Page 100 of Dr. Stone
“No better first flight for our little captain,” I said, matching Brandon’s quiet, curious expression with my own excitement. “Especially along the coastline where he watches planes fly overhead every day.”
“Now, it’s your turn, buddy,” Andie said with a giggle that proved she was just as excited as the rest of us.
The simulator hummed to life, a gentle breeze swirling around us as the view outside each window shifted to a privaterunway just beyond Santa Monica. I caught Andie’s amazed gaze and squeezed Brandon, his body tense with excitement, as the airplane’s ceiling vanished, revealing the bright, clear California sky above.
Our seats rumbled beneath us after I placed my hands on the controls and drove us out on the runway, and once the airplane left the ground, you could feel the gravity pinning you to your seat as if you were really taking off in the damn thing.
“This is so fucking awesome,” Andie said while Brandon clapped his hands and bounced in my seat.
“No shit,” I said, loving this as much as I would if I were flying my own damn Cessna.
The plane soared above the Santa Monica Pier, and everything in sight transformed through the windows, making it feel like we were flying over the coastline in real time. The white foam of the waves crashing ashore, beachgoers, surfers…everything happening on the shoreline was right there beneath us. Hell, you could even feel the warmth of the sun shining through the cockpit windows.
“This is beyond me,” Andie said as the plane smoothly rushed through the air and over the coast, dipping just enough to allow you to feel everything you would in a real-life flight. “What an amazing thing they’ve done for these children by giving them this,” she said with the most beautiful smile.
“Keep looking at me like that, and I’ll be sure to tear your cute little ass up on the ocean tonight.”
She chuckled, “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
The joy I felt in that moment, having this sweet little family visit me at work and sharing the incredible things I was fortunate to be surrounded by, was simply indescribable. Rather than trying to put words to why I’d been so drawn to this woman since that first night, I chose to accept it as a blessing, something even more remarkable than the simulator itself.
Tonight, I couldn’t wait to spend the evening anchored out at Catalina Island. I had planned a lovely dinner on the island, and for the rest of tomorrow, we’d just let the wind take us wherever it wanted.
I couldn’t wait to get home, get the boat ready, and have my lady back from her parents so we could make this sailing trip even more exciting than the amazing simulator flight we’d just experienced over the West Coast.
This was what it was all about, just being with her and making the most of every moment we had together.
FORTY-FIVE
Andie
The drive up to my parents’place was supercharged, both Brandon and I riding the high from our visit with Jace. The bond those two formed felt natural, with Jace effortlessly stepping into the role of a solid presence in Brandon’s life, but after today, with Jace practically giving Brandon his first flying lesson, my son couldn’t stop saying his name.
Every few minutes, Brandon would giggle from the back seat and shout, “Fye! Fye!”
And I’d echo back, “Yes. You did fly a plane—with Dr. Jace!” matching his excitement, still in awe that a simple office visit had turned into such an unforgettable moment for my little boy.
I pulled into Mom and Dad’s driveway, knowing I didn’t have much time before I had to head back so Jace and I could sail his boat out to Catalina.
Stepping out of the new Porsche—something I planned to thank Jace for later properly—I unbuckled Brandon’s seatbeltand lifted my son out of the car, his little body practically buzzing with excitement.
“You ready to go see Papa and Gamma?” I asked, repeating the names he’d given them as he learned to talk.
“Papa! Gams!” He smiled, punching an excited fist in the air, “Yes! I fye, Mama!”
“I know you did, baby,” I said, my heart thudding with excitement while I kissed his perfect head and walked up to the charming entrance of my parents’ home.
To my surprise, my mom opened it before I got there, and from the look on her face, I guessed the church must’ve canceled their Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza or something.
“Is everything okay?” I asked as she pulled Brandon from my arms after he reached out to her.
“Hey, sweetheart.” A smile finally reached her lips, but her eyes were severe. “I need to speak with you, honey. Just follow me.”
I frowned, not knowing what to think. My mom was not one for hysterics or dramatics, so I had no idea what to make of any of this, and it was starting to scare me.
“What’s going on, Mom? Is something wrong with Dad?”
“Your father is fine,” she said, turning toward me. For a split second, she looked like the devil himself had taken up residence as an unwelcome guest in their home.
