Ch. 10
We all sat around the dinner table. Danny and I were on one side. Rafe was to his left, and Evelyn was to my right. Both of them was at each end of the table. On the other side was Emily and Red. Emily was directly in front of me, and Red was directly in front of Danny. Both of their faces were beat red.
"So, Evelyn, when are you guys planning on getting married?"
I was the first to break the ice. It was the only thing I could come up with. I was curious. When we were back in their time, they were planning on it when he had got back from that mission. Things have changed now.
Evelyn gave Rafe a small smile. I could tell they had already been talking about it. She was glowing with her pregnancy. I was just so happy for the two of them.
"Well, we were thinking next month. I don't want to get too big before we decide to get married. It's only going to be a small get together with just us. We don't know many people around here, and I feel like it would be better this way."
I was surprised. They haven't been here long, but they already had a lot of the details worked out.
"So, Danny, what about you and Alyssa? When are ya'll getting married?"
Rafe had asked the question. I nearly choked on the wine I had been drinking. Danny and I hadn't really talked much about where our relationship was at the moment. We knew we were together, but were we still engaged, or did he want to wait a little longer before asking again? I didn't know. It made me nervous to think about it. Danny's face was red as could be. I could tell he was thinking the same thing I was. I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. I didn't want him to feel uncomfortable with this question. I wanted an honest answer from him. All of us were looking at him expectantly. We all wanted an answer.
"Well, we haven't really made any plans yet. I would like to next year. Give us some time to get settled down here, and used to the area. That is, if she still wants to?"
It was more of a question than a statement. Why would he think that I wouldn't want to anymore? I still loved him with all of my heart. Yes, it did seem like our relationship was a little strained lately. For the most part since he had gotten here, we were just trying to find some answers. I felt like the answers were more for me than for him, though. I just wanted to be reassured he wasn't going anywhere again before we got too serious again. I couldn't handle that heartbreak for a second time.
I gave him a big smile.
"Of course I will, Danny. There has never been a doubt in my mind about marrying you."
He smiled back at me, and gave me a big kiss right there at the dinner table. Everyone clapped and laughed. I thought he had a great plan.
"So, do you guys still have your pilots' licenses or what? I mean, do any of you guys work yet or anything?"
All the guys looked at me like I had two heads. I had no idea why. Did I say something wrong? Danny was the first to answer me.
"Well, we do still have our licenses. That was one thing that was kept the same. We just don't know what to do with them. I don't think any of us want to go back into the military just to fly. Although, I have been doing some research on it. We're better off flying for an airline than for the military."
I was slightly taken aback by this. There was no way I was going to let Danny fly for an airline. At least with the military, I would know kind of where he would be, and a timeline of when he would be home. An airline, on the other hand, was a totally different story. He would be gone constantly. I could handle a few months, and then home for a few months. I couldn't handle the staying gone, though.
He must have seen the horror on my face. Before I could get a word out about it, he chuckled and spoke up.
"That was just one option. Don't worry. I'm not taking it. There's an airport in the next town over. They need some flight instructors. Rafe, Red, and I are all headed over there tomorrow."
He gave me a small kiss on the cheek, and then went back to eating. A wave of relief had washed over me. I was praying he got this job. Flying was all he ever wanted to do. He may not be flying as much with a job like this, but at least he'd be home all the time. I also wouldn't have to worry too much about his safety.
"That's good to know. I hope it works out. For all of you."
They all nodded in agreement. They didn't want to have to be overseas as much as I didn't want them to be.
For the rest of dinner, we all talked, and joked, and had gotten to know the new member of the family. Everyone wanted to know about Emily. What her likes and dislikes were, where she grew up, how we knew each other, literally everything. I think they all asked mainly for Red. We could all tell that they were fond of each other, except for the two of them. They were oblivious. They would ask each other questions, but I don't think they could quite see where this was going.
After dinner, Danny and I went for a walk around the farm. Everyone else stayed behind to clean up. He wanted some alone time with me. It was the first time, since he had gotten here, that we could truly talk without a care in the world. Well, it was the first time since we got together that we could talk like that.
"I think Emily likes Red."
He grinned. He knew I was right, and I could tell where this was going. He knew something. I wanted to know what it was.
