Disclaimer:
I hereby incorporate all standard disclaimers as set forth in previous chapters to this story.
Chapter 21:
Erin spent the next day measuring, photographing and diagraming the house. She was a very detail oriented person and made copious notes and diagrams as to what she wanted to do.
At 1:00 p.m., Carlo told her it was time for lunch as he didn't want her overdoing it, especially in her condition. They hit a deli nearby that he used to take Frank to. By 2:00 she was back at it and by the time she was dropped off at home, she had a fairly good idea of what was required to turn Harbor Lane into her dream home.
The only exception was the basement, the den and the kitchen and she was leaving these to Sloan's imagination.
Friday nights were becoming routine. Shabbat dinner followed by temple services however Erin and Nicky enjoyed themselves and did not feel this to be a weekly duty like they had church. They looked forward to this night of rest and family gathering and spent it accordingly. Nicky had commented as to how much she would miss it once she went off to college. Erin and Sloan decided to spend as much time with her as she wanted because the next few months would go by in no time. The painted ponies never stopped going up and down and the years kept rolling by, more quickly with each passing year.
Erin and Sloan spent most of Saturday at Harbor Lane going over Erin's ideas and then Sloan's for the basement, den and kitchen. They would make detailed lists the next day. Sloan had already retained an architect and general contractor who would oversee the remodeling which Carlo and Erin would supervise as Mike was now his regular driver.
Erin had a busy week coming up. On Monday she would meet with the attorney who had prepared her Living Will and Trust and execute it. On Wednesday she was scheduled for her amniocentesis.
The following Friday was Passover and her entire family along with Casey, would be flying back to Detroit where both families would celebrate Passover and Easter Sunday together as they fell on the same weekend. This meant Erin and Nicky both had some studying to do in order to be prepared for the Seder.
Nicky would begin sending out her college applications next week and Erin wanted to review them first.
She often thought back as to how Nicky would be turning 18 on August 8th and leaving for college soon after, and here she was starting the process all over again. It made Erin feel young again and she looked forward to those early years of mothering, comforting, loving, spoiling and yes, even disciplining her child because she wanted to turn out another Nicky who was well adjusted, smart as a whip and an overall joy to be around. She wanted to contribute another positive element to society and this time she had the correct husband as her parenting partner.
Sloan came up from the basement with his notes, diagrams and measurements. "This looks like an engineer's design." Erin said when she studied his diagrams.
"I am an engineer." He reminded her.
"True, but I've never seen you actually draw things out before. It's another version of you." She smiled.
His sketching's were beautifully detailed in pencil with specific measurements and shadings to provide three dimensional aspects.
"Thank you. I take pride in my work." He said before kissing her.
Danny knocked on the door. "I'd suggest that you two get a room, but there's no bed around." He snickered as he came in.
"Hi Danny." They both greeted him.
"I came over to look at the floors so I know what to tell my guy."
"Danny has someone who specializes in refinishing wooden floors." Erin advised Sloan.
"Perfect. Are we keeping these or are you changing some of them out for darker wood?" He asked.
"Just in your den. I know how much you love red or dark mahogany." She answered.
"How about dark mahogany floors with red mahogany paneling. Kind of give it that masculine appeal." He suggested.
"Agreed." Sloan replied.
"You can then furnish it in deep mahogany woods and dark leathers. Maybe even install a smoke eater or vent and seal the door so that you can light up a cigar." Danny hypothesized.
"Sounds good to me." Erin replied. "This isn't just a men's club."
"You can install a humidor into one wall with a recessed bar next to it." Danny noted.
"I'll sketch something out and show it to you." Sloan stated. He liked the ideas.
"You should probably look at putting your house on the market in May." Erin advised her brother.
"So we should be able to move in to the condo by sometime in July?" He asked.
"As quickly as you can redecorate." Erin answered. "If we can do a full renovation within 60 days, it shouldn't take more than two weeks to paint and install new carpet and wallpaper."
"Gotcha." He answered. "This place is going to be beautiful. I can't wait to see it when it's finished."
On Wednesday afternoon, Erin walked out of her Obstetrician's office with Carlo's help. She was fine but he wouldn't take any chances. His orders were to take her back home and to stay with her until Sloan arrived.
Sloan had offered to go with Erin but she turned him down. This was not something she wanted him to see as he became squeamish when it came to needles, though with all the injections he had to have taken as an athlete, she couldn't imagine why.
