Page 106 of Forever Fallen

“I’m gonna hug that man tomorrow…” Ryan grinned, setting it on the counter, plugging it in, and dropping his bag on the kitchen floor.

He turned to Sophie immediately, grabbed her by the hand, and immediately began a beeline for their room.

“What? No comments on my dress?” she teased playfully, seeing him start unfastening his shirt with one hand as he walked.

“It should be on the floor… right now, wife,” he grinned.

“Gosh, I love your smile…” she breathed openly, feeling such joy and peace steal into her soul just having him here.

“You are the only reason that Idosmile, Sophie,” he said tenderly, pulling her into his arms and kissing her.

His lips were warm, tender, and coaxing, as if all of the rushing about was to get to this moment so they could slow down and savor their time alone.

“You are my very reason for living…” he breathed raggedly, his voice intense and his eyes so full of love that they looked like melted chocolate.

She slid into his arms, welcoming him home with everything she had.

* * *

Hours later,they were sitting in the kitchen, picking at the food and she couldn’t stop smiling at Ryan. He was so adorable sitting there in his running shorts, his hair sticking up in a few places, and looking so relaxed as he spoke.

“So, you never met either of the pilots when they were here helping out?” Ryan said in between bites, looking surprised.

She was wearing Ryan’s t-shirt he had on simply because it smelled like him, and she missed the scent. Her shirt she’d had from his last visit, the scent had faded much too fast and breathing it again was literally making her feel whole.

“If I did – I didn’t really pay attention,” Sophie shrugged, scooping up another bite of the casserole that the Saxons had left on their front porch for them. It was incredibly sweet and thoughtful – and so welcome.

She loved Valkyrie and Marisol like they were family… and had come to realize that all of the Flyboys were her extended family. They laughed, fought, played, and teased each other like siblings.

“I mean, we had dinners on Wednesdays and Sundays – and I guess there was someone new because I was introduced, but I couldn’t tell you whose name it was or point out the guys in a line-up.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Why do you look so surprised?”

“Hot Cakes earned his call sign for a reason,” Ryan chuckled. “I guess I should be really glad my wife only has eyes for me.”

“I have a ‘type’ I guess? I crave the cool, stoic, sexy, reaper-type fellow that makes my heart quiver with a single look of those beautiful brown eyes…” she said tenderly, smiling at him. “I’m so glad you are here.”

“I am, too.”

“So, not to be a downer,” Sophie hedged. “What’s the plan for this next year? I know you are here for a week but…”

“I’m going to take a week every few months,” he admitted. “Unless plans change – and then I’m going to save it up and take the remaining three weeks at once in nine months.”

“I like your plans,” she smiled. “Not crazy about the timeline, but if I can handle being away from you a year… then I can certainly handle a few months at a time.”

“Let me tell you – with a greeting like that? I can’t wait to come home to you, Sophie.”

“Same for me.”

“I know we are going to see our friends tomorrow night,” Ryan hedged, looking at her as he took another bite, quickly chewing. “But do you think we can stay the rest of the time here? I just want to be alone with you.”

“Consider it done,” she promised, smiling at him. “I’ve got zero plans.”

“Do you want to go flying or take a little getaway together? I can take you down to the coast if you want to go to the beach…”

“Nope,” she began. “I’d rather stay here, where my soulmate makes my heart soar higher than any airplane…”

---