Page 41 of Christmas on Ice
21
Trask
The rest of the week passed in a blur, and by Saturday night, I’d kissed Kami a dozen more times, sneaking kisses in the Brewski’s parking lot and at her house while Ryleigh was distracted by fairy movies.
I wanted her to know that if a relationship between us didn’t work out, I’d still be there for Ryleigh, whether she needed help or not. I loved spending time with Ryleigh, and she was teaching me a lot about myself in the process.
Like how fashionable sparkly fingernails were.
When we checked in to our flight, I noticed the airline employee smirking as I held out our tickets. I shrugged and grinned at her. The clear gloss with specks of metallic silver and gold didn’t bother me, and it made Ryleigh happy. Kami hadn’t commented on them, but I caught her looking at my hands a few times and smiling. What made her and her girl happy made me happy. I’d let Ryleigh paint my toes, too, if she wanted to.
I gestured for Kami and Ryleigh to walk ahead of me down the jetway and rolled our carry-ons like a badge of honor. It felt to me like we were a little family going on a vacation, and that thrilled me and scared me at the same time.
Kami led Ryleigh to our row at the back of the plane and settled Ryleigh in the middle seat. I opened the overhead compartment and lifted up their carry-on.
“Right behind you, Dad.” A flight attendant squeezed behind me, and his words squeezed my heart. I looked down to see if Kami or Ryleigh had heard, but their heads were bent over Ryleigh’s tablet.
I didn’t correct him. As I stowed my own bag, I thought again how easy it would be to step into that role. Was I ready for that? I was already attached, despite trying not to put myself in that position.
Time would tell. I closed the overhead compartment and sat down. “What are we watching?”
“The Pirate Fairy!”
I caught Kami’s eye, and she shrugged. “How many times have you watched this one already this week?” I asked.
Ryleigh thought for a moment. “All the times!”
I chuckled. “Here, let’s slide your tablet into the seat pocket until we get up high, okay?”
“Okay. Mommy said that’s a rule. There are so many rules on this plane! Did you know I can’t eat peanut butter and jelly on the plane?”
I nodded seriously. “Peanut butter can make a lot of people sick.”
“That’s what Mommy said.” She sighed. “She said people are ’lergic and can’t breathe, like the old man who got bit by the bee.”
Kami explained. “The last time we went home, one of Grandpa Silly’s friends got stung. We had to call the paramedics.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It happens every now and again on the tours. Luckily, everyone has been okay once they’ve been treated.”
“So what’s it like growing up on a bee farm?” I asked.
“Magical.” She got a faraway look in her eyes. “Acres of play space among shady magnolias and all kinds of flowers. I grew up learning how to make all kinds of things from honey and wax—candles, soap, lip balm, lotion, face cream, you name it. In the summer, when my sisters and I were off from school, we helped Mama run the gift shop.”
“That sounds amazing. How did that lead you to earth science?” I wanted to know everything.
“It always fascinated me, the role the soil played in growing the plants and how some plants thrived in our climate but not in others. Peaches in the South, apples up north. Mud versus marsh. I chose to go to college in Colorado so I could investigate the differences.” She blushed. “You must think I’m such a nerd.”
“Not at all.” I wanted to reach out and hold her hand, but Ryleigh was between us. “I can’t wait for a tour.”
She grinned. “You got it.”
The rest of the flight passed quickly, too quickly. I wanted more time alone with her before we had to meet my family.
Kami’s sisters and parents were waiting for us in the parking lot when we arrived at the rehearsal. It still floored me that my sister Brooklyn had chosen the venue that belonged to the woman I was falling for. If that wasn’t fate, I didn’t know what was.
We followed a path around the entry building, which held the gift shop, and into a garden where an arch had been set up. My family and the bridal party were standing in small groups near the arch, waiting for the rehearsal to start.
