Page 108 of Breaking Emily's Rules
And if there was anyone that epitomized loyalty to the air force besides Stone, it had to be Matt Conner.
“You heard me. I’m out. Hunter is growing up, and I’m tired of seeing him once a year. This last time was two years. I hardly recognize the kid.”
Unlike most of the men in their wing, Matt already had a son. He’d been practically a child himself when he’d become a father and joined up to help provide for the kid. He’d never married his now ex-girlfriend and by all accounts they still had a strained relationship.
“So that’s it? You’re out? Just like that?
“Just like that.”
“What did I miss?”
“Nothing. Maybe some things are more important than the air force. At least for me.” Matt lifted a shoulder.
“So what are you going to do with yourself?”
“What else? Get hired on somewhere as a pilot. It’s what I do.”
Some things are more important than the air force.
Not like Stone hadn’t realized the same thing. His father had been more important. Stone hadn’t thought twice when he’d been needed here in Fortune. But he wasn’t needed here any longer.
Or was he?
“I could get work teaching at the aviation school, though I’d rather work for the new charter service. Truth is I’d rather work for you if you hadn’t sold the place.”
“Haven’t yet. We got stuck in some airport regulations paper work but it should happen soon.”
“Before you leave?”
“Sarah said she’d taken care of the particulars. Anything gets held up, she’ll take care of it.”
Matt nodded. “Sorry to leave you, man, but you’ve still got Levi.”
“Yeah.”
It wouldn’t be the same, of course. But maybe nothing would ever be the same. Was he seriously going to tell himself that he’d come back for Dad, stayed as long as he had needed to for Dad, but wouldn’t do the same for Sarah? For Matt.
For Emily.
Face it, genius. She’s your heart.
“Hey, ground control,” Matt said. “Did you hear a word I said?”
“Nothing wrong with my hearing. You’re leaving the AF. Got it.”
“I said, ‘Dumbass, are you seriously just going to leave Emily?’ The best thing that ever happened to a fool like you?”
“Tell me what you really think. Don’t hold back.”
By the look in Matt’s eyes, Stone was about to get an earful.
“You got it. Truth is I’ve never seen a woman play hockey puck with your brain before this. You always had the upper hand. Easier to walk away. Believe me, I get it. But face it, this is different.”
“I always planned to go back.”
“But you didn’t plan on her.”
“Hell no.”