Carlo had been assigned to her full time as Sloan didn't want Erin left alone, particularly as she was now out in the public all day and accessible to any former inmate or relative of a current one who wanted to take revenge on her for someone she had put away.
That night Sloan was sure to give her tummy very special and extra gentle kisses and he could begin to see the small bump that was beginning to show.
He looked up at his wife with a look of love that melted her and she pulled him to her. "Our baby." She smiled.
The following Thursday Erin received a phone call from her obstetrician. The results had come in and would she be available to meet at 1:00 p.m.?
When she walked out of the office thirty minutes later she radiated excitement.
Carlo asked if everything was okay and she nodded yes. She had news to deliver, but wasn't going to say a word until the following night at the Seder. "Don't tell Sloan we were here. I'll surprise him tomorrow night with the news."
"Mum's the word." Carlo smiled back.
It was three p.m. on Friday April 3rd and they were inbound to their Bloomfield Hills home.
"Detroit Approach, November Seven One Two Alpha Whiskey, requesting descent and landing to Three One Whiskey Tango." Erin radioed.
"November Seven One Two Alpha Whiskey, Detroit Approach, descend to three thousand. Clear for the approach and landing at Three One Whiskey Tango."
"November Seven One Two Alpha Whiskey, clear to three thousand and the approach." Erin acknowledged. She then activated the ILS system and checked the relevant information.
"Wind Two Four Zero at Seven, Altimeter Two Niner Niner Six. Temperature Five Four. Dew Pointe Three Zero." She called out.
"Check. Gear down." Sloan ordered.
"Gear down. Three green." She announced.
"Check." Autoland engaged."
Erin settled back for the exciting approach as Sloan engaged the Autoland System.
The AugustaWestland 189 buzzed the back of his property and then made its flight towards Lynne's house before executing its sweeping turns and landing pin point on the helipad. Once the turntable rotated Erin engaged the clamps and began shutting the big bird down as Sloan went through the checklists.
They hopped out and opened the passenger cabin door as everyone began filing out, Casey excited by the landing.
She looked around and couldn't believe her eyes. "This place is amazing Erin." She complimented.
"Sloan built this almost three years ago so I can't take any credit for it." She replied.
"No wonder you want to spend your summers here."
"Don't worry Casey, you'll be joining Jamie here as well, especially once the pool opens." Sloan informed her.
Albert pulled up and everyone began loading their luggage in the back of the Escalade. Introductions were made between Albert and Casey.
Henry rode with Albert while everyone else walked to the front door.
Shelley and Paige had arrived early to set the table for Passover and they greeted everyone as they entered. Introductions were made between Casey and Sloan's mother and youngest sister.
By 6:00 p.m. the rest of Sloan's family had arrived and spent an hour socializing and relaxing before beginning the Seder which having fallen on Shabbat, entailed a dual service.
The evening began with the Shelley, Erin, Karen, Lynne and Paige lighting the Shabbat candles and blessing them. Additional blessings were then said for Passover followed by the blessings over the wine and matzah.
Then the rituals associated with Passover began, such as describing what the different items located on the Seder plate represented. One was a roasted egg which symbolized new life. Erin smiled at that one knowing she would soon be imparting such news.
At the conclusion of the Seder, the children were required to find the missing middle piece of the matzah known as the Afikomen, without which the Seder could not conclude.
The child that found it was entitled to ransom it back to the leader of the service who tonight, was Sloan as he sat at the head of the table with his bride occupying the other end.
Jack, Sean, Matthew and Sebastian were given instructions by Albert, who had previously secreted the missing matzah, and sent downstairs to find it.
During the break, Erin stood up and announced she had something to convey to everyone.
She walked over to her husband and sat in his lap.
"I have received the results of my amniocentesis." She announced. "Our baby is fully healthy and a normal pregnancy and birth expected."
Everyone wished her mazel tov and congratulations.
"On a more important note, I have been informed as to whether our baby will be a boy or a girl." She smiled.
She looked at Sloan and hugged him to her and then she held his face in her hands and looked directly into his blue eyes.
"On or about August 22nd, we will be welcoming into our family, Joseph Solomon Silver."
Sloan kissed his wife's stomach and then her lips while everyone else applauded.
Nicky was ecstatic. "A baby brother!"
Erin finally disengaged and saw the tears flowing down his cheeks. She took his napkin and dried them before hugging him again.
"We are going to have a son." She gently said.
He nodded, unable to speak.
"Would you like to say something?" She gently asked.
