Page 25 of Love at First Flight
Kadence
Going into work that day was something that she didn’t want to do, but she did because she couldn’t leave Arielle to do the work alone.
When she got there, she kissed Raiden goodbye and wanted to count down the minutes until he got back.
She went in the door and Arielle was there, putting up a new dress in the window.
Arielle turned and grinned, “Raiden just dropped you off. After you were gone all night. You haven’t been answering your phone.”
Kadence laughed, “Are you fishing?”
Arielle got out of the window and came over, hugging her.
“Of course. My best friend kissed the crap out of Raiden yesterday and didn’t sleep at home. I want to know it all.”
Kadence smiled, “Okay, okay. He is the best thing ever Ari. Like, hands down the sexiest, sweetest man I have ever seen. He was and is so respectful of me, even when I tried to seduce him. And damn it, I love him. I just met him yesterday! How in the hell is that sane?”
Arielle laughed, “I feel the same way about Gunner. I had no idea I could love him like I do. I have only known him a little longer than you have.”
Kadence laughed, “Are we hopeless? How will anyone believe this is real love?”
Arielle looked down, and then back up, “I don’t even care what anyone thinks. I know the truth. I know that he loves me and will always love me, and do what is best for me. And I know that Raiden is cut from the same cloth. I know that he will always be there for you. And more importantly, I know he will love you. Yes, it’s crazy and fast, but why would we want it to take months? Years? I know I wouldn’t want that. To fall in love slowly and be unhappy with life. I would rather fall in love, and know that he is meant to be mine than to let him slip through my fingers.”
Kadence sat at her station, “I know you are right and I know he is right. I just get it in my head that someone is going to care, or judge us or something.”
Arielle shrugged, “And if they judge, then let them judge. They are sad and lonely people who want to find happiness but can’t. You need to pick your happiness. To choose if you want this, or if you want to let Raiden go.”
Her stomach clenched at the thought and the night before flashed in her mind, his face fierce as his expression and his voice steady as he told her he wanted it all with her.
Then this morning, after they had made love and she had been the one to tell him that she loved him.
Because she did. Arielle was right and so was her heart. So what if small minded people wanted to hate? Let them hate. She knew that Raiden would love her, protect her and take care of her for the rest of their lives and she wanted that.
Wanted the future she could only see with him.
She pulled out her phone, and saw that her parents had texted, and called and that Arielle had more than once.
She laughed, and called her parents, her mom answered on the first ring.
“Hey there you stranger. Did you drop off the face of the planet?”
Kadence smiled, “Sorry, I met the love of my life yesterday and I was spending time with him.”
Her mom laughed, “Oh really? The love of your life? Well, since you have never brought up boys your entire life, this is new. Am I going to like him?”
Kadence’s smile grew, “Nope. You will love him. I do. He is perfect mom. So wonderful and kind and exactly the man I always wanted for myself but never knew I needed. And I can’t wait for more.”
“Well, you best bring him by sooner rather than later yes? Your father and I can’t wait to meet him. What’s his name?”
“Raiden Daniels.”
“I have heard of him. Several of my friends have had their houses designed by him and his crew. He is very talented and very sought after by the ladies of the town.”
Kadence laughed, “I know that. He is a handsome man and he is brilliant in his art. But hate to break it to them, he is all mine.”
Her mom laughed, “Good. Bring him soon, and I will cook okay?”
She smiled, “Okay. He will love your cooking. Everyone does.”
