47. SKIES

He books the flights.

They would take to the air on the last day of term, and upon touch down at home, the day before the winter term started, they would officially be husband and wife.

Mr and Mrs Lawson. Educational duo. Against the world.

But where was Rachel in all this?

Space bound. Higher than the clouds. He supposes. Celestial. Too good for him, Melissa thinks. He sees it in the way she rolls her eyes. Deserving of so much more, he thinks.

He could take the best plane he could find, to the highest heights and still not reach her.

At least Melissa was with him, firmly on the ground.

He could love her. Forever. He was sure of that. She was sexy and playful and warm and not as sublime as her sister.

He could marry her. Grow roots with her. Find solace and comfort in her earthy company. They could live with each other a settled, grounded, habitual life.

But would he always have one eye on the skies?