Broken Wings, Soaring Hearts

by Beverly A. Rogers

  As Jack absently fiddled with the object, he lifted his head and spied Hailey leaning in the doorframe. His mouth opened in amazement, a mixture of shock and pleasure on his face. “How in the world did you … What are you doing here? Did you just fly in?”

  His stunned expression prompted a mischievous smile to ruffle her lips. “I didn’t fly. I drove.”

  She took another step into the office. “It’s a really, really long drive.”

  “Believe me, I know.” He stood motionless, staring at her.

  She stared back.

  “Could we talk for a few minutes?” She motioned to a thick mahogany chair by his desk. “I know how busy you are. But, do you mind?”

  “Are you kidding?” A stunned smile finally creased his face and he held the chair for her. “There are some big changes around here. Thanks to you.”

  She took the seat he offered and set her purse down at her feet. “Thanks to God,” she reminded him. “For both of us.”

  He didn’t move. He stood in front of his desk, less than two feet from the woman who had changed his life. I can’t believe this.

  All he wanted to do was hold her. “I’m sorry for leaving you like that. But like I said in the note, we both had things to work out on our own.”

  “Yes, we did.” Her eyes never left his.

  “I had to face my father.” His voice was certain. “And you had to face yours.”

  She nodded. “You’re right. Again.”

  “The first thing I did when I returned home was look something up in my Bible.” He shook his head. “No, the first thing I did was find my Bible. Sure enough it was right where I left it. Buried in the back of my sock drawer. Anyway, I remembered a little plaque my great grandfather always had above his work bench. It was Ephesians 5:1.”

  “Go on.”

  He stretched across his desk and gripped a black leather bound Bible. He held it up for her to see. “This Book goes where I go from now on. My manual.” He turned the pages quickly. “Ephesians 5:1. Here it is.” He relaxed measurably.

  “‘Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father.’”

  He closed the book gently, focusing his eyes on her face. “In all my deep thinking lately, I’ve come to realize that God gave us parents to guide and nurture us into adulthood. But then children must separate themselves from their parents and live as God calls them to live. Those parents aren’t perfect. Just humans. They don’t always know … ”

  His voice trailed as he set the Bible on the desk and reached for Hailey, pulling her to her feet. “I don’t know why you’re here, but I’ve wanted to see you so badly that my heart aches. I know that my place is here for now, not to follow in my father’s professional footsteps, but to be the example of love and patience that my father never had in his life. That’s what God wants me to do right now.”

  “I see.”

  “No, I don’t think you do. I know you’re convinced that your place is to follow in your own father’s footsteps, but I hope and pray that in the future, if God chooses, that we can be together.”

  “Jack — ”

  He pulled her closer. “Don’t say it. I want you to know that I’m not going to rush you. I’ll wait for you as long as it takes. My prayer is that you’ll wait for me.”

  She tilted her chin up and met his gaze head-on, making no attempt to move away from him. “No, Jack. I won’t. I won’t wait for you.”

  “I understand.” He let out a slow sigh.

  “Jack, I have more than just my father’s footsteps to follow. I have my mom’s. But most of all, I have Jesus’s. And now I truly know exactly where He’s leading me.”

  “Wherever he leads you, Hailey, I hope you’ll always be happy.” His voice was reconciled. “I hope that your dreams will always come true.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I am happy.”

  “I … I’m glad.” He merely stared, tongue-tied at her unanticipated display of affection. “So does that mean everything’s going to work out with your business?”

  She shrugged with deceptive calm and let her arms drop from his neck. “In a matter of speaking, it has. I’ve decided to ground the business for now.”

  “Are you saying that you’ve given up flying? I’m a little confused. Have you given up the dream?”

  “Oh, Jack, the dream wasn’t mine to give up. And as for flying, I’d still love to do that. If it’s alright with you.”

  After a few seconds, a dawning smiled etched his face and he dangled the key chain that he still held in his hand.

