Page 84 of Spark

“Here, I’ll send you a picture from the fitting.”

Mia raised her brows at that.

“Fitting? What is going on?” She shook her head and gave a laugh.

“Ha-ha,” Aurelio laughed back. “I have to look my best for the most beautiful graduate. Hold on.”

She heard his fingers tap the screen, and then her phone gave a little chime. She pulled the device from her ear and clicked the messages. There he was in a dark grey suit that hugged his muscles. It was fancy. He had one hand in a pocket, casually standing on a little stand as a man with a measuring tape stood next to him. He looked so handsome.

“Wow.” That was all she could manage. “You look ready to get married.”

“Maybe I’ll wear it at our wedding then,” he answered.

Mia’s heart was working overtime.

“Nope, no wedding talk.” Mia said, her mind reeling at how casually he mentioned it. Aurelio chuckled. “You need to propose properly before you can mention that word.” She said.

“So, if I did, would you say yes?” his voice was light.

“The only way to know is to ask.” She replied. “And if you ask over the phone, I am just going to hang up,” Mia added quickly.

Another round of laughter filled the line.

“Good to know.” He breathed deeply. “I wouldn’t dream of not being able to see you say yes while on my knees before you.” The image he conjured left Mia with her thighs clenched. There was a pause before he spoke again.

“I have to go, beautiful.” He said quietly, the air shifting. “The last job is in a couple of hours. I won’t be able to reach out till Monday, maybe Tuesday.” Mia felt the tension in her shoulders return.

“I know,” she said sadly. “Glad this is it, though.”

“Me, too.” They let the silence linger, knowing “goodbye” waited on both their tongues.

“Aurelio?” she said quietly. “Be safe.”

“I’ll do my best.” He gave her a small chuckle. Mia refused to say goodbye, instead she settled for something he knew he would love.

“Drive fast.”

“Always, beautiful.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

The hours passed quietly. Mia relaxed on the bench, enjoying the sunshine and people watching. As the final hour approached, she saw planes coming in and out, wondering if one held her brothers. At 4:20, she got a message from Melvin.

Melvin: Landed!!! Getting off the plane now! Will call when we know which exit you need to meet us at!

Mia sent a thumbs up; her hands were shaking with excitement and messing up the texts she tried to write back. She headed towards the airport, walking slowly despite her desire to run. If she let her nerves take over, her anxiety would go through the roof. As she approached the door, her phone rang.

“Hello?”

“BUG!” three voices screamed her childhood nickname.

She smiled wide and laughed as a tear rolled down her cheek. “Where are you guys?”

“Uhh,” Matty said. “Exit 4E.”

Mia glanced up. “Okay, I’m at 7C. I’ll start walking to meet you.” There was silence on the other end. “Guys?” Suddenly, she was lifted off her feet; several hands grabbed her, squeezing tight and holding her in the air. She let out a squealand closed her eyes; the scent of home overwhelmed her. They smelled like freshly squeezed oranges, warmed in the sunshine. She could feel the air from home clinging to their skin.

“Bug!” Melvin cried.

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