"I love you." He very softly responded.
"I guess that will have to suffice for now." She grinned before kissing him again.
Everyone continued their cheering and congratulations, but most of all Frank noticed how sensitive his son-in-law was and the look of pure love he cast upon Erin.
"Sloan." Frank said. "Sloan?" He asked still not receiving a response. "Earth to Sloan." Frank spoke a little louder finally getting through. "How about a few words from the proud father to be." He smiled.
Sloan looked up at his wife who was still sitting in his lap. "What can I say other than I am truly blessed. First Erin, then Nicky and now Joseph. Erin, I love you more than mere words can express and I cannot tell you how much you mean to me and how grateful I am to you for carrying our child. You are the light of my life and the port I look to return home to each evening. You are my best friend, my confidant and my true love and right now I could melt in your arms I am so happy and excited."
She kissed him and held him tightly to her. "I love you too sweetheart and I'm grateful to be carrying your child and for everything else you are to me, Nicky and our family."
The two grandfathers and Henry then gave toasts followed by comments from the happy aunts and uncles.
After ten minutes, Jack came back upstairs with the Afikomen. Seeing the reaction on everyone's faces, he asked what they had missed.
Erin, who by then had returned to her end of the table, called them all over to her and placed Sebastian in her lap. "Uncle Sloan and I are going to have a baby boy." She informed them. We named your new cousin after my brother and Sloan's mother's brother, both who are no longer with us. His name will be Joseph Solomon Silver." She hugged Sebastian to her and the other three boys leaned in to kiss their aunt.
She lifted Sebastian up and placed him back on his feet before ruffling his hair. She then looked at Lynne and smiled.
Sebastian was the reason Erin wanted to have a baby with Sloan as he looked just like him at that age and she felt a special kinship for her youngest nephew.
Jack ransomed the Afikomen for a video game so Sloan would take him shopping back in New York.
He gave each of the kids a genuine $20 gold Liberty Coin and had Paige hold on to Alison's.
As he walked back to his spot he leaned down to Nicky and pulled a gold piece out of her ear and handed it to her.
"Better get your ears cleaned before you get to Michigan or you won't hear the lectures." He teased as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Big sister." Nicky reached around and hugged him. "Okay Dad." She responded, enveloping him in the sunshine that was her smile.
After a truly scrumptious meal, which of course involved Erin ordering Sloan to eat his carrots, which he didn't, everyone adjourned to enjoy the parts of the house that interested them.
Erin looked around for Sloan but he couldn't be found until Danny located him sitting outside by the closed pool, gazing at the stars.
"Sloan, come on back in, it's freezing out here." He said.
"I'm just looking upstairs Danny, imagining all the unknowns to man and trying to put a scientific explanation to it, but I can't. There are some things which are truly miracles and gifts from above. A healthy baby boy for instance. I know you can understand that." He softly said.
Danny sat down next to him. "I do and when Joe is born, it will be unlike anything you've ever experienced, even more so than when you first held your sisters, because this little boy is a part of you that you and Erin created together out of love for one another and he'll always be a reminder of that to you both."
"I don't want to screw this up Danny. I want to be the perfect father and husband." Sloan responded.
"No such thing. I screw up plenty with Linda and the boys and you know what, that's a part of life. Erin isn't that thin skinned that she'll hold that against you no more than you will when she screws up and she will because my sister is far from perfect. You just have her on a pedestal which trust me, you do not want to keep her on it or she'll never live up to your expectations of her." Danny responded.
Suddenly the exterior lights on the side of the house and around the pool area came on.
"Looks like they found us and Erin will be making a beeline for you any moment. Let's head back in. All I can say brother, is enjoy every moment you can and be there when things aren't what you planned and it will all work out and that I promise you." Danny concluded.
Sure enough, Erin was on her way.
"Sloan, Danny, what are you two doing out here, it's 45 degrees and neither of you are wearing jackets." She scolded.
"We're just heading in Sis. Just some father to father talk." Danny said as he put his arm around Sloan.
"Then do it inside, I don't need either of you coming down with pneumonia." She informed them.
"Okay, let's go in." Danny advised.
Erin pulled each one by the hand as if corralling a couple of stray kindergartners. Once inside, she felt them both to see if they were chilled.
"Linda is looking for you." She told Danny.
"As for you, let's go upstairs." She told Sloan.
Sloan turned off the exterior lights and followed Erin up the back stairs to the third floor.
"Are you okay, because it isn't like you to go running off." She said.