"Well, when you girls were fixing dinner, he kept asking me all these questions about her. Hell, I barely know her myself, but I know her better than he does. It was like he wanted to know everything. I haven't seen him this happy since…"
He stopped. He didn't want to finish. He didn't want to remember any of that. I could tell, and I couldn't blame him. I didn't want to remember any of it either, but it happened. It was a part of who we were. I just nodded, and tried to continue the light hearted conversation. I talked excitedly about it.
"I know what you mean. They seemed like they had a good time together. I mean, it's not like they were alone, but maybe something more will come of it."
He grinned at me. We both had hoped so, not just for Red's sake, but Emily's too. Danny and I both could tell that Emily felt like a third wheel around us. We didn't mean to make her feel that way, we just missed each other.
We had finally made it to the barn. There were a couple crop dusters inside, and some hay.
"So, would you like to see the sunset over Shelby?"
I gave him a confused look. I had seen the sunset here a million times. Why would this time be any different? He just chuckled at me as he led me to one of the planes. When I caught on to what he was doing, I laughed and nodded my head.
He helped me into the cockpit. This was a lot different than the military plane he took me up in before. Nonetheless, it was still just as romantic. He got in behind me, and situated me on his lap. I was more than comfortable there. He had one arm wrapped around me, and the other on the throttle.
"Are you ready?"
He had already started the propellers. I could barely hear him, and I knew he would barely hear me, so I just smiled and nodded my head.
It was beautiful. The view was amazing. We saw the whole town from the sky. It was breathtaking, and to watch the sunset over the hills was more than I could have ever asked for. I thought that the sunset over Pearl was gorgeous. I had no words to describe this. I loved it even more. If I had ever had doubts about my feelings for Danny, this had washed away them all. Surprises like this always reminded me of why I fell in love with him in the first place.
We could see clouds rolling in, and hear thunder rolling. I was getting nervous. I hated flying in storms. I hated storms period. Danny could see my uneasiness, so he decided to land the plane.
Just as he was landing the plane, it had started pouring. We got out, and ran hand in hand, laughing and giggling, into the barn.
"Well, that was unexpected. I'm sorry. That wasn't part of the plan."
We both laughed. He couldn't control the weather. He had nothing to be sorry for. I just pulled him closer to me, and wrapped my arms around his neck. His rested on my waist.
"I love you, Danny. With all of my heart. I don't care that the rain ruined your idea of the date. If you ask me, it made it even more perfect."
He gave me a big smile, and put his forehead to mine.
"I love you too, Alyssa."
He gave me a quick kiss on the lips before pulling away. He raked his hand through his hair.
"What's wrong, Danny?"
I could tell he was getting nervous. I didn't know why.
"I know that you said you still wanted to be with me, but…"
He got down on one knee. There was no box this time, though. I was getting worried.
"Will you marry me, still?"
He grinned at the still part. Why would he ask me such a thing? I would marry him not matter what. I just gave him a big smile.
"You know I will."
He stood up and brought me in for a big hug. I could tell this was weighing on his mind. Our relationship. I was kind of relieved that he had felt that way. It was the same way I was feeling until this very moment. He gave me a passionate kiss. I could feel the love in his kiss. It was the love I knew was always there, but that we both needed to be reassured about. He broke away. We were panting. We wanted it to go further right there, but we couldn't. Not tonight.
"Thank you." He whispered.
I was confused. What was he saying thank you for? If anything, I should have been the one thanking him. He came back to me when I thought he was dead. He asked me to marry him a second time, reassuring us both. He wanted me for me. The good and the bad. I loved him more than anything in this world. He was all that truly mattered to me. I would do anything for him, but I still had to ask.
"For what exactly?"
He smiled. It made my heart melt every time I saw it.
"For making me the happiest man in the world a second time. For being there for me through all of this. For being you. For loving me. Thank you."
I giggled. It was kind of cheesy, but I knew it meant a lot to him, and I knew he meant what he said. That was how he really felt. Danny was never one to sugar coat things with me when it came to matters of the heart. I loved him for that.
"Well, in that case, you're welcome, and thank you, too"
It was his turn to be confused. He had no idea why I was thanking him.
"For what?"
I just chuckled. He had no idea.
