Page 45 of Phillip

The irony wasn’t lost on her that Mother seemed completely helpless while manning an empire of do-it-yourself, entertain, and decor.

Even if Mother’s people weren’t milling over coffee in the dining room, Ashley itched to escape. She couldn’t stop thinking about what Phillip had up his sleeve.

Without disturbing thepeople, Ashley crept out her front door, checking her phone. He would arrive at any minute.

The door reopened as she settled on a porch chair. Mother stepped out.“What are you doing out here?”

Hiding.“Not much.” She wondered where her mother had been as she’d made the rounds, but she didn’t ask, instead fidgeting with her leather thong sandal. Her leg bounced. Mother brought a sudden burst of nervous energy.

She scrutinized her outfit. The gauzy white top paired with the simple navy skirt was a step over casual. Ashley had tried on a dozen looks, choosing one with a decidedly business-casual air. The soft, feminine fabrics flowed over her, making her feel pretty. It was the perfect outfit for… a celebratory ice cream excursion? She didn’t know.

“Would you like to come in?” Mother asked.

Ashley pressed her sandals to the front porch. “I’m waiting for Phillip.”

“Hmm.”

“He’s picking me up.”

Mother scoffed. “The boy calls, and you just run out the door and wait. I recall him lacking in the manners department, but I didn’t realize you—”

“Actually, Mother, he texted.”

Her mother cringed. “Of course he did.”

Womp,womp,womp.They twisted and looked at the blue sky as a helicopter emblazoned with the barrel-and-thistle logo hovered. A Blackthorne helicopter lowered in the front yard.

Mother gasped. “Oh my word.” They were close enough to feel the displaced air shift across their skin, lifting their hair.

The rotors cut, and a door opened. Phillip jumped out and waved.

Ashley slapped her hanging jaw shut then whispered, “My ride’s here.”

Mother had nothing to say as Ashley numbly waved back. Phillip jogged up the porch stairs and greeted Mother without missing a beat.

Mannersanda helicopter… Ashley managed to keep that to herself as he shook her mother’s hand and offered genuine small talk. She walked a tightrope of not gloating or succumbing to shock of the helicopter surprise.

Phillip broke from the polite conversation and turned. “Are you ready to celebrate?”

“Celebrate?” Mother asked, curiosity pinching the corners of her eyes.

Ashley had no intention of answering as Phillip took her arm, making her heart skip a beat. “I’m ready.”

He pulled her to his side, smelling mouthwateringly shower fresh. They closed in on the helicopter, and the door opened. He eased his hand to her lower back, leaning his mouth close. “Surprise.”

Phillip helped her in and closed the door. The rotors sounded as the pilot greeted them with a hello. The overhead whine dulled to an overhead thunder, matching her racing heart.

Ashley took her seat and had to catch her breath. She couldn’t imagine being more surprised. He grinned.

“Proud of yourself, aren’t you?”

He handed her a headset. “Hell yeah.”

“Good.” She beamed. “You should be. This is amazing.”

Phillip adjusted her headphones and her mic. She brushed her hand over his, struggling for words to adequately convey the moment. She’d ridden in helicopters before, but this one left her gobsmacked. The seats were soft leather, emblazoned with the barrel and thistle. The polished wood gleamed, and the shades on the windows were pulled high, allowing for panoramic sightseeing.

“Here we go,” Phillip said as the helicopter lifted, swaying slightly as it gained height.

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