"I was looking at the stars and envisioning our baby and our life together and wondering where science ended and miracles began." He said.
Erin softened and hugged him. "Both begin with two people who love one another creating a new life and working together to raise it, with love, guidance and endless dreams."
"I hope it's that easy." He said.
"Don't be afraid Sloan, we'll both screw up plenty along the way. It's the ability to learn from our mistakes and to stick together which brings us through each day and into the next. I've never awoken loving you anything but more than I had the night before."
"Message received. Boss." He snickered.
"Carlo told you about that one huh?" She giggled.
"Yeah." He smiled as he hugged her.
They headed back downstairs and goofed around with their family until everyone decided it was time to head home or upstairs to bed.
Sloan went over to Danny and thanked him for the advice and then went upstairs where his wife was waiting for him.
He found her already in bed and he hesitated before joining her.
"Come to bed sweetheart." She said.
He shook his head no.
"Come to me." She cooed, wiggling her fingers towards herself.
"Not yet." He said.
"We aren't going through what we did at my dad's house again, are we?" She asked.
"No. I just want to burn this image into my memory of how you looked the night you told me we were having a boy." He smiled.
She smiled back and gazed at him for a minute while he observed her.
"Time's up, get in bed now or our baby's father is in big trouble" She teased.
"Yes Ma'am." He said as he undressed, brushed his teeth and then dove into bed. He leaned his head on her tummy and began speaking to their son.
"Joseph Solomon, I hope that you can understand me. That's a beautiful name derived from two very special people, your uncle Joe and my uncle Simon. Your Hebrew name comes from them. Joseph and Solomon which we decided to also use for your English name. Everybody was so excited to learn more about you tonight, but particularly me as your mommy knew yesterday who you would be and she kept it a very good secret. I can't wait for you to finally come out so that I don't have to keep talking to you through mommy's tummy like this and we can have our man to man talks without her listening in, but do know that we both love you and that your big sister does as well. She is excited at having a baby brother so don't let her push you around too much because the women in this family can be awfully bossy, especially your Mommy, Aunts Karen, Lynne and future Aunt Casey. For now all you have to do is to be well, grow strong and know that we are waiting to love, protect and cherish you when you finally come out into the world."
Erin's Irish eyes were mistily smiling at the tenderness her husband had for their son and she pulled him tightly to her and held him until they both fell asleep, dreaming of a bright future for their children and each other.
Saturday went by all to quickly with everyone hanging out at the house, the kids playing video games and another scrumptious dinner prepared by Winney with help from Sloan, Nathan and Linda.
That night they lit the Easter Paschal candles so that the Reagan family would feel welcome.
Sunday morning found Sloan awake before sunrise. Erin looked over as he hopped out of bed and opened a panel in the wall and began flicking switches.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
"I'm closing the outer shutters on Nicky's and the boys bedroom windows so that they can't look out to see where I'm hiding the Easter Eggs." He answered.
She laughed. "Wait for me, I'll help you."
He turned off the alarm and they quickly dressed, then padded outside with the colored eggs which Winney had painted earlier in the week and began hiding them. An hour later they were finished.
Later that morning when the rest of the kids had returned, Sloan made an announcement.
"We are having a genuine Easter Egg hunt and Aunt Erin has a basket for all the kids."
"There are 48 eggs and they are painted in different colors, thank you Winney. All the eggs are outside so don't go looking in the garages. They are either out in front or behind this house or to the side. Don't go near any of the streets because they aren't that far away.
"The helipad and the helicopter are off limits as is the pool area and pool house so do not go looking for them there or Uncle Jamie will arrest you, Aunt Casey will prosecute you and then Aunt Erin will sentence you, and that isn't a good thing."
"Go put on your coats, hats and gloves. Whoever finds the most eggs wins the hunt and a special prize."
Once all the kids were assembled and ready to go, Sloan announced. "You have 30 minutes. Aunt Erin is the official time keeper so when she blows her whistle, Go. The next time you hear her whistle, you have to stop. No cheating or Danny will give you noogies. Jamie, Jason and Samantha will be outside keeping an eye on you all."
He turned the show over to Erin. "Everyone out on the front porch." She said.
Once the kids were on the sidewalk and lined up she looked at her watch and counted down. "On your mark, get set," And she blew her whistle. "Go!" She shouted.
Nicky went with Alison, helping her to find eggs while the three older boys ran off in different directions but Sebastian stayed close to the house, scanning it.
