Chapter 10 - THE FLIGHT HOME
One year later.
The private Cárdenas Global Gulfstream jet flew smoothly through a clear, blue afternoon sky at thirty-five thousand feet, heading south toward Mérida.
Inside the quiet, luxurious cabin, sunlight streamed through the oval windows, illuminating plush leather seats, mahogany tables, and soft cream rugs.
Two-year-old Ana Sofía was fast asleep in a private sleeping cabin near the back, curled up with her favorite plush parrot toy under a soft cashmere blanket.
Valeria sat by the window, wearing a comfortable cashmere sweater and jeans. She looked out at the sea of fluffy white clouds below, holding a warm cup of herbal tea.
Alejandro stepped out from the cockpit area, having just finished speaking with the pilots. He wore a comfortable dark shirt, his hair slightly messy, looking relaxed and completely at peace.
He walked over to Valeria’s row, sat down beside her, and gently took her cup of tea, setting it on the side table.
“She’s fast asleep,” Valeria whispered, smiling up at him.
“She played hard at the park before we took off,” Alejandro said, slipping his arm around Valeria’s shoulders and pulling her close against his chest.
Valeria rested her head comfortably against his broad shoulder—the exact same shoulder she had rested on two years ago as a frightened, exhausted stranger.
Alejandro leaned his head down, resting his cheek against her soft hair, inhaling the sweet scent of wild jasmine that he loved so much.
“Do you remember this?” Alejandro asked softly, his voice full of quiet nostalgia.
Valeria smiled against his shirt, her hand resting over his heart, feeling its steady, strong beat.
“How could I forget?” she murmured. “I was terrified you were going to wake up and push me away.”
Alejandro let out a low, warm laugh that vibrated against her cheek. “I would have stayed still for ten hours if it meant keeping you safe, Valeria.”
He turned his head, pressing a sweet, lingering kiss against her lips.
“Look out the window,” Alejandro whispered gently, gesturing toward the clouds outside.
Below the aircraft, the green, sun-drenched coastline of Yucatán was beginning to emerge through the clear sky. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico sparkled like millions of scattered diamonds under the bright afternoon sun.
There was no fear waiting for them down there anymore. No shadows, no cruel husbands, no legal battles, and no running away.
Down there was their home. Their sanctuary. Their family.
Valeria reached up, interlocking her fingers with Alejandro’s, her ring catching the warm sunlight streaming through the cabin window.
“Thank you for asking me to sleep on your shoulder, Alejandro,” Valeria whispered, looking up into the eyes of the man who had given her everything.
May you like
Alejandro smiled, wrapping both arms securely around her, holding her tight as the plane began its smooth, peaceful descent toward the land of sunshine and freedom.
“Thank you for trusting me, my love,” Alejandro whispered back. “Welcome home.”
