Page 11 of Dear Alaskan Bush Pilot
Dear Jack,
It's the middle of the night as I'm writing this, but I couldn't wait until morning to get out all that I'm feeling. For so long, I've felt a connection with you that I thought was only one-sided. But it turns out that we just wasted time we could have shared together because of our fear. We've seen first-hand what our lives would be like if we didn't try to fight for one another, to stay together. I know about the job in Barrow. I know that Thayer can no longer hold out on making his offer optional. He needs you up there. And I need you with me. But I'm not going to make you choose. I know how lonely it is to live my life without you. And now, after last night, I have a fair idea of how wonderful it is to have you in my life. I know you'd never ask me to choose, and that is why I'm telling you here—that I'm coming with you. We are both stubborn, but I think that you may have met your match with me. I know that sending love letters in Frontier is a risky game—just ask Jera and Patrick. But I’ve learned from history.
Sincerely Yours,
Emery
P.S. Look up.
I see Emery standing against the outer wall near the door that leads into the airport.
“You know you could have just told me all of this,” I hold up the letter in my hand.
"But it will be so much more romantic when we tell our grandchildren how wonderfully selfless their grandmother is for making the decision to follow you."
“And humble too.”
Emery pushes up on her toes to kiss me. “And don’t you forget it.”
"Wait," I shake my head. "Did you just say, grandchildren?"
“I know, I’m getting a little ahead of myself. First things first, we get married.”
“I haven’t even told you that I love you.”
“Don’t you?”
“With everything in my heart.”
Emery smiles. “Good, because I’m not about to move to the top of this state with a guy that could take me or leave me.”
I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close. “I’m taking you.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
“And I love you.”
“I was hoping you’d say that too.”
“Do you love me too?” I ask.
“With all my heart.”
Epilogue
EMERY
It's been almost a year since our move up to Barrow. The adjustment to the more challenging life up here has had its ups and downs, but I know we can handle anything as long as I have Jack with me.
"Mail call!" Suzie, one of the pilots, calls out when she walks in the door to the airport.
I look up from my paperwork and see her waving a single envelope.
“That can’t be all of it,” I laugh.
She shakes her head and grins at me. "Nah, the rest of it is still in the back needing to be unloaded. But I was explicitly told to hand this letter to you directly. The woman was adamant that she didn't have to mail it.
I take the envelope and read the familiar cursive script on the front. It reads:Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Emery Fowler. I open it up and find a wedding invitation inside. It’s for Patrick and Jera.
