Epilogue
Two Months Later…
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
“I am. Are you?”
Devin laughed. “Me? I am more than ready. But you’re kind of gripping my hand a little tight. You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m nervous. Like…really, really, really nervous.”
Nodding, he leaned closer. “That’s why I booked us first class. Bigger seats, more room, and better snacks to distract you.”
Yeah, they were flying to Oregon. MacKenzie had argued that they should make it a road trip kind of adventure, but he had promised her that everything was going to be alright.
Then reminded her how he hadn’t been wrong yet where she was concerned, so…now she was on a plane.
And not sure if she was hating it yet or not.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” their flight attendant asked with a serene smile.
“Any chance you have milkshakes?” she asked with a small laugh.
“I wish we did, but sadly, we don’t. But I’m sure we have something else you might like. How about a mimosa? Or…”
“Do you have ginger ale? I’m a little nervous about this whole flying thing.”
“Absolutely! And you have nothing to worry about. We have the best flight crew in the business, and this is a very uneventful flight. You’ll barely know you’re in the air!” Then she smiled at Devin. “And what can I get for you?”
“I’ll take a ginger ale too please. And maybe some pretzels, if you have them.”
Nodding, she walked away.
Glancing over at him, MacKenzie asked, “Pretzels? Really? Do you think pretzels are going to distract me from my fear of flying?”
“No. But they don’t serve the really good snacks until we’re airborne. The pretzels are for me because I happen to like them. For you…” And he reached down to grab his carryon from under the seat in front of him. He reached in and pulled out a familiar looking paper bag.
“Is that what I think it is?”
“If you’re thinking of a chocolate chip muffin, then you would be correct!” Handing her the bag, he grinned. “And there are more where that came from in case you’re underwhelmed by whatever this flight has to offer food-wise.”
“Smart man,” she murmured. “I hope you got something for yourself.”
Taking her free hand in his, he said, “I’ve got you and that’s all I need.”
And just as it always did when he said something like that, her heart melted a little. “Why are you so good to me?”
“Because I love you. It’s as simple as that.”
Within minutes, she had finished her drink and they were cleared for takeoff.
That’s when her nerves went into overdrive.
Devin held her hand and told her to look at him and nothing else.
Then he told her about all the amazing things they were going to see while visiting her mom and all the even more amazing things they had to look forward to when they got home–Jade and Levi’s wedding, and Avery and Leo’s.
Closing her eyes, she smiled because she was thrilled that she was going to be there for both of them.
It was one of the many regrets she was having when she had thought she was leaving.
But now, she was going to get to celebrate with their friends.
“And who knows, maybe we’ll get some ideas for our own wedding after going to theirs,” he said softly, and her eyes shot open.
“Our…really?” she stammered. “But…we’re not…we never…”
And suddenly there was a ring in front of her and it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.
“MacKenzie Holland, I’ve told you before when I knew you were it for me.
I thought it was too soon and crazy to feel that way, but I knew.
Once you agreed to stay with me, I would’ve gladly taken you to a justice of the peace the very next day, but I didn’t want to rush you.
” He paused. “We’ve been on the same page on just about everything, and I hope we still are because I love you and want to marry you.
If we weren’t forced to keep our seatbelts on, I’d be down on one knee asking, so I hope you’re not too disappointed. ”
“Disappointed? Are you kidding me? This is amazing!” Her free hand reached up and cupped his face. “I want to marry you too!”
“So that’s a yes?” he teased.
“Sweetheart, that’s a hell yes!” And he slid the ring on her finger even as he kissed her senseless.
As soon as beverage service started, they ordered champagne and toasted to their future.
“I can’t believe we’re engaged!” she said, marveling at her left hand. “I’m completely surprised! And look! I didn’t even notice when we took off!” Then she laughed. “You’re kind of a genius because this was the absolute best distraction! Thank you!”
He chuckled. “You’re welcome, but don’t expect anything like this on the return flight. This is the sort of thing you hopefully only do once.”
“I’m not worried. Just having you here is more than enough. It’s everything.” Then she held up her glass. “Here’s to us. And our future.”
Devin tapped his glass on hers. “To us.”