Page 97 of Forever Fallen

I know you are right, but it still hurts to realize that. I wanted a little piece of you here with me, growing beneath my heart, so very badly. There is always the next time… or even the next after that, right?

We must think a lot alike because I was soaking in the bath tonight, having a glass of wine, remembering when you had me do that after my Grammy passed away. I was laying back, thinking that it would be so nice to lean against you instead of that hard tub. So, yes, let’s try that!

My favorite memory is that towel pose. I was so immediately flustered, and you got me good that morning. I see you in my mind’s eye, the way you gave me that sexy smile and those abs.

I think what hits me the most, was realizing just how wonderful and playful a person you are behind that cool exterior. It was like you keep everyone out… except me. I feel so special getting to love that sweet man!

Forever yours,

Sophie

CHAPTER30

Three months down…

We are slowly getting there, darling!

I am so proud of you and got an email from Thumper. He was bragging about the co-marketing project that you and Harley are doing. I think that was a brilliant plan the two of you came up with. A Flyboys Package is perfect! That gets people into town, staying with you, and trying out a discovery flight with the team… it’s a win-win!

I saw the new bushes out front and the website. I know you are trying to keep busy, but don’t overdo it. I worry about you and Thumper said you’ve been keeping to yourself a lot.

I’m not trying to tattle on my friend – but rather worried about my wife. Go see Marisol or Harley, sweetheart. I know Marisol would love to see you and it might help things to hold little Tobias or Samantha.

It would be good practice for us later on – hint, hint…

I love you,

Ryan

* * *

Sophie staredat the baby in her arms in sheer amazement.

Tobias, or Toby, was getting so big, so fast.

She held a bottle for him as he nudged at it with his little fists, gulping happily and occasionally giving her a milky-smile that sent rivulets down his little chin. His bright blue eyes watched her in fascination… and she was in love.

“He’s so beautiful…” she breathed, looking up to see Marisol and Valkyrie looking on proudly.

“He’s such a good baby, too,” Marisol admitted. “He wakes up a lot but never really gets angry or cries too much. Aeron is still helping me out at night with Toby’s feeding schedule.”

“Aeron?” Sophie asked, surprised. “Do you prefer that? I always hear everyone refer to you as Valkyrie and didn’t even know your first name.”

“Everyone calls me Valkyrie, except my parents and Marisol,” he shrugged, looking up at Marisol, before looking back to Sophie. “You’re like family to us, so it’s whatever you want. I’ll answer to both.”

“In fact, we want you here every Sunday for dinner,” Marisol began firmly. “We aren’t taking no for an answer either. I know what you’re doing hiding away at home, because I’ve been there.”

“I’m not hiding away.”

“Call it what you want then,” Marisol countered evenly. “But from someone who had to deal with the same thing? I can tell you that time flies a lot faster if you keep busy or find a way to fill your time. Routines help and if you are checking off the days to every Sunday? Then it will be another month gone before you know it.”

“You can take lessons at Flyboys, if you want? I can teach you…” Valkyrie offered, and Marisol nodded.

“No thank you,” Sophie began, touched at the two of them and their offers. “I appreciate it and you are right. Time would pass faster if I stayed busy. If I’m coming by on Sundays? Do you want me to bring something? I’m not going to have to watch Football, am I?”

“No…” Marisol laughed. “You must have gone to Glory and Hunter’s on a Sunday before, haven’t you?”

“They yell a lot at the television.”

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