The Pilot's Promise

by Pam Mantovani

  “I want you to be yourself, the woman I fell in love with.” He slid the ring a little further. “I want us to be our own family, to find the way that works best for us. Not because we have to, not because it’s what’s expected, not as a way to make up for anything in the past. I want to share my life with you, and whatever other children we have, because we love each other. Because being together is what we both want.”

  Why now she wondered? Why, right now, right here, could she believe his promise? Was it because it was the first time he said he loved her? Was it because the baby moved, ever so slightly, within her? Was it due to the time they’d been apart?

  No.

  She could trust his promise, believe in his declaration of love, and look forward to sharing the future with him, because it was him. It had always been him.

  He glanced down but didn't move the ring any further. “Tell me what you want.”

  “You,” she said. “I want everything, everything exactly as you just promised we could have.” He slid the ring all the way on her finger. It felt warm and secure. “I’m still scared.”

  “I’ve got you.” He wrapped his arms around her, pressed his lips to her temple. “I love you, Hailey.”

  She sighed. “I love you, Andrew.” Her arms tightened. Saying it, believing it – and him – gave her faith. “What do we do now?”

  “Well, there’s the bad news. I’ve only got forty-eight hours more leave time, and it’s going to take another ten to get back.”

  She lifted her head to look at him. Their life wouldn’t always be simple or smooth. But right now it was surprisingly easy to take that leap of faith. To make a promise of her own.

  “Then I say we’re in luck since there’s a chaplain here on campus.”

  Eight months later, Hailey walked what felt like her tenth mile, trying to soothe her six-week old son.

  “C’mon, Thomas,” she whispered, rubbing a hand in circles on his back while she pressed her lips to his forehead. She remembered reading in one of the baby care books that a baby often picked up on a mother’s mood. That would probably account for his restlessness tonight since this was actually one of the few nights he’d given her any sort of trouble. He’d made it easy for her to slip into the role of mother. Now, if she could just have some time to be a wife. Between deployments she and Andrew had managed so little time together during their short marriage. While thankful for the technology that enabled them to see one another via either FaceTime or through Skype, it wasn’t the same as being with him, being held by him, sharing the day-to-day events.

  “Your daddy promised he’d be home in time for Christmas Eve,” she told the baby, glancing at her watch in the glow of the lit Christmas tree. “Which means he’s got another two hours to make his deadline. Still, I’ve got no reason to doubt him. After all.” She smiled down at the now-dozing baby. “He kept his promise and made it home in time to see you born.” Of course, he’d had to leave two days later for the base in South Korea.

  Lillian had stayed with her, giving her advice and help for those first few days of motherhood. While her mother had been little maternal help, at least she’d made the effort to spend time with her new grandson. Anna and Quinn had visited a few days later. They were all due to arrive tomorrow in time to spend Christmas morning together. Her mother was due to arrive the day after Christmas. She had the family her heart had always coveted. As much as she enjoyed them, and looked forward to the time they’d have together, she missed her husband. Her gaze was drawn to the window. Snow covered every inch of ground and the temperatures were hovering in the upper teens. She worried the weather could impact Andrew’s travel.

  Turning away, she settled a now sleeping Thomas in the crib in his room. Returning to the front room, hoping to distract her thoughts from worries, she wrapped up in an afghan and picked up her class planner. It surprised her how much she enjoyed the challenge of teaching eager and bright cadets. Just as it surprised her how quickly she’d adapted to being a mother. Oh, she had her moments of doubt, challenges and concern, just as she made her share of mistakes. But, she’d concluded, love meant you kept trying.

  Quickly losing her focus on the planner, she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of the sofa.

  Hailey shifted on the sofa, her dream of Andrew’s fingertips brushing along her cheekbone vivid enough to make her sigh. Then, she swore she felt his warm breath, the light pressure of his lips replace his fingers.

  “Wake up, Hailey,” he whispered, and now it felt as if his lips swept over hers. “God, I missed you.”

  It was the familiar slide of his hands along her outer thigh that had her eyes popping open. She blinked, twice, and realized her husband knelt before her.

  “Andrew,” she cried. She caught his face between her hands, staring at him through eyes that filled with tears. “You’re here. Oh, I missed you, I missed you so much.”

  “I told you I would be here for Christmas.”

  She sniffed. “Sorry, my hormones are still off.”

  He chuckled. “I can see.” He grinned wider as he avoided the elbow she tried to jam in his side. Then his smile disappeared and he leaned in for a long, deep welcome home kiss.

  Beneath her hands she felt the travel-softened starch of his uniform, felt the strength of arms and shoulders that had held her in passion and supported her as she gave birth to their son. How had she ever thought she could live any life without him? Even with the distance that often separated them she had more than she’d ever believed possible.

  Love, she thought again, love is what made the difference.

  Gradually, they paused their kissing. Keeping her hand tucked inside of his, Andrew looked over at the monitor, his eyes softening as he studied his sleeping son. “He’s grown.”

  Hailey chuckled. “He has his father’s appetite.”

  “And his father’s hungry,” he growled as he scooped her up to settle her on his lap, cradling her. In contrast to his words, he simply held her.

  “Now,” he sighed. “I’m home.”

  She didn’t ask for how long, there would be time for that later. Besides, it didn’t really matter. They’d cherish and enjoy every moment, no matter how long or short. For now she leaned her head on her husband’s shoulder and soaked up the warmth and love they shared.

  Exactly as Andrew had promised.

  Also by Pam

  BAREFOOT BAY KINDLE WORLD

  Hot Summer Kisses

  OTHER TITLES

  Crystal Clear

  Shared Secrets

  Courting the Coach

  Cowboy on Her Doorstep

  About the Author

  An author of passionate, emotional romances with heart, Pam loves crafting stories about independent women and men who discover the thrill and joy of falling in love. After years of moving as both an Army Brat and corporate wife, Pam and her craftsman husband settled in Atlanta, close to family and friends. When not writing, Pam enjoys quilting, planting beautiful flowers, home improvement projects and spending time with her wonderful family.

  Connect with Pam

  Pam Mantovani Website

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  I love to hear from my readers. You can email me at pammantovaniauthor@gmail.com

  Acknowledgments

  My deepest appreciation goes to Roxanne St. Clair, for inviting me to be part of this special Barefoot Bay release.

  Thanks to Debbie Taylor for working her magic and giving me another wonderful cover. And thanks to Bookcamp Edits for their insightful comments and eagle eyes.

  As with every project I am so thankful for Christine Glover, who is so much more than simply a critique partner.

  Many thanks to the readers that continue to support my writing journey. Special mention and thanks go to my Facebook street team, The Passionettes, for your encouragement – and sharing
some really wonderful pictures!

  And, as he has from the beginning of this journey, my love, thanks and heart go to Denny. I wouldn’t be the person I am without your love.

  Last, but certainly not least, my enduring and heartfelt admiration, respect and gratitude to the many members of the military and their families. As a former “Army Brat” I understand the sacrifice necessary to provide the safety and freedom we enjoy because of your selfless dedication. I pray each of you remain safe and strong.