Finally Found (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10)

“This will only take a second, and we want this for our memories. One day you’ll thank me. Now, you three stand together over there by the fireplace. That’s it.” Janet snapped a few pictures.

“Can I be in a picture, too, Grandma?” Kimmie asked. “Me and Happiness.”

“It’s up to Carrie and her dates.”

Josh smiled, “Carrie, you better get used to this. Families in Destiny are known for going a little overboard for this kind of thing.”

“What kind of thing is this?” Carrie giggled. “It kind of feels like I’m going off to high school prom.”

“Exactly,” Janet said. “You three are all dressed up for a wonderful evening.”

After a few shots with Kimmie and Happiness, followed by one that Gary took with the entire family, Carrie said with a smile, “That’s all the paparazzi time for now. We’ve kept Josh and Jacob waiting long enough.”

“Escape,” Matt said. “Go now.”

Sean put his arm around Janet. “If you don’t, this one is sure to keep snapping pictures.”

After a few more quick good-byes, he and Jacob walked Carrie out the door.

He grabbed her hand. “You really do look beautiful.”

Jacob took her other hand. “He’s not lying. Every woman in New Mexico is going to be green with envy when you show up.”

“Only because I will be on the arms of the two most handsome men when I arrive.”

* * * *

Jacob couldn’t keep his eyes off of Carrie in that red dress. When they got to the airport, he got out and held the door for her.

“I still can’t believe I’m going to fly tonight. Another first for me.” She turned to him and Josh. “Honestly, I’m more nervous than I thought I would be.”

He put his arm around her shoulder. “Trust me. Josh is one of the best pilots around. He’ll keep us all safe.”

They escorted her into the plane.

“Oh my God, this is so luxurious.” She ran her hand over the back of one of the leather seats. “This is like the ones you see in the movies.”

“Wait until you see the cockpit, sweetheart,” Josh said. “It’s quite impressive.”

“I can’t wait to tell Kimmie about this,” Carrie said, sitting down. “You’re making me feel like a princess.”

He loved how excited she was about everything. Despite having lived through the horror of losing her parents and being raised by a madman, Carrie filled every space she entered with light. Still, he sensed her struggle, something she kept hidden and locked away from everyone, a secret darkness. Tonight, I want her to just have fun and forget whatever troubles haunt her.

“These are for you, sweetheart.” He handed her the red roses.

“You two keep surprising me. Thank you.” She smelled the flowers.

Josh opened the champagne, filled two glasses, and handed them over. “While you two enjoy this Dom Pérignon, a gift from my employers, I’ll do the preflight since I can’t have any. But please save me some for when we get back home.”

“Before you go, let’s have a toast.” He filled one of the flutes with bottled water and handed it to Josh. “To you, Carrie, and to our date tonight.”

They clinked their glasses together and took a drink.

“Oh my God. This is incredible.”

Josh leaned down. “I must have a taste,” he said, and gave her a kiss. “Delicious. I won’t be long.”

After Josh left, he sat down in the seat next to hers. “I have my own champagne, but I think it would taste better from your lips.” He stole a kiss, enjoying the sweetness of her mouth.