Sloan held a master map of where the eggs were. Some were sitting flush on the lawn and some were partially buried using a garden trowel. Others were hidden in the shrubbery or nestled in the low hanging crook of a tree. One was tucked into a gutter down spout so that its end stuck out. Others were hiding in plain sight on outdoor furniture and one was even placed in a lamp post knot hole so that it could be seen.
Sloan laughed as he watched the three older boys ran around like chickens with their heads cut off and Erin smiled as she watched him thinking that at heart, he was still a kid himself.
The remaining adults all looked through windows or stood outside cheering on the kids.
Erin watched Sebastian and envisioned Sloan at that age doing the same thing. Instead of running around, he carefully assessed the landscape until he detected an egg and claimed it, gently putting it in his basket.
While the others were looking over the lawn, he was looking at the house and quickly found four eggs hidden in plain view.
Lynne came over and hugged her brother. "He's so much like you, using his analytic mind rather than just hoping to run into them."
"I keep seeing your brother at that age." Erin commented to Lynne.
"So do I." Shelley smiled.
Sloan kept checking off the collected eggs and was grinning as Sebastian had found every one of those hidden near the front of the house. Now he expanded his search and began looking at the lawn. Within a few minutes he had located four of the partially buried ones which stuck out just enough for their vibrant colors to be noticed against the green lawn.
"He's going to win. He already has 9 eggs. At 12 nobody else is going to be able to catch him." Sloan announced.
"Five minutes left." Erin noted and yelled out the warning.
Nicky and Alison had found a few of the ones sitting on the lawn as had the other three boys who had now ventured into the back yard.
Sebastian went over to the side of the house as his Uncle had informed him and found three more plus one sitting on top of the gas meter. Jamie had to help him get that one by lifting him up.
Erin counted down to one minute and issued the final time warning. "One Minute Left."
Sebastian found one more egg hidden at the bottom of the air conditioning compressor and pointed it out to Jamie who snagged it for him.
Then the whistle blew. "Time's up." Erin yelled.
"Ok, everyone bring your baskets back to the front of the house." Sloan announced.
He started with Alison who had six. Jack had 9 as did Matthew. Sean found 8 but as predicted, his namesake had hauled in 14. That left two eggs to be located.
Sloan had mapped out all the finds, so he knew where they were.
"Ok, we have a clear winner here so for second place, Jack, Sean and Matthew. There are two eggs left. One in front and one in back. Neither egg is on the lawn or in the bushes. You have five minutes." He announced as Erin looked at her watch and blew her whistle. "Go." She yelled.
Sebastian began looking around the front porch and smiled. Sloan leaned down. "Don't tell." Let's go see if you can figure out where I put the last one."
"You said it's not on the lawn or in the bushes so it must be like the one in the planter, somewhere near the house and since I found the one in front, then the other one is in back." He deduced.
"Very good. Show me where it is." Sloan said picking his nephew up on his shoulders.
Sebastian looked over the back of the house and then his eyes zeroed in on the cooking suite.
He leaned down and whispered. "Over there. Open the grill or the cabinets." He said.
"I can't or they'll see, but you're right. It's on the grill under the closed cover." He whispered.
"Mom says that I'm a lot like you. That means I'll be really smart too."
"You already are little nephew, you already are." Sloan grinned.
Unknown to Sloan, both Lynne and Erin were watching.
"He's going to be a wonderful father." Lynne said hugging Erin.
"I know. I hope that Joseph turns out to be just like Sebastian." Erin replied as she hugged her sister-in-law back.
Erin blew her whistle blew and nobody had found the remaining eggs.
Sloan announced: "We have a draw for second place between Matthew and Jack with nine eggs each and Sean finishing a close third with eight. Sebastian however did find them so he will point them out."
He put his nephew down and the little tyke walked over and opened up the grill cover to expose a yellow egg. He then led everyone around the front and onto the porch where a blue egg sat in the planter.
"First prize is a $100 Visa Gift Card. You can use it to buy anything you want. Everyone else gets a $25 Gift Card for their tremendous efforts. Aunt Paige, Aunt Aunt Karen and Aunt Casey have baskets with Easter chocolates for you all." He announced, causing all the kids to scream out with glee.
The women in particular noticed the effect that the children had on Sloan and they commented on this to one another as he continued to have a good time with them all.
The Reagan family along with Sloan and Erin went to Easter services at 1:00 after which everyone returned for an early dinner before those New York bound headed back home.
