Chapter 29

twenty-nine

JACOB

An hour later, I held open the passenger door of my truck. From the moment I’d turned into the meeting point for the hot-air balloon company, Andrew’s gaze hadn’t left the pasture.

I hoped that was a good sign. “What do you think?”

“They’re amazing.”

Six balloons stood tall and proud in front of us. Their blue, yellow, and orange fabric glowed against the early evening sky. Flames leaped inside the burners as everything was prepared for the next flight.

My dad had taken me for a ride in a hot-air balloon when I was about ten years old. I’d never forgotten the uninterrupted views, the sense of being part of something that was much bigger than myself. When Shane told me about Boulder’s festival of lights, I’d wanted to bring Andrew. Out of everyone I knew, he’d be the person who’d appreciate the color and magic that Shane had talked about.

Andrew jumped out of the truck. “I wasn’t in Colorado when the festival was on last year. I didn’t think the balloons would be so big.”

With a push of a button, I locked the truck. “The company said they’re about eighty feet tall. They don’t often have six balloons in one location.”

Andrew looked around the property. “I thought there would be more people looking at them.”

I stuck my hands in my pockets. “The land’s privately owned. Once the balloons reach Willow Lake, there’ll be plenty of people looking at them. Do you want to have a closer look?”

“Are we allowed?”

“I can’t see why not.” Before Andrew realized why we were here, I led him across to the nearest balloon.

A man wearing a bright yellow jacket held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Gary. Are you booked on tonight’s flight?”

“We are.” I shook Gary’s hand, then turned to Andrew. His eyes were as wide as saucers.

“Is this the surprise you were talking about?”

“It is. I hope you’re not afraid of heights.”

Andrew grinned. “As long as I’ve got something to hold onto, I’ll be fine. I’ve never been in a hot-air balloon before.”

Gary held out his hand to Andrew. “In that case, welcome aboard. I’ll run through the safety instructions before we leave. After that, all you need to do is enjoy the ride.”

Andrew’s gaze never left Gary as he told us what to expect during the flight and what to do if we had to make an emergency landing.

At the end of his talk, Gary turned to Andrew. “Are you ready for your balloon ride?”

Andrew looked at me.

I smiled when I saw the excitement on his face. “I’d say the answer’s a resounding yes.”

“In that case,” Gary said as he opened the door to the basket, “let’s get you on board and into the air.”

Before he stepped inside, Andrew hugged me. “Thank you. This is much better than sitting in a restaurant.”

“I thought so, too.” A warmth settled deep in my chest. Just being with Andrew made me happy. “There’s a picnic basket in the back of my truck. When we get back, we could have dinner here or drive to Willow Lake and eat it there.”

Andrew sighed. “The lake sounds wonderful. There’s only one problem.”

“What’s that?”

“Our first date is perfect. If the single men of Sunrise Bay realize how romantic you are, they’ll come to your clinic for more reasons than a sore throat.”

I grinned as I helped him into the basket. “Don’t worry. Jenny said she’d help me find a receptionist. They can be my bodyguard.”

Andrew seemed relieved. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.”

Gary closed the door behind us and smiled. “Are you ready to watch the sun set over Willow Lake?”

I nodded. I was ready for anything—including being part of Andrew’s life.