Page 113 of Strike Zone

“You did great in there," Dad says as he buckles himself in the car.

My nerves are frazzled as we pull off on the highway toward the airport. I don’t know if it’s adrenaline from confronting Abbott or anxiety for my impending flight.

“Thanks, Dad. Do you think he’ll try anything?” I chew on my lower lip.

“He won’t risk losing his business. He’s nothing without it.”

That offers a small bit of comfort. I won’t feel completely secure until the paperwork has been signed by all members of the Rivers family.

“He’s lucky to have you,” Dad says, staring down the highway in front of him. “I’ve had you for twenty-two years. I know better than anyone.”

“I’m the lucky one. I’ve been loved by two of the best men I’ve ever met.”

“You’re going to make your old man cry. Promise me you’ll take care of each other,” he says, pulling into the drop off lane.

“We will. I love you, Dad.”

“Love you too. We’ll be there soon. I can’t wait to see what you’ve done with the place.” He leans in to give me a hug.

“Don’t expect too much. We are still working with a small budget.”

“You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’ve always been very resourceful. Text us when you land.”

I grab my bags out of the trunk and wave him off. I take a few deep breaths before entering the airport. I can do this. It’s a short flight. And Wyatt is on the other side.

My seat is by the window. I don’t know if that’s better or worse. It likely doesn’t matter since I don’t plan on opening my eyes the entire time we’re in the air.

As the plane takes off, I take one peek out the window to wave a final goodbye to Georgia.

I step out of the cab and my body sags with relief.

I’m home.

I drop my bags off on the porch and set off to find Wyatt. There’s still a few good hours of daylight left. He has to be out here working somewhere.

He isn’t with the goats or chickens. The barn is also empty. I’m about to give up and go back to the house when I hear the rumble of a four wheeler in the distance.

As soon as the four wheeler is visible, I take off running. I pump my arms and legs as fast as they can go. My boots slip over the gravel, but I don’t care. He’s right there.

Wyatt hops out of the passenger seat before Colt even gets it parked. He sprints in my direction, losing his hat on the path. His long legs quickly eat the distance between us.

We crash into each other. I don’t feel anything but Wyatt’s arms wrapping around me and lifting me off the ground. He cups my face in one hand as if he’s checking to see if I’m real.

“Hi,” I say, breathlessly. The sound of my voice must break the dream like trance he is in. Next thing I know his lips are on mine. He kisses me slowly, nipping at my lips, savoring the taste. His tongue licks against my lips parting them open.

I claw my way closer to him. I’ve never missed another person this much before. Not even my first year at college. I was excited to be on my own. I couldn’t wait for my parents to leave so I could explore the university.

I was missing Wyatt the second he got in his truck and drove away.

“What are you doing here?” His eyes glance behind me. “How did you get here?”

“Last I checked birdies knew how to fly.” I grin.

“You flew here? On an airplane. You hate flying.”

“I know. I couldn’t wait any longer. I had to get to you.” I hug him tightly around the top of his shoulders.

He kisses me up and down my neck and the top of my shoulder. “Fuck, I missed you. I can’t believe you flew in a plane for me.”

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