Before they left, Nathan and Shelley, Lynne and Ben, Paige and Alan and Karen, David, Jason, and Samantha walked over with presents for Erin.
"Since we'll miss your birthday, we wanted to give these to you now. Please don't open them until the 28th." Lynne instructed.
Erin thanked them all and hugged and kissed everyone.
Then the Reagans, Casey and Sloan boarded the helicopter and Erin began the prestart sequence while Sloan activated the helipad.
Five minutes later the twin engines were roaring as the Augusta lifted up, banked and headed back to Oakland County International, its pilot wearing a grin from ear to ear while his co-pilot smiled at him in return.
Two hours and fifteen minutes later its twin landed at the Downtown/Wall Street Heliport at the foot of Manhattan. Everyone bid each other a happy Easter or Passover and climbed into their waiting vehicle. Carlo drove Erin, Sloan and Nicky back to the condo. The next morning, Erin would be back on Harbor Lane, supervising the remodeling effort but tonight, she wanted to luxuriate in the warmth and love she had for her family.
She leaned against Sloan as she recalled the day's earlier events and how he related with his younger nephew. "I hope that Joseph turns out to be like Sebastian." She said.
"Why?" He asked.
"Because he's a mini you in so many ways. I'd like for our son to be that way as well."
"I'll be happy no matter how he turns out, unless of course he's a mini-Karen." He joked.
"Or a mini-Danny." Erin laughed.
"Gee guys, maybe he'll be like me." Nicky said.
"We couldn't ask for more sweetheart." Erin said as she smiled at her first born.
"Did you speak with Lynne and Paige as to who their OB is?" He asked.
"Yes, they use the same doctor and I will call her tomorrow and have my records forwarded over. I plan on having our baby in Michigan and we can fly my family in for the Bris."
"Now you have to figure out who his Godparents will be." He said.
"I already have. Jamie and Lynne." She answered.
"That's an interesting choice." Nicky observed.
"One member from each family, both cultural backgrounds represented. My reasons for Jamie are obvious. I trust Lynne the most of Sloan's sisters to look out for him if it ever came to that." Erin answered looking at Sloan. "I think you do as well."
He nodded in response.
When they arrived home, Nicky headed back upstairs to Skype her friends as to her wonderful weekend.
Erin and Sloan settled onto their couch and began reviewing some of the remodeling work scheduled for the upcoming week before calling it a night and heading upstairs to snuggle as Sloan spoke to his son.
The New York weather had been improving so Erin made time from her remodeling effort to complete her pilot training. She wanted to solo before her birthday and before Joey grew too large for her to comfortably fly the small Cessna.
Sloan took her up flying Saturday and Sunday mornings and if time permitted, at least one evening per week.
Erin needed a total of 40 hours to obtain her license and the time she had spent in the JetStar counted as Sloan had trained her in the use of instruments as well as in the operation of the aircraft, which she had flown. She presently had a total of 38 hours and was more than ready to solo but she wanted to accomplish both, her solo and her 40 hours at the same time so it was on Saturday, April 18th that Sloan had booked the entire morning for them to go flying. Erin would fly 45 minutes out and 45 minutes back with him in the right seat, and then she would take the Cessna up for her 30 minute Solo flight.
Her instructor met them at the airport. Sloan had also told her to wear a button down shirt with a T-shirt underneath.
Mike waited in the Escalade as they took off into the skies, flying east over Brooklyn and Long Island before crossing the Long Island Sound and circling over New Haven, Connecticut before returning to the field where Erin made another perfect landing.
Sloan looked at his watch. Total time out was 94 minutes.
Erin taxied back to the ramp and shut down the Cessna and hopped out.
Her instructor reviewed her proposed VFR flight plan for the next 30 minute flight in which time Sloan would be arranging some interesting surprises as he would remain on the ground.
Erin performed the requisite walk around checking the aircraft for any visible problems before taking off.
She called out "Clear" and then started the engine. She radioed for and received clearance after going through her check list while her instructor supervised.
He closed the right door of the aircraft and stepped aside.
Erin checked her controls to be sure everything worked. Rudder, Ailerons, Elevators.
She then requested and received her taxi clearance and flipped on the taxi lights and headed over to the hold bar for the runway.
She was then cleared to line up and wait at the end of the runway.
Sloan watched as the taxi lights were turned off and the landing lights turned on as she pulled into position.
The tower cleared her for takeoff and the increased sound of the engine could be heard as she brought it up to takeoff power. She then released the brakes and Sloan watched as Erin gently and gracefully lifted off on her first solo flight.
