Page 127 of Beauty Beneath the Sorrow
“Yeah,” I say, leading her toward the boarding steps of the personal plane that will be taking us to Bora Bora.
I booked us a ten-night stay in an overwater bungalow.
“These are steps into a plane,” she says excitedly.
“You’re right again.”
I lead her into the spacious cabin, taking care not to let her bump into anything.
She hops from one foot to the other. “Can I take it off yet?”
I laugh. “Sure.”
Lina rips the blindfold off. Her eyes grow wide, and her facebrightens. “Did you get us a private plane?”
“I did.” I smile.
Her eyes scan the area before she turns to me. Jumping into my arms, she wraps her legs tightly around my waist.
“Where are we going?” Her hands clasped on my neck.
“I’m taking you to Bora Bora.” I lightly kiss the tip of her nose while gripping her ass, holding her in place. “I thought getting away without being on the clock would be nice. And with house hunting and you starting flight training soon—” I continue, but Lina interjects, “Thank you.”
“Of course, baby.”
Her grin turns into a chuckle. “You’re not going to propose, are you?”
“Would you say yes if I did?” I answer her in an even tone.
“Carter, I’m joking!” She laughs, but her breathing picks up when she notices my straight face. “Are you serious?”
I had planned to ask her to marry me on this trip—it seemed like the perfect place to do it—but that’s not something Lina would want. I don’t think she’ll ever want to get married, and I’m okay with that as long as she’s mine.
“I would marry you right here if I could,” I reply, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. “But I know that’s not something you want, and that’s okay. I’ll be here ready and willing whenever you are.”
“Hello!” The caterer I hired for dinner enters the cabin and interrupts our moment. “It looks like we’re having a plethora of nice food tonight.”
“I’m so excited.” Lina beams, lifting the silver cloche covers. She bends to sniff the chicken, salmon, and brussel sprouts.
He removes the dish from the second level of the cart. “Here is the dessert, a strawberry cheesecake.”
I extend my arm for a handshake. “This all looks great. Thanks, Jeff.”
“Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez,” he says, shaking my hand.
My back straightens, and I glance over to Lina. She has a wide grin on her face.
“Thank you so much,” she replies without even flinching.Interesting.
As soon as Lina and I are alone, I turn to her with a smirk on my face large enough for her to see. “Mrs. Hernandez now?”
She puts a hand on her hip. “I wasn’t correcting him.” Then she slumps into one of the reclining chairs. “Besides, I kind of liked the way it sounded.”
“So, you’re saying there’s a chance?” My eyebrows raise.
She blushes. “Baby.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.” I grab one of the champagne glasses from the table.