  It was her turn to be astonished.

  He gripped her hands in both of his, placing the key chain between her palms. “Here are the keys to your brand new Brown Skycat IV. Along with something else I want you to have.”

  She opened her hands to find an exquisite diamond ring looped around the gold key chain. Her hands were braced on the edge of the desk in what he assumed was to keep her knees from buckling beneath her. She raised her eyes to meet his brown ones.

  Jack scooped her into his arms. “Hailey Holman, will you be my pilot?”

  She shook her head slowly. “No, Jack. But I will be your copilot.”

  About the Author

  Beverly Rogers is a southern girl with a heart as big as Texas for God and her family and friends. She’s been an award-winning writer since third grade, when she captured first place and a very shiny silver dollar for a poem she wrote in a writing competition. Bev and her husband Bret have three remarkable grown children and the two most wonderful grandchildren in the world, with another on the way. When not writing, Beverly loves spending precious time with her family and whatever will take her outdoors. Visit Beverly at www.beverlyarogers.com.

  A Sneak Peek from Crimson Romance

  (From Destination Wedding by Robyn Neeley)

  “I do. I do.” Wedding planner Kate Ashby quietly repeated her calming mantra. Paralyzed in her window seat, she stared at the illuminated fasten seatbelt sign while her hands gripped the metal buckle strap.

  Please turn off. Please turn off. They had to be close to cruising altitude. Soon, she’d be able to request a strong drink to knock her out for the duration of this bumpy flight.

  She sat still, trying to ignore the terror pulsating through her. Why hadn’t she bought sleeping pills before boarding a twelve-hour flight from New York City to Hawaii? Now, that would have been the smart thing to do.

  Glancing out the tiny passenger window, she clutched her gold “K” necklace. It was completely irrational to be terrified and she realized the odds of her and her fellow passengers landing safely in Honolulu were more than in her favor. Still, this was her first time flying such a long duration. Departing Manhattan this evening in turbulent thunderstorms had shot her nerves. She was grateful that her boss had sprung for a first class ticket for the long flight.

  A loud rattle caused her to grab hold to her armrests. “What was that?” She turned to the stranger sitting next to her. He had short blondish brown hair and was wearing a blue blazer. His face had a nice tan. She had failed to realize that her row mate was incredibly handsome. Usually the person sitting next to her was a grandparent or couldn’t speak English. Perhaps he could help her ease her nerves?

  “Um … I think it’s the drink cart. Would you like something?” He folded his Wall Street Journal.

  Sexy and smart.

  “I’ll take a tequila and tonic,” he said to the flight attendant.

  And likes his drinks strong. This could be fun.

  She ran her hand along the fabric of her hem, praising herself silently for choosing to wear her white sheath dress and matching jacket. It oozed confidence with each expensive thread. At this point in her career, she had no business wearing such a costly outfit. Although she’d be makin
g partner soon and needed to start dressing the part, at least that’s how she rationalized the purchase. It certainly was the perfect outfit for a chance encounter with a handsome businessman.

  “Miss, what would you like?” the flight attendant asked.

  “Tomato juice, please.” She glanced out the window. “How long until we land?”

  The flight attendant cracked a smile. “Just eleven and a half short hours.”

  Kate sighed. “Then can you throw some vodka in?”

  The flight attendant handed her a small can of tomato juice and a plastic cup filled with ice cubes. Two tiny vodka bottles were lodged inside. “Here you go. I slipped in an extra one for later. Press that button up there if you need more.”

  “Thank you.” Kate unscrewed one of the bottles and poured it into her cup, swirling it around with her hand. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the stranger tuck his newspaper into the seat pocket in front of him. Her eyes darted to his ring finger. No wedding band.

  He turned to her, and she noticed his sexy full lips and blue eyes. One word to describe him. Hot. Way cuter than any guy she’d ever dated.

