Chapter 54

54

DEAN

A fter reconnecting with Sarah, I felt like I was on top of the world. It was the first time in a long while that I truly felt free, unburdened by the constraints of my old life in the Air Force. I didn't have to be anywhere or responsible to anyone except for myself. My life was mine to control. I could sleep in. I could go anywhere I wanted. I could be with anyone I wanted.

And there was only one person I wanted.

Sarah and I sat in a cozy corner of a small, quiet restaurant, scanning the menus.

"I still can't believe you actually did it," Sarah said, shaking her head. "You really quit the Air Force."

I nodded, feeling the weight of the decision lift with each passing second. "I did. And it feels right. It feels like the best choice I've ever made."

"Seriously?" she asked. "You are the epitome of a pilot. You have spent your life pursuing your career. You're at the top."

"Which is when you're supposed to go out." I shrugged.

"On a high note, you mean," she mused aloud. "Like retiring after a big win."

"Exactly," I replied. "I don't want to be the guy that used to be great. The guy that's slipping. The guy counting paperclips that used to be an amazing pilot."

"You're not exactly in your twilight years, Dean." Sarah chuckled. She traced her fingers over the rim of her glass, her eyes meeting mine across the table.

"I guess not," I said, leaning back in my chair. "I've just learned that there's more to life than flying planes. I've given twelve years. They've been great years, but I'm ready to move on. Like you said, I'm not all that old. I still have a chance to do other things that make me happy. I did the pilot thing. It was awesome. Now I'm ready for something new."

"Like what?" she asked, tilting her head to one side.

I shrugged. "I don't know. I haven't figured that part out yet. That's part of the adventure."

Our waiter returned to take our orders. I noticed Sarah had gone quiet. After we ordered and were left alone once again, I leaned forward, forcing her to look into my eyes. "Sarah, what's going on? Don't say nothing, because I know you. You're worried."

She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "What if you get restless? What if you end up resenting me because I'm flying while you're just following me around? I don't want you to think this is what I wanted. It isn't. I understood we were both playing with fire. I didn't want you to give up your career."

I reached across the table and took her hand in mine, squeezing it gently. "I promise you, Sarah, that's not going to happen. I've thought about this a lot. Flying brought me joy, but it doesn't compare to the joy you bring me. And besides, I won't be just sitting around watching TV reruns all day. I like to keep busy."

Sarah laughed, the sound like music to my ears. "Good. Because I'd hate to come home after a long day to find you bored on the couch."

"There are a lot of things I can do."

"Like what?" she pressed.

I laughed. "I'm not even sure. Travel for one thing. I know that's still going to be a challenge with your commitment to the military, but it's something I want to do."

"You haven't traveled with the Air Force?"

"I have, but it's different as a civilian," I said. "I don't have to go where the mission sends me. I can go where my heart desires. The world is a vast place, Sarah. There's so much more I want to see and explore, without the fear of war or the constraints of duty hanging over my head."

Her eyes softened at that. "I'd love to see the world with you."

Just then, our food arrived, smelling delicious and looking as tempting as Sarah did across the table from me. We fell into comfortable silence as we ate. There was no rush tonight, no early morning tomorrow.

"I have thought about getting into racing," I said.

"Racing?" she asked. "Like cars?"

I nodded. "Yes."

She burst into laughter. "You still feel the need for some speed."

"I'll probably always be an adrenaline junkie, but now I can do it on my terms."

She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Cars, though? Why not motorcycles? Or horses?"

I laughed, picking at my meal. "Why not, indeed? I hadn't really considered other options. I guess cars seemed like the first logical step after planes. Motorcycles aren't my thing. I need some metal around me. And horses? No. No real control. When I'm dealing with a plane or a car, I'm controlling things. The car won't get hangry or buck me off."

"Ah, a control freak." She smiled.

"Maybe a little." I shrugged. "You're one to talk."

"The idea of you racing is ridiculously exciting," she said. "I want to be there watching. And then when you climb out of the car wearing one of those sexy racing suits and you're all hot and sweaty, I want to run out there and kiss you in front of God and everybody."

"You're painting quite the picture," I said.

"Right?" She grinned, finishing off the wine she ordered. I nodded as I chewed, unable to keep a grin off my face as well.

"The suits are really that sexy?" I asked.

She nodded enthusiastically. "They're not too far off from flight suits. And flight suits are hot as fuck."

Our playful banter continued as we finished our meal. We stayed talking and laughing together long after our plates were cleared away. We talked about traveling to new places, experiencing new adventures, and building a life together. The more we talked, the more certain I became that I had made the right choice. I had been thinking about it for a long time, and yes, I was still a little apprehensive about what my future held in store, but she was worth going after.

After dinner, we headed back to her house. We held hands and stole a kiss or two at red lights. I pulled to a stop in her driveway and cut the engine. I wasn't sure what to do next.

