After all this time, in less than three hours he’d walk off this damn plane, and she’d be there. She might not like what she found, but she’d be there, and he’d get to see her and…

He sipped at his milk shakily. The voice on that phone haunted him.

Hadn’t known whether to spank his kid, or kiss her for that. Andrew Eye of the Storm 147

found a tiny smile somewhere. Based on Dar’s expression when she’d come outside, she hadn’t known either. Well, better to act now, and apologize later, wasn’t that what I taught her? Got that whacked up side your head this time, boy.

Maybe it’d been the right thing. Hell, maybe that’s what he’d been hoping for when he went looking for his kid, trusting her judgement more than his own.

And wouldn’t it just kick her butt to know that?

“Sir, if you’d let me put this down for you?” The steward held out a piece of linen, and a tray.

Chow was not an option. Andrew started to protest, then just pulled the arm tray out, figuring it was better to let the damn thing go. He could ignore it until they got the picture and—

The smell of warm chocolate hit him.

He blinked. “What is that?”

“It’s a warm brownie, with some vanilla ice cream, and hot fudge drizzled over it,” the steward responded efficiently. “Here’s your silverware. If you need anything, give me a buzz.”

“This what you people consider a snack?” he rasped.

The man smiled. “No, sir. But it was requested by the young lady who came down the jetway with you.” He glanced over his shoulder.

“Everyone else is getting pasta salad.”

Why that little green eyed son of a biscuit. “Thanks.” He locked his jaw as that tiny, offhand but so characteristic bit of kindness caught him by surprise, and started him off again. He picked up his spoon and tasted a bit of the fudge, then rubbed his eyes.

Damn kids.

THE PHONE RANG, just as she was about to leave. Cecilia hesitated, then picked it up, checking the number and frowning. “Yes?”

“Ceci. Hello. How are you darling?” Elli’s voice sounded cheerful and pleasant as usual. “Don’t forget our card game tonight, hmm?”

Ceci looked at her watch. “I won’t be there,” she replied quietly.

“I’ve got something I need to do.”

“What? But darling you promised. When did this come up? We spoke yesterday.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” She paused. “I got a call earlier. It’s just something I have to take care of.”

“But—”

“Elli, goodbye.” Cecilia put the phone down and picked up her keys.

She smoothed the soft, blue fabric of her shirt down and gazed at herself in the mirror before she closed her eyes and went into the dark that brought exciting scents of night blooming flowers to her as she moved through the heavy air.

Strange. She’d never noticed them before.

The drive to the airport was a dream, of oncoming headlights and 148 Melissa Good street lamps, until she reached the parking lot and got out, her legs already shivering and weak.

She closed the door and leaned against it, waiting for her heart to settle. Then she straightened and went to the terminal. It was quiet inside, only a few flights still waiting to come in, and most of the shops and stands were closed.

Cecilia got herself a bottle of ice tea from the one snack shop open, found the gate, and settled into a chair right next to the window. Outside, she could see a long expanse of mostly deserted tarmac, only the occasional working truck speeding past, its lights blinking as it made its way around the landing areas.

After a minute, she got up, and went to the desk. “Excuse me.”

The clerk looked up. “Yes, ma’am?”

“Is this flight coming in on time?”

The clerk smiled. “Yes, ma’am. It’s ten minutes early, as a matter of fact.”

Ceci took in a breath, and released it. “I’m waiting for someone.

Could you possibly tell me if…if they’re on the plane?”

The clerk glanced around. “Ma’am, we’re not really supp—”

“It’s my husband.”

The terminal was almost empty. “Sure.” The clerk looked around again. “What’s his name?”

Her tongue felt numb. “Roberts.” She managed to force the sound out. “Andrew Roberts.”

A clattering of keystrokes, and the clerk scanned the monitor, the greenish reflection showing against his glasses. Then he smiled. “Yes, ma’am. He’s there. Seat 2A.”

Ceci held on to the counter, afraid she’d fall if she let go. “Thank you.” She waited a moment, then walked back to her seat, sank down into it, and leaned her head against the window. Her eyes focused on a spot nearby, where the nose of an airplane would surely soon come.

The only thing left to do now was wait.

HIS EARS POPPED. Andrew tore his eyes away from the passing clouds, outlined eerily against the running lights of the plane, and swallowed, recognizing the descent. Sure enough, a few minutes later the