Sloan quickly made a phone call and then sent Mike over to the hangar where the surprise awaited.
Within 15 minutes Danny, Jamie, Linda, Casey, Nicky, Frank and Henry arrived. Ten minutes later the Cessna came into view.
"Tower, November One Eight Six Two Foxtrot, flying upwind Runway Two Two requesting entry into the pattern, VFR.
"November One Eight Six Two Foxtrot, Tower, pattern entry approved. Fly standard Upwind/Crosswind/Downwind/Base to final approach. Descend and maintain Two Thousand until established on the glide slope Runway Two Two.
"Six Two Foxtrot, Standard VFR Approach Descend and maintain Two Thousand until on final for runway Two Two. She acknowledged.
Erin flew parallel to the west side of the airport by about two miles before turning left and crossing two miles beyond the departure end of runway 22. She then flew another two miles to the east before turning to parallel the runway on its eastern side before a final left turn that would bring her into the approach for her runway.
"November One Eight Six Two Foxtrot, turning final for Runway Two Two" Erin announced.
"November One Eight Six Two Foxtrot, Wind Two One Five at Niner, Runway Two Two, cleared to land.
"Cleared to land, Six Two Foxtrot." Came her response.
The plane turned to its left and lined up on the runway. The landing gear was down and the landing lights were on. Erin had a very slight nose wind but she gently corrected for it and as her family watched she executed a beautiful flair and kissed the pavement as lovingly as she did her husband. Her roll out was perfect and she turned off the runway as she received and acknowledged her taxi clearance back to the hangar. Total time of her flight. 37 minutes. She had done it. Erin had earned her basic pilots license.
She brought the aircraft to a stop. Went through her final check lists and shut down the engine.
Sloan went over the left door and opened it up.
"Congratulations, you are now a licensed pilot." He said sweeping her into his arms and carrying her out of the plane as she kissed him.
He brought her around to the other side of the plane where her family awaited to congratulate her.
"You brought everyone out." She said to Sloan.
"They deserved to share this with you as much as me." He responded as they all came over to congratulate her.
"Okay, one aspect of ceremony we have to perform here. First of all, take off your jacket." He ordered which she did.
"Danny, Jamie, do your sworn duty.
They went over and pulled their sister to the plane and handcuffed her wrists together over the right wing spar.
"What are you doing?" Erin asked.
"Rob, she's your student. Proceed." Sloan directed.
Her instructor then came over, pulled the shirt tail out of Erin's waist band and proceeded to cut the back of her shirt off before walking away with his souvenir.
"Damn, what I wouldn't give for a wooden spoon right now." Sloan teased.
"Don't you dare if you know what's good for you." She threatened.
"I guess we better let her go." Sloan directed Jamie who unlocked the cuffs.
"What's with cutting my shirt off?" She asked.
"It's the tradition which occurs after a pilot has soloed. In the old days, the student rode up front in a two cockpit plane and if the instructor wanted the attention of his student, he would pull on the shirt tail. Once you have soloed, you are no longer a student so therefore, you no longer need a shirt tail to pull." He explained.
"Mike, the accouterments please." He requested.
Mike brought over several boxes which he held as Sloan opened them up. The first was a brand new flight shirt complete with four single braids of gold on its epilates. Erin removed her now destroyed shirt and put on the new one. Next Sloan pinned her gold wings on indicating that she was a pilot. Next came her leather flying jacket, cap and a green silk scarf and her leather flying gloves, all hearkening back to the day of open cockpit flight.
"She sort of looks like the Green Baron." Jamie teased causing everyone else to laugh, except for Erin who pointed at Jamie. "Keep it up wisenheimer."
Finally, Sloan handed Erin a small box which she opened to find a gold key.
"What's this for?" She asked.
At a nod from Sloan, Mike, sent a text and everyone watched as a beautiful Cessna 210-R Turbo Centurion was pushed out of the hangar and just short of Erin, turned so that its left side was broad to her.
She looked at the gorgeous white plane which had a wide emerald green band running from the nose to its tail section, a thin band of orange bisecting the emerald. On the tail itself was an Irish Rose. Across the upper part of the side fuselage in emerald green read the name "Aer Erin" and on the sides of the nose cowlings were the images from the 'Forever Ireland Flag' which read 'Erin Go Bragh' beneath which read 'Cead Mile Fialte', Gaelic for 'One Hundred Thousand Welcomes'. Finally, the registration number N0428ES which stood for her date of birth and the initials of her new name.
