44. Michael

MICHAEL

A lice’s hand trembles in mine.

“Baby Cakes,” I say quietly as we walk together down the Jetway.

She jumps a little, making me frown.

The expression twists something inside me. “Are you okay?”

Her yes comes out high pitched and quick.

She’s not okay.

Is she having doubts?

Am I moving this too fast?

I slow our steps and swallow. “If I’m rushing you?—”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Alice snaps, like she’s mad I’d even think such a thing.

It’s the exact reaction I need.

“Glad to hear that.” I squeeze her fingers.

She huffs like she’s still annoyed but continues on toward the plane.

Something is clearly still bothering her or making her nervous, but I can press her when we’re in our seats.

It only takes a few seconds to catch up to the people in front of us. And together we stop just a few feet from the end of the Jetway, the interior of the plane in sight.

The line moves forward.

We step forward.

And just as I open my mouth to tell Alice to go on first, she halts.

She turns and looks up at me with wide eyes. “I’ve never done this before. I don’t know what to do.”

“Never done what before?”

Alice glances at the attendant waiting for us to board. “I’ve never flown.”

My eyebrows rise in surprise, then I lower them in anger at myself for having assumed that flying was a normal experience.

“I’m okay.” She hurries on to say. “I want to go. I just don’t know…”

Softness for this woman fills my chest. “Do you want me to go first?”

She nods.

I move our joined hands behind my back. “Hold onto my belt.”

Her fingers slip from mine, but then I feel them curling around the belt at my lower back.

I duck my head as we step onto the plane.

“Welcome aboard, Mr. Kesso.” The attendant greets me with a wide smile.

I reply with a nod and turn down the aisle.

Alice squeaks out a hello to the attendant but keeps her hold on me.

I take two steps, then stop.

“This is us,” I tell Alice over my shoulder.

Her hand drops away from my belt. “The first row?”

I turn enough so I can place my hand on her back and guide her in. “You take the window.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure, Sweetness.”

She rolls her lips but doesn’t argue and shuffles into the window seat.

Following, I lower into the seat beside hers.

This way she can look at the view and I can keep anyone from getting too close.