine is hers. There’s nothing more important to me than Everly, and no matter what she decides, that will remain true.
Her mouth hangs open in disbelief as I open the car door to help her out and tip the driver. I hold her hand as we climb the stairs to the plane. The last time we flew together, she refused my help, and claiming her as mine, beyond a legally binding document, was a pipe dream.
The flight attendant stands inside the plane’s entrance, ready to greet us. This time she doesn’t offer us champagne. Everly and I have both avoided alcohol since our night in Vegas.
“Welcome back.” She smiles at Everly. “It’s good to see you, Cash.” She gives a nod.
“Thank you,” Everly says as she passes her, walking into the cabin.
She moves to the farthest row from the aircraft door, checking over her shoulder to make sure I’m following. I stop short, taking the seat in front of her, noticing her frown with disappointment.
She leans over my seat. “Why are you sitting up there?”