Erin turned to Sloan in shock. "Happy Birthday my love." He grinned from ear to ear.
"That's my birthday present?" She asked.
"Yes."
"Seriously, this isn't a joke?" She asked.
"No, it's all yours." He confirmed.
Erin then let out a scream of joy heard around the small airport as she jumped into her husband's arms, slamming him back against the rental plane she had just flown.
"Thank you I love you thank you." She repeated as she kissed him all over until he finally extricated himself from her grasp.
"Come meet your new bird." And he went on to explain the aircraft and its features as everyone listened.
"She's just been fully overhauled in the same manner I had the 707 rebuilt. Brand new Allison turbo-prop engine, state of the art avionics, plush emerald green leather seats, oak wood trim, she's a brand new aircraft." He stated. "You will have to be checked out in her before you can solo or be the pilot in command, so tomorrow we'll come back and begin working on that process, but if for now, you want to go up with me in the left seat, I'd be happy to take you for a ride."
"Are you kidding, let's go." She smiled. "Who's coming with us?" She asked and Danny, Linda, Casey, Jamie and Nicky instantly volunteered.
"We have one seat left." Sloan offered. Henry looked at Frank. "Go, for Erin."
"Ok, I'll come along." Frank happily offered.
Erin walked around with Sloan and did her preflight exam. Brand new tires and not a spec of dust on the entire aircraft.
They climbed inside and strapped in. Sloan just sat there waiting for Erin.
"What?" She asked.
"I need the key or I can't arm the electronics." He teased.
She handed it over to him and he inserted the key and turned the switch to the On position.
Next he turned on the Master Battery switch and then brought the avionics and radios to life. They began their check list, weight estimates for flap and speed settings, and quickly configured the plane.
"This starts much like the JetStar as it uses a jet engine to turn the prop, not a piston engine like the plane you flew earlier today."
Erin hit the starter switch and watched the gauges before flipping the fuel switch to ON. The engine fired right up.
Sloan adjusted the prop pitch to maximum power and Erin requested their taxi clearance. He taxied them to the runway and once they were cleared to line up and wait, turned the aircraft over to Erin.
"She's all yours." He smiled.
"I have control." She smiled.
"November Zero Four Two Eight Echo Sierra, Tower, wind Two One Zero at Five, runway Two Two, cleared for takeoff."
"Tower, November Zero Four Two Eight Echo Sierra, rolling Two Two." Erin responded, using her new registration number for the first time.
The next thirty minutes were pure bliss for Erin as the powerful aircraft responded swiftly to her control inputs, much more so than the 182 sitting on the tarmac below. This felt like the difference between the Volvo and her new Jag.
She pitched it, rolled the wings and yawed the tail to see how the bird responded, all wearing a big grin.
Sloan looked behind him at the smiles on their family. Frank in particular seemed to be having a good time.
Finally, it was time to head back and Erin talked herself into the pattern and received landing clearance once again executing a perfect flair and gentle touch down.
Sloan taxied over to the hangar area and Erin proceeded to complete the shutdown check list. She then killed the engine and Sloan turned off the Master Battery switch, turned the electronics off and handed her back the gold key.
Erin then leaned over and to the cheering of their passengers, proceeded to kiss her husband almost crawling out of her seat and into his as she did so.
Everyone exited the Centurion and decided to meet up later for dinner.
They watched as the plane was safely returned to its hangar.
"We'll have to move her to Michigan." Erin noted.
"I'll have a moving service do that and once she arrives, we can go up anytime you want, schedules permitting of course." He smiled.
"Maybe fly to somewhere romantic for a night, dinner on Lake Michigan or even in the U.P., followed by some alone time?" She asked.
"Have I ever refused you that?" He asked.
"No, you have never refused me anything." She said.
"Then why begin now." He smiled.
That night as they lay in bed, Sloan told their son all about Mommy's perfect day and that she was now a pilot who would take her son on adventures in the sky, long after he was born and able to appreciate what it was like to dance among the stars.
Finally, Erin got impatient form waiting and put her hand over Sloan's mouth. "Joseph, Daddy has to go now. This is now Mommy's time with Daddy so go to sleep precious and we'll talk to you tomorrow." She said.
Erin rolled over onto her husband and snuggled in tightly. "Now, let's see if you respond to my command inputs as gracefully as my new airplane." She smiled.
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