Page 131 of Townshipped
I chuckle.
That night before bed, I call Karina to settle the details for Ty and Paisley. As soon as we hang up, I secure a roundtrip ticket out of Columbus to Boston. I’ll have a layover in New Jersey. It’s set. Barring any setbacks, I’ll be at Em’s front door by three thirty Saturday. I’ll see her in less than forty-eight hours.
* * *
My flightfrom Columbus lands in Newark at ten forty-five Saturday morning. I have a three-hour layover that threatens to drive me to the brink of insanity. I’m so close to Em, but still have almost five hours until I’ll see her.
I grab my laptop bag and sling it over my shoulder, walking out of the arrival gate and scanning the monitor to confirm my departing flight is running on time. I start to head toward the gate where I’ll catch my next flight. I’ll just sit with a book to pass the time.
I decided to surprise Em. Maybe I’m afraid she’d tell me not to come. Probably that’s the truth when you get down to it. I didn’t want her to have the option of telling me to stay home. If she’s going to reject me, I’ll let her do it in person. I don’t think she will push me away, but I won’t know until we’re face-to-face.
I’m walking toward the next terminal when I see a woman across the way. My eyes must be playing tricks on me.
Here? In New Jersey?
It can’t be.
But that red hair. I’d know it anywhere.
She turns.
Then she smiles.
I’m moving across the airport toward her before I know what I’m doing. My heartbeat feels like it’s coming up and out my throat. It’s my heart, trying to get to her. My whole body trembles the closer I get.
It’s her.
Em.
Her head turns and my whole body lights up the moment she sees me.
“Aiden?” she asks.
She looks confused, but then the confusion is replaced by happiness dawning on her face like the most brilliant sunrise
And then she’s really running, dropping her carry-on as she flies at me.
I catch her and stumble backward, bracing us both from the impact of her in my arms.
She leans back and looks up at me. “Aiden! Aiden, what are you doing here?”
I study her face, unable to really believe it’s her. I’m holding Em in my arms. She’s here.
“I’m flying to Boston.”
Her arms loop around my waist and I’ve got a hold on her shoulders. She feels like a dream.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, half delirious with disbelief and joy.
“Flying to Ohio.”
We laugh and she leans in with a hug. I pull her toward me. She’s actually back in my arms. Here in the middle of the Newark airport of all places. I squeeze her to me, taking in the sweetness of her shampoo and the scent that is her alone. She squeezes me back.
Em pulls away to look up at me without releasing her grip behind my back.
“You were …” she says at the same time as I ask, “What were …?”
“You first,” we both say simultaneously.
