One year later...
“For the last time, Mor, the plane isn’t going to crash,” Ammon Schmidt said to his mother, Mable, as he paced the San Antonio airport. “What are the chances of a plane crashing twice?”
Despite his words, nervous sweat dampened Ammon’s forehead. Kohana, who was beside him, grabbed his hand to put a stop to his pacing.
“I know, yndling,” his mom said. “But anything could happen. Look at that man who was attacked by a wildcat in the middle of downtown L.A. If that could happen to him, then it’s possible you could be boarding another broken plane.”
“You shouldn’t worry so much,” he said, trying to sound soothing even though he was quivering in his boots. “This time nothing is going to happen. Kohana and I are going to be at your wedding, safe and sound.”
“I sure hope so,” his mom said. “Maybe I should have had the wedding in San Antonio. That way, you wouldn’t have to board another plane.”
“Jarl’s family is in Denmark. How fair would it be to have the wedding here?”
His mom sighed. “I guess you’re right.”
Over the intercom, Ammon heard a man announce, “Flight 1586 to Billund, Denmark will now begin boarding first-class passengers.”
“Mor, our plane is beginning to board.” He exchanged glances with his lover.
“We don’t have much time left to talk, then.” His mom groaned. “But what if this is the last time I speak to you?”
“Don’t think like that.” Ammon tightened his grip on the phone. “Like I said, I would have to be really, really unlucky to be on a broken plane again. Be calm. I’ll call you as soon as I arrive in Denmark.”
“Flight 1586 to Billund, Denmark will now begin boarding business-class passengers,” the man announced over the intercom.
“I should probably go,” Ammon said.
“Okay. I’ll hang up then.”
“Okay. And Mor?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“Flight 1586 to Billund, Denmark will now begin boarding economy-class passengers,” the man on the intercom said.
Passengers pushed past him and Kohana, eager to board the plane. Ammon knew that he had to join them, even though he would much rather keep both feet on the ground.
“Bye, Mor. We’re boarding,” he said.
“Remember. Call me the second you arrive,” she said.
“I will. Bye.” Groaning, Ammon ended the call and stared at the plane through the window.
Kohana gave him an encouraging smile. “Everything is going to be fine, you know.”
“I know. I’m not worried at all.”
It was a huge lie, and they both knew it.
Kohana snorted. “Please. You’re sweating more than I did when I first started working at the construction site with you.”
“You know me too well. I am nervous.” Ammon nodded. “But I just have to keep telling myself that the plane won’t go down.”
“Yeah, everything will be fine.” Kohana nodded. “We’re safe.”
“And even if the plane does crash and we’re stranded somewhere, I’ll have you by my side, right?”
“Of course.” His lover wrapped a possessive arm around Ammon’s shoulder. “I’ll always be by your side.”
Strengthened by Kohana’s words, Ammon walked toward the entrance of the plane, arm in arm with his lover.
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The End