Page 128 of Life To My Flight

The two had struck up a friendship, that I could very well see morphing into something more given just a bit more time.

Then my soon to be wife showed at the top of the stairs, and all thoughts, except her, flew out of my brain and left me speechless.

I could, however, laugh.

We’d decided not to have a formal wedding.

Instead, we decided to have a backyard affair at my place, going for casual.

I’d been certain that Rue would dress up.

Don’t get me wrong…she was wearing a dress. It just wasn’t what I’d expected.

It was black and pink, to match her engagement ring and wedding band.

The dress was short, and tight.

She wore black cowboy boots, and had her hair up high on her head.

Oh, and let’s not forget the property patch.

She was wearing that, too.

By the time she made it to stand beside me, I was practically beaming.

“You look good in my patch,” I observed, once the music stopped and Reverend Spano started the ceremony.

She smiled. “Thanks. I wanted everyone to know I was yours. Lock, stock, and barrel.”

I’d given her the property patch, which was a leather vest with ‘Property of Cleo’ on the back, before we’d separated for the night.

I’d given it to her later than I’d wanted, but I needed her to have the right mindset when I gave it to her.

Which she didn’t have for many months leading up to the previous day.

It was simple in design, but it meant much, much more.

To her and to me.

Twenty minutes later, Rue became Mrs. Mikhail Caruso, and I was one happy motherfucker.

***

Rue

8 months later

Feeling on top of the world, I took my helmet off and turned to Cleo in the back, seeing him clutching the seat with wide, wild eyes.

He looked white as a ghost, and I had to suppress the urge to smile.

I’d just taken my last FAA- helicopter flight training session, and totally kicked its ass.

I couldn’t tell you why I wanted to fly a helicopter.

Mostly, though, it was so I could be closer to Cleo.

Sure he may be a little unsure right now, but eventually he’d be okay.

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