Page 49 of Redemption
“And our passports? They’ll want to see them when we land?” Lachlan asks.
Marco shakes his head. “Possibly, but unlikely. The family is well respected here. We are treated … somewhat differently than others. Perhaps it is unfair, but I do not argue with good treatment ever.”
The peace I’ve been feeling continues to grow. Thank God for Marco. Thank God for the Giordano family. Thank God for all of it.
“Privilege has its uses,” Lachlan replies.
Marco’s grin is practically ear to ear. “Indeed. Especially when returning with a long-lost member of the family.”
“Have I mentioned yet that I’m really glad you showed up when you did?” Lachlan asks, swallowing as his gaze connects with his brother’s.
“It was my pleasure and my honor. Long-awaited. Ahhh. Look there.” Marco points out the window. “Do you see the balloon? I would bet my inheritance that it is for you.”
My husband’s face becomes unreadable as I peer beyond him out the window to see what Marco is pointing at.
“Oh my God.” The words pop out of my mouth as we streak by a hot-air balloon with a giant red heart emblazoned on the side. “Really?”
“Yes, if I had to guess,” Marco replies.
My gaze darts back to Lachlan to see him press a palm to the cabin window. His lower lip drops as he inhales sharply.
My heart feels like it might burst out of my chest with the intensity of the emotion flowing through me. I can’t begin to imagine what my husband is feeling.
I haven’t met his mother yet, but I already love her too. Anyone who loves my husband enough to arrange for a heart hot-air balloon is already one of my favorite people in the entire world. I want to hug her for the softening expression on his face. The disbelief. The realization that he is … loved.
I shift Aurora and press a palm to my chest to help me handle my overflowing emotions. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
“Wow,” he whispers before going silent.
“Spectacle. Remember, she has waited over four decades for this moment. She is a very demonstrative mother. Thank you for understanding how much this means to her.”
The captain’s voice comes over the intercom with the announcement that we will be landing imminently, and the cabin goes silent.
Without turning his head away from the balloon, Lachlan reaches for me. I clasp his hand with my free one, and he squeezes it—hard.
I feel that squeeze all the way to my heart. My heart. I don’t know how much more it can take of this overwhelming feeling of love, but I’m willing to try to find the limit.
Lachlan doesn’t let go of my hand until we are taxiing on the runway.
“You said we were changing planes?”
Marco nods. “And I shall be your captain for the next leg of our journey. I promise, I’m a very good pilot, especially with precious cargo.”
“You fly too?” Lachlan sounds surprised and impressed, and I have to admit that I am as well.
“Helicopters and planes. I’m instrument-rated as well. For this short flight, we will be traveling aboard a seaplane we use to come and go from the islands.”
“I’ve always wanted to fly on a seaplane,” I say, and both men look toward me.
Marco’s white teeth flash. “Then, today is your lucky day.”
I have a feeling he’s absolutely right—in many more ways than one.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Lachlan
A nod with a wave from airport employees is all the attention we get when we disembark from the jet in the family hangar. It wouldn’t have been a problem to show our passports—they’re excellent and real—but not to need them is even better.