"Looks like my dad left," she said quietly.

"Maybe he's taking some time to cool off," I said.

"Would you like to come in and meet my mom?" she asked.

"I've met your mom," I reminded her.

"Meet my mom as my boyfriend," she clarified.

"I'd like that," I said. "Are you sure that's a good idea? I don't want to start trouble."

"The trouble is already started." She shrugged.

"Then let's do it."

We walked inside holding hands. Sarah's mother and sister were in the kitchen making tea. They looked up as we entered, their expressions curious.

"Hi, Mom, Meg," Sarah said, forcing a smile. "This is Dean. Dean Ryker."

Sarah's mother, Mrs. Thomas, smiled warmly and stepped forward to shake my hand. "It's nice to meet you, Dean. I'm Karen, and this is Meg."

Meg, on the other hand, crossed her arms and gave me a scrutinizing look. "Hi," she said curtly.

"Nice to meet you both," I replied, trying to stay positive despite the tension in the room. Clearly, the sister didn't like me. She must take after her father.

"We were just about to have some tea, would you like some?" Karen asked.

"Please." I nodded.

Karen poured tea for all of us before gesturing for us to go out on the back patio. We sat down and the silence stretched out uncomfortably until Karen spoke up.

"So, Dean, what are your plans now that you've left the Air Force?" she asked, her tone genuinely curious.

I took a sip of my tea, gathering my thoughts. It was clear Mo told her. I wondered what else he told her. "Well, for now, I'm focusing on supporting Sarah. She's got an incredible career ahead of her, and I want to be there for her every step of the way."

Meg's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what if you get bored or feel like you're missing out on something? Flying was your passion, wasn't it?"

I nodded, appreciating her protectiveness over Sarah. "It was, but passions can change. Right now, my passion is being with Sarah and supporting her dreams. I'll find my own path, but it won't be at the expense of our relationship. I'm looking forward to trying new things."

Karen gave me an encouraging smile. "That's good to hear. Relationships are about support and compromise."

Sarah took my hand and gave it a squeeze. "We've talked about this a lot, Mom. Dean and I are on the same page. We know there are going to be some things we have to work out, but at least we're both on the same page about what we want."

Meg didn't look entirely convinced. "I just hope you know what you're getting into, Dean. My dad is protective of Sarah, to say the least."

"I understand," I said, trying to convey my sincerity. "I respect Mo, and I hope that in time, he can come to respect me again as well. I'm still the same man I was three months ago when he asked me to look after Sarah."

The conversation continued, slowly becoming more relaxed as we talked about lighter topics. Karen told stories about Sarah, embarrassing her while making me laugh. I could see the warmth in Karen's eyes as she talked about her daughter. I felt like I had won her over. She was on board with our relationship. Meg remained cautious, but she seemed to be warming up to me, albeit slowly. One out of three. I might be able to sway Meg to my side, but Mo was going to be a different story.

As the night began to wind down, I glanced at the clock and realized it was time for me to head back to my hotel. I stood up, stretching a bit. "I should probably get going. It's getting late. Thank you so much for the tea and conversation."

Sarah walked me to the door, her hand still holding mine. "Thank you for coming, Dean. We have a lot to talk about and work out. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Definitely," I said, leaning in to kiss her softly. "Good night, Sarah."

Just as I was about to step outside, the front door swung open. Mo looked a bit unsteady on his feet as he glared at me. A cab pulled away from the curb, indicating that he hadn't driven home in his current state. That was a good thing. He was more than a little drunk.

"Dean," he grunted, his voice rough. "We need to talk. Now."

I nodded, my chest tightening. "Of course, sir." I glanced over my shoulder and saw the look on Sarah's face. "It's fine," I assured her.

"Dean maybe now isn't the right time," she whispered.

"Now is as good a time as any," I said.

Mo turned and walked toward the garage. I followed with heavy steps. This was the conversation I had been dreading, but it was necessary.

Once we were in the garage, Mo turned to face me, his expression stern. "You and I need to get a few things straight," he said, his voice steadier than before.

I nodded, meeting his gaze. "I'm listening, sir."

He sighed heavily. "Look, I know you care about Sarah. But this situation is complicated. She's my daughter, and I want the best for her. I need to know that you're not going to hold her back or cause her any pain."

"I understand," I said, keeping my tone respectful. "I love Sarah, and I want what's best for her too. I would never do anything to hurt her or hold her back. I'm here to support her."

"And what about your own life? Your career? You've given up a lot to be here with her. Are you sure you're not going to regret that decision?"

"I've thought about that a lot," I admitted. "You know how much I love flying but my priorities have changed. Being with Sarah is my priority now. I'm willing to make sacrifices to be with her."

He studied me for a long moment, as if searching for any sign of insincerity. I looked directly into his eyes and let him see just how sincere I was.