Page 101 of The Last Thing
“I can’t wait to pick you up at the airport on Thursday.” I wrap Sophia in a hug. “Are you excited for your first plane ride?”
Sophia squeezes me tight, then lets me go, nodding firmly. “Yes. I’m a little nervous, but mostly excited. It means I get to see you and California. And flying is good practice for when we go to Disney World one day.”
This kid.
“Already planning for that, huh?”
“Of course. I have to teach my sister all about Disney.”
From behind me, Justin and Frannie laugh.
“Okay, kid. Let’s leave the vacation planning for another time. I still need to say goodbye to Hallie.”
“Fine,” Sophia says, dramatic as usual.
Wilson steps up to me and my heart gets all achy again.
He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’ll miss you, Hellion.”
“I’ll miss you too. What are you going to do to entertain yourself while I’m gone?”
He shrugs casually, but there’s a twinkle in his eyes. “I’ve got work and Soph.”
“You’re planning something.”
He grins at me. “No idea what you’re talking about.” He presses a soft kiss to my lips. “Why would I want to do something special for my girls?”
“Something special?”
“You’ll see when we get home from the trip.”
“Always teasing me,Deck.”
He pulls me close and leans down to whisper in my ear. “Don’t start that shit or I’ll have to spank you right here in the middle of the airport.”
“Still teasing me.”
He sighs and shakes his head, some of the playfulness fading away.
“Fly safe. Text me when you land. And don’t have too much fun without me.”
“No promises.”
He stares at me for a beat, then dips me back and kisses me like wearehaving a wartime goodbye and don’t know when we’ll see each other again.
Justin, Jade, and Frannie all hoot and whistle.
“Daddy!” Sophia gasps.
We break our kiss, laughing, but Wilson doesn’t let me go yet. Brushing his lips over mine, he whispers, “I love you.” But even if I could form the words to say it back, he doesn’t give me a chance before his lips are on mine for one last soft kiss.
This time when we break apart, I take a step back and stare at him. Then I throw my arms around him one more time. “I’ll see you Thursday.”
“Thursday, Hellion. I can’t wait.”
Turning, I blow a kiss to Sophia. “Have a fun first flight. Love you, honey.”
“We love you too.” Soph jumps into Wilson’s arms, waving as I join Frannie, Justin, and Jade and slowly turn toward the gate.
