Page 14 of Owen

Sailing through selection, I then relocated to the aerobatic team’s permanent base. Toward the end of the first display season, Michael and I broke up, and a few weeks later, I discovered I was pregnant. I then moved out of my single room at the Officer’s Mess and into a house in the Officer’s Quarters. Unable to fly for the rest of my pregnancy, I was reassigned to desk duties, then when my morning sickness kicked in, I could barely function or carry out simple administrative tasks, forcing me to take months off work… So yeah, whirlwind… More like a tornado.

The morning sickness, which seemed to last all day, combined with splitting up with Poppy’s father, all hit me like a bullet train; the enormity and realization suddenly slamming into me that my daughter would never get to experience the concrete love that my mom and dad provided. To this day, I stilldon’t understand Michael and his lack of concern or love for our daughter.

She’s the greatest thing to happen to me; and him.

I’m hoping he’ll wake up one day and realize what he’s missing out on.

When Poppy arrived safely in the world, she wasn’t kicking and screaming like I imagined. She was so calm and peaceful, barely a whimper left her little lungs as the midwife announced it was a girl. She’s still the same to this very day; such a happy, easy-going child. I have so much to be grateful for; she simply goes with the flow.

Three days after Poppy was born, the unspeakable happened and nothing could have prepared us for it: my lovely dad had a heart attack and died, leaving a massive hole in our lives.

“I’m doing this for you, Dad,” I whisper to myself and then look back in the mirror, my glassy eyes full of my sadness.

Desperate not to ruin my mascara, I grab a hand towel, dabbing the corners of my eyes to catch any tears before they fall. Dropping my lucky stone back into my bag, I straighten myself up and attempt to calm my humidity-ridden hair. Gone are the glossy locks I left the villa with.

“Pointless,” I mutter and use the elasticated hairband around my wrist to pile it on top of my head in a messy bun. “That’ll have to do.” I pull down a few strands from the front to frame my face.

I smile at my reflection. “Icando this. Failure is not an option.”

If there’s one thing I am eternally grateful for, it’s the mindfulness practices and the positive affirmations my mom taught me to do.

I close my eyes and repeat silently to myself,I can do this. Iam enough. I am worthy. I am strong. I am unique. Tomorrow will be a success. I am a great mom. I can have a career and be a fantastic mom.

I fill my cheeks with air and blow it out, feeling a sense of calm wrap around me, grounding me again.

My phone rings loudly in my purse, making me jump. Pulling it out, I roll my eyes at the name on the screen, knowing what comes next.

I press the accept button. “Hey, Gregor.”

“Boss.” He pauses. “Eh, so, we are off to a club.”

“Don’t tell me. A gentleman’s one?” I smirk, already knowing the answer. No matter where we go, those men always seem to know where the nearest strip club is located.

“No.” His voice goes up a few octaves, and I know he’s lying. “We didn’t think you would want to come with us and stay out late, you know, with having Poppy and your mom here and everything.”

I exaggerate a sigh. “Tell them all that when we return to base in four weeks, I will inform their partners about their vile extracurricular activities.”

“No, you won’t,” he says cheekily.

“Yes, I will.” He knows I’m not lying. “I’m a girl’s girl. I like your partners and spouses. They deserve better than you bunch of scoundrels.”

“It’s one night. We are not scoundrels,” he argues.

I rest my phone between my shoulder and ear as I tighten the thin gold belt around my waist. “Be good.”

“We will. Stop stressing.” He chuckles as I hear the guys in the background fool around. “And thank you for dinner. We’ll pay you back.”

“Just get to bed before midnight, go easy on the alcohol, andpromise me to be exceptional in training. There’s no flying tomorrow, but I need you all to have clear heads.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Gregor is always so polite. “Oh, my cousin is waiting for you. He’s called a taxi to take you both home.”

My body is instantly rigid, and I stand poker straight, holding my phone tight to my ear. “He’s not going with you?” I can’t be left alone with him. I don’t trust myself. He’s too pretty for his own good.

“No. Have you seen his face? It’s like a slapped ass. He’s miserable.”

I’ve seen his face, and it’s handsome as hell.

Square jaw, gray moonstone eyes, a body obviously sculpted by hours at the gym, tall, super tall. Yup, I didn’t just see his face. I saweverypart of him.

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