  “Don’t fly much?” he asked and smiled. She caught the small dimple in his right cheek.

  “All the — ” Her head jolted. Geez. How many turbulent air pockets would they speed through? She grimaced and grabbed the edge of her seat. Push through it Kate. “I fly for work all the time but usually only quick trips up and down the west coast.”

  “Flying never bothers me.” He swiveled his glass. “Thanks to my tequila friend, I’ll be out like a light in no time.”

  Mr. Sexy was planning on going to sleep? She should have known. Typical man.

  She downed the vodka straight and cracked open the tomato juice, pouring its contents into the empty plastic cup. Unscrewing the second vodka bottle, she added the clear liquid and gave it a swirl. Maybe she could keep him up for a few more minutes until the alcohol fully took effect.

  “I’m Kate, by the way.”

  “Drew.” He sipped his drink.

  “Nice to meet you.” Kate brought the cup to her lips. Why was his name so familiar? She hadn’t dated a Drew. Truth be told, she hadn’t dated anyone lately. After a number of failed attempts with men who were either only after one thing or just plain wrong for her, she decided to throw herself into her work. It was easier that way.

  The plane shook hard, causing her to spill her drink. The tomato juice seeped through her dress, dampening her skin. “Damn it!”

  “Here.” He handed her his cocktail napkin.

  “Thank you.” Of course this would happen. She was prone to accidents. Last month, she had spilled an entire glass of wine on a bride’s wedding gown right before she walked down the aisle. She blotted her dress. Two hundred dollars — for more confidence — down the drain. Frustration now competed with fear to take over her body.

  She bit down on an ice cube while watching the first class flight attendant secure the beverage cart and take her seat. It was never a good sign when they suspended drink service. This couldn’t be good. She knew it.

  She couldn’t help but think about her babies who were waiting for her back home. What if she orphaned them? Who would be their caretaker? Certainly not her mother. Her hands tightened around her seatbelt. “Oh, God. Who’s going to raise Carly and Sydney? This is not happening. Please, God. Please. I promise if we land safely I will never ever miss church again. I’ll visit my parents every Christmas and stop wasting time tweeting at work.”

  “Are Carly and Sydney your daughters?”

  Kate looked over. She had forgotten about Drew for a second. Was he smirking? Well that’s just terrific. He’s finding her meltdown humorous. Jerk. He’ll wipe that stupid grin off his face when this gigantic metal tube dives nose first into the ground.

  “No. They’re my cats,” she wailed. “My fur babies, and they’ll be orphans.” She buried her head in her hands.

  She felt something hit her leg and moved her hands. It was Drew’s seat belt buckle.

  “I’ll be right back. I need to use the bathroom.” He headed for the back of the plane.

  “You’re not supposed to get up until they turn off the sign,” Kate called out. Why couldn’t he use the front lavatory? He probably thought she was crazy. She sighed. Maybe she was. Taking a deep breath, she stared up at the illuminated seat belt sign. Figures the one flight she’s seated next to a gorgeous man, she’s too terrified to flirt.

  • • •

  Luke Cannon reclined his seat and closed his weary eyes. It had been one whirlwind of a work week. No doubt about it. His reward? Several interrupted hours of much needed sleep. Then again, with was all this swaying he wondered how much shuteye he would actually get.

  He often flew for his job working in the family business as his father’s right-hand man, but his identical twin brother arranged this trip half-assed at the last possible minute.

  Speaking of his mirror image.

  “Dude, put this on.” Drew approached, peeling off his blazer and throwing it into Luke’s lap. He held on to the headrest for balance.

  “Why?” Luke raised his eyebrow. What was his brother up to now? He was still pissed at Drew for sticking him in coach while he sat his imperial butt up in first class.

  “Look, I need you to switch places with me. You can have my seat up there for the rest of the flight. Plenty of legroom and all the complimentary drinks you want.”

  Luke cocked his head and peered down the aisle toward the front of the cabin. “You want me to trade seats with you? Why?”