"You saved me, Danny. I was so heartbroken over losing you, and just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, you showed up. It was one of the best days of my life. Not just that, you reassured your love for me by asking me to marry you a second time. You made me fall in love with you all over again, and every sweet gesture you do does that to me. You constantly remind me of why I fell in love with you. And, you stuck with me when I wanted all of those answers. I thought getting those answers was for you and me, but it was mainly for me. I needed to know that you weren't going to leave me for a second time. I needed to know that you were here to stay. For good. I didn't want to marry you, and then one day wake up and you wouldn't be there. I'm glad we have all the answers now, because now, we don't have a lot to worry about."
By the end, I was tearing up some. I was happy. I found one of the most amazing men ever. I loved him with my every being. He just smiled at me, and kissed me softly. He didn't want to ruin the moment, and neither did I.
We sat in some hay, for a few minutes, in each other's arms. Neither one of us wanted to let go. That's when we heard our names being called from the distance. Danny was the first to speak.
"Well, it sounds like we are needed."
When we got back to the house, Emily and Red were on the porch waiting for us. They were sitting in a swing just talking and laughing together. I could tell there was definitely something there. Danny was the first to break our silence.
"Hey guys, is everything ok?"
They were confused. We could tell they were wondering why everything wouldn't be ok. They seemed perfectly happy.
"Yea, everything's fine. Rafe and Evelyn went to bed, and we need to get going, Ally. We've all got things to do tomorrow, and it's getting late."
I looked at the watch on my wrist. She was right. It was about 10 o'clock. I didn't realize Danny and I had been gone for so long.
"Alright, well say good-bye, and I'll be at the car waiting on you. I'll see you later, Red."
I gave him a friendly hug. I had missed him just as much as I missed Evelyn and Rafe.
"Okay, see you, Alyssa."
Danny had walked me to my car, while Emily and Red were making plans for tomorrow.
"Why don't you stay here tonight, Alyssa? It'll be fun."
He smiled and gave me a wink. I knew what his intentions were. I couldn't help but laugh.
"Daniel Walker, you better stop that tone right now. I don't like it on you."
He just chuckled. I knew he was joking with me, but to be on the safe side, he put his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him.
"Relax, I was just teasing. I would like it if you stayed, though."
He was making this impossible. I couldn't stay the night, no matter how much I wanted to.
"Why don't you come with me? We would be all alone with nobody else to worry about."
He sighed. We both knew we had to say good night, just for tonight at least.
"It's easier for me to stay here since all of us guys are going to that airport tomorrow morning. I promise, I will tomorrow, though."
I playfully pouted at him.
"Fine, but I'm holding you to that, Mr. Walker. I would stay with you, but I have to get Emily home. She has to work in the morning, and I have to take Evelyn to a doctor tomorrow."
He looked concerned. He had no idea that she was going to the doctor. I saw the concern on his face. I had to let him know everything was fine.
"Oh no, Danny, don't worry. I'm taking her to a baby doctor. We want to make sure the baby's fine considering."
He sighed with relief. He thought it was something more serious. Well, in a way, it was, but he thought it was something of an emergency.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. We just want to know if the baby's healthy."
He nodded.
"Well, don't do that again. You about gave me a heart attack."
He chuckled. He was back to teasing me.
"Are you two almost done? You're kind of grossing me out. It looks like you're about to have sex right here on this car."
We both blushed furiously. Leave it to Emily to ruin a mood. I didn't even hear her walk up to the car, or even get in.
"Does she always sneak up on people like that?"
I laughed.
"Not always, but she does seem to make a habit of it at the worst times."
He just laughed and nodded.
"Well then, I better let you go before you get in trouble."
It was my turn to laugh. I could tell Emily liked Danny, though. She would never have said anything like that if she didn't. I was so thankful that the two of them got along so well.
"Good night. I love you, forever."
"I love you always."
He leaned in and gave me a soft kiss before pulling away.
"I'll see you tomorrow. Promise."
"Ok, good night."
Danny opened my door for me to let me in. Once I was in, he shut it, and backed away, waving at us. I could see Red from the porch waving as well.
After we pulled out of the drive-way, I started talking to Emily.
"So, when's the first date?"
She just grinned at me.