Page 24 of Valkyrie's Choice

“Second, after I went to Jackie with my idea, we realized we’d completely missed the mark with our preparations for our clientele. How could we cater to monsters if many of them couldn’t fit inside the plane? We went ahead with our plans for two of the standard aircraft, but we decided to invest a little more and build two that will accommodate larger people, like griffins, yetis, gargoyles, etc., and anyone with bigger wing spans.”

“Brilliant.” Isla’s eyes filled with tears, and I sighed.

“Don’t cry, baby. You’re killing me.”

“Then stop doing such sweet things,” she sniffled.

“How about I distract you instead?” I suggested with a wicked smile. “Bet I can make you fly without leaving the airport.”

“I’m listening…”

I winked at her, then returned to the exit door and called to Heath, “We’re going to need to change the flight plan.”

He rolled his eyes and walked back toward the entrance to our offices. “I figured. Your first passengers won’t be here for another two hours.”

Grinning, I pulled the hatch shut and secured it, then my Valkyrie and I christened the airplane—multiple times.

EPILOGUE

ISLA

When our daughter was born with a smaller version of my wings, I felt a mixture of pride and fear. Cooper had shown me how beautiful he thought I was each day that we’d been together, but I knew the world outside of Screaming Woods could be cruel to people they considered freaks. However, I saw nothing but beauty when I looked at my baby girl, and I knew that her daddy and I would raise her with enough confidence to withstand anything life threw her way.

I was proved right. Fernley was only five years old, but she was already fearless. Which was a blessing and a curse.

It had taken daily reminders ever since she was old enough to understand what we were saying to get her to wait until now to try to fly. And by now, I meant minutes after she woke up on her fifth birthday.

“Come on, Mommy. It’s time to fly,” she shrieked as she raced into our bedroom and jumped on the bed.

Digging my fingers into her sides, I tickled until her sweet giggles filled the air. “Don’t you want chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and to open one of your presents before your first lesson?”

“Nuh-uh.” She shook her head emphatically. “I wanna fly now.”

“If I’m not going to get pancakes for breakfast,” Cooper grumbled, rolling over to pick up our daughter and toss her into the air, “then I’m just going to have to settle for some Fernley ribs instead.”

“No, not my ribs, Daddy,” she cried, even as she twisted in his hold so he could nibble on her side.

“Too bad you already spoiled your appetite. The rule is no flying on an empty stomach, so I’m going to make those chocolate chip pancakes for Fernley and me,” I announced as I crawled off the mattress.

Cooper wagged his brows and smirked at me. “I’ll take some too, please. I’m always hungry for your sweet treats.”

Our daughter missed the sexual innuendo heavy in his tone, but I certainly didn’t. I mouthed, “I’ll give you a special treat later tonight.”

Cooper kept our little girl occupied while I got our breakfast ready. As soon as Fernley shoved the last bite in her mouth, she jumped out of her chair and punched her fist in the air. “I’m ready now!”

I smiled at my husband as I got up from the table. “Can you clean up while I take her outside to go over some safety rules?”

“Hmm, I don’t know.” His eyes were full of laughter as he tapped his finger against his chin. “Maybe Fernley should help me?”

“But I’m da birfday girl,” Fernley protested, planting her fists on her hips as she glared up at him.

“What do you think, Mommy? Should our little girl wash dishes with me?” Cooper asked, pressing his lips together to keep from smiling.

“She’s an awfully good helper, but…” I paused when she turned her scowl on me. “I think she’s waited long enough for her first flying lesson. You’re on your own with the breakfast cleanup this morning.”

“Yippee!” Fernley skipped out of the kitchen.

Cooper sighed, shaking his head as he stood and collected the dishes. “I can’t believe she’s five already.”

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