  “Because I feel bad for sticking my older bro in coach.”

  “Yeah, right.” Luke was only a few minutes older. A fact Drew seemed to always enjoy pointing out, especially when he wanted something. “Which flight attendant did you piss off already?”

  “No one. Come on. Go up there and sit in 3C. The woman next to me is driving me freakin’ crazy. She’s afraid of flying.”

  “So wait. You want me to sit with the lunatic? Why do I need to pretend I’m you?”

  “The flight attendants won’t let us switch. I already asked.”

  “I don’t blame them. They’re just messing with you. Go sit down.”

  “I don’t think so.” Drew thrust his ticket into Luke’s hand. “Here, take this and leave yours.”

  Luke reached for the emergency instructions card in his front seat pocket and pretended to read it. “I don’t know. If you want me to spend this whole flight trapped next to a crazy woman … ” he glanced at his brother and smirked, “well, I need something in return.”

  “Really, dude? You’re going to do this to me now?” Drew’s agitation came through loud and clear.

  “And you didn’t think that maybe you should have bought me the same first class ticket as yours?”

  “Hey, I told you they were sold out. Besides, you’re always talking about not spending money.” He motioned for Luke to get up. “I’m giving it to you. Take it. All the extra legroom you need.”

  “Give me your hotel suite and we’ve got a deal.”

  “No way. I have big plans for tomorrow night.”

  “You do?” Luke folded the pamphlet and tucked it in the seat pocket. “Too bad you’ll be too exhausted since it looks like you won’t be getting any sleep. How many hours left? Ten? Eleven?”

  Drew threw his hands up in the air. “Fine. The suite is yours. Lauren’s going to be pissed.” He motioned for Luke to get up. “Here, go up there now before someone sees us.”

  “Okay, okay. I’m going. Sheesh.” Luke unbuckled his seatbelt and put on the blazer. The flight attendants would probably admonish both of them soon since the captain hadn’t turned off the fasten seatbelt sign. “What’s her name?”

  “Who?”

  “The woman you’re
sitting next to, Casanova.”

  “Crazy lady? I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Who cares?”

  “You were always the sensitive one.” Luke gave his brother a sideways glance.

  Drew sat down and buckled his seatbelt. “Thanks, bro, for taking one for the team.” He leaned his head back and shut his eyes.

  “Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Luke started to leave but Drew grabbed his arm.

  “Oh, don’t ask her about her cats. Whatever you do, do not ask her about her freakin’ fur babies.”

  Luke shook his head and made his way to first class. Since they were kids, Drew and he had played many swap-identity tricks on their parents, teachers, and girlfriends. Being identical had its advantages, particularly for his brother. In high school, they switched senior prom dates after Drew decided his odds of scoring with Luke’s date were greater than his own. Drew lost his virginity that night to Luke’s chagrin.

  “Sir, please sit down.” A long-legged flight attendant ordered.

  Luke flashed an apologetic smile and counted the rows to 3C. Perhaps, this unexpected seat swapping wouldn’t be so bad after all. The flight attendant was certainly pretty.

  His hands gripped the back of the seats to steady his balance. He couldn’t blame the poor cat lady for being scared with all the rocking.

  He crouched down, fully expecting to see a frightened middle-aged spinster dressed in black with grey cat hair all over her.

  Wait a second? He glanced up to check that he had the right row. It was the right one, but sitting in 3A was a stunning woman who he guessed could be in her early thirties. The first thing he noticed was her long, wavy brown hair. He’d always had a thing for women with long, dark hair.

  This was the vocal terrorist Drew couldn’t stand to sit with a minute longer? She wasn’t wearing black but a white dress and from what he could tell, her bronze legs might rival those of the flight attendant. Her hands were crunching a tomato juice can while she stared at the fasten seat belt sign. Two empty vodka bottles lay sideways on her folding tray table.