Chapter 45

It’s the first time I’ve flown first class. The plane is empty, considering it’s so early in the morning.

Easton always allows me to have the window seat, and as we lift into the sky, I take his hand in mine. His thumb rubbing across mine comforts me. I suck in a deep breath, not knowing what we expect when we land. We still haven’t turned on our phones.

“What’re you thinking about?” I ask, seeing him, knowing he’s tumbling in his head.

We might have started as a lie, but our reality changed before we were married.

“You. Us,” he says, leaning in, his voice low. “I don’t remember what life was like before you.”

“Based on your tiny moments, boring.” I smile, thinking about his drawings and how much they’ve changed since we’ve been together. “I agree though. I wasn’t living until you.”

He chuckles. “You’re the adventure I’d take a million times over.”

I squeeze his hand tight as he leans in and paints his soft lips against mine.

“I’m sorry for our trip getting cut short. I promise to make it up to you.”

I smile. “Gives me something to look forward to.”

I must’ve fallen asleep because when the plane touches down, I wake up. Easton squeezes behind my neck, gently massaging me.

We deboard and walk through the airport, holding hands. His Ray-Bans are on and he’s wearing his baseball cap, sporting a beard. I love how he can still change his appearance like a chameleon.

He grins at me as we walk past the dancing fountain with lights toward the pickup area.

“Stop it,” he says, wearing that smirk.

“I can’t help it,” I admit, openly eye-fucking him.

Anytime we’re together, we’re explosive, like glittery fireworks in the summer night sky.

He wraps his tattooed arm around me, not giving a fuck if people are watching. I love seeing him like this, carefree and not as guarded in public. Going away did us some good.

When we’re in the car, Easton turns on his phone, and I do the same. It’s worse than when we returned from Fiji. Countless text messages from friends and many missed calls from my brothers fill the screen. When I see my mom’s name, the guilt of disappearing weighs on me.

Easton pats my thigh. “Call her.”

“Okay.” I suck in a deep breath.

He texts Weston, and soon, his phone rings, so I take the opportunity to chat with my mother.

“Alexis?” she says, and I can tell she’s in tears. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, Mom. I’m sorry. We were driving Route 66 and turned off our phones,” I explain. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“Don’t you ever do that to me again,” she sobs. “I was devastated. It was on national news. Photos of the two of you have been posted everywhere.”

“Next time I leave like this, I’ll tell you. I promise. I’m fine. I’m happy. Just enjoying life with Easton and doing the touristy things Dad and I planned to do.” When the words leave my mouth, I feel my emotions bubble.

Easton notices, grabbing my free hand.

She’s crying now.

“Okay,” she whispers. “Okay, sweetie. Thank you for calling me. I’m so glad you’re safe. Everyone is worried sick. I need to make phone calls to let them know you’ve been found and you’re safe. Thank you.”

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too. You’re grounded.” She laughs, letting out a relieved sigh. “Come home and see me soon.”

“I will, I promise.” I apologize one more time before hanging up.

I text everyone that I’m okay with an apology. It takes an hour’s ride from the airport to catch up.

I turn to Easton. “How did everything get so out of hand?”

He chuckles. “You know how you have bad timing?”

“Yes,” I say.

“Weston’s plans always go to the extreme.”

“Oh.” I contemplate that. “So, you expected this?”

“Not this, but something dramatic. It always works out,” he explains.

I nod. “And if it doesn’t?”

A smile touches his lips. “We’ll move to Texas and rent the apartment above the salon. You’ll work at the bookstore, and I’ll open an art gallery. It sounds like a dream life I could fall in love with.”

“You’re telling the truth,” I say, not needing confirmation.

Easton smiles. “The outcome is out of my control. I’m along for the ride with you.”

I suck in a deep breath, not knowing if I’m ready to read anything the Internet has to offer.

Then, I realize I don’t care. I don’t care what anyone has to say about us. The dramatics, the back-and-forth of it all. They can think whatever they want. So, with my fingers over the keys, I lock my phone and shove it in my pocket.

“Not even curious?” Easton asks, and I glance at his phone, seeing he’s texting Weston.

“Not an iota,” I tell him. “If Carlee wrote something for us, we’re golden. I know my best friend. Her words are her weapon, and she uses them for good in a world of lies.”

Easton shoves his phone into his pocket when the car slows outside the diamond in the sky. “We need to be at the office in two hours.”

“We?” I ask.

“I’d love for you to join me, darling, considering it involves you.”