Page 30 of Before You Say I Do

“I’ll tell you when we take off.”

Michelle walked past them, before stopping and turning around. “Would you like to sit up-front with me for any of the journey?” she asked Abby. “You’re very welcome to come in after take-off.”

Abby’s stomach rolled again. “I don’t think so,” she said. “Just get us there safe.”

Michelle gave her a salute. “I’ll do my best. And if you change your mind, let me know.”

Abby gritted her teeth as she settled back in her chair. Even the thought of going into the cockpit sent her pulse racing. Seeing the entirety of the sky and how the plane defied gravity just by the will of a friendly pilot? She was pretty sure that would only add to her flying issues, not heal them. She gripped the seat arms and closed her eyes. It was going to be fine. The plane wasn’t going to crash with her and all the people she loved the most on it.

Although if it did, at least then she wouldn’t have to marry Marcus.

Her eyes sprang open and she sat forward, clutching her chest. Where the fuck had that thought come from? She took a deep breath, as Jordan’s worried face hovered into view.

“What happened? Are you okay? You jerked forward so swiftly then.”

Abby shook her head. “I’m fine. Just nervous, that’s all.” Not questioning everything about this wedding one little bit.

No siree.

Not her.

Jordan’s concerned gaze didn’t shift. “I wish you’d told me before. I would have brought something to chill you out.”

Abby tilted her head. “Like what?”

Jordan stuck out her bottom lip. “I dunno. Valium?”

“Is that even legal?”

Jordan gave Abby a shrug. “If you wanted Valium, I’d have got some.”

“Too late now.” She paused, looking down the plane. “Some booze would help.”

Jordan unclicked her seatbelt. “I’ll get you something.” She stowed her laptop overhead.

“Aren’t you meant to have your seatbelt on?” Abby asked.

“I’ll be fine.” Jordan headed down the aisle.

Abby gulped. She closed her eyes.

A hand on her arm made her jolt. Abby opened her eyes, as the plane began to taxi.

There went her stomach again.

“You all right, love? I know this isn’t your favourite part.” Mum’s green eyes were kind, just like always.

Abby nodded. “I will be, once we’re airborne. Plus, Jordan’s gone to get me a drink. It should help.”

Mum twisted, looking down the aisle. “How did you ever cope without Jordan?”

Abby wasn’t sure.

Moments later, Jordan slid back into her seat, clipping her seatbelt into place. In the aisle, Gavin greeted them, then began going through the safety drills.

Abby glanced her way.

Another grin from Jordan as she slipped something into Abby’s hand. She leaned in, her lips stopping just shy of Abby’s ear. “I wasn’t sure what to get you, so I went for mini bottles of vodka and whisky. Both will give you a relaxing jolt that should settle your nerves. But you’re going to have to swig it secretly, as you’re not meant to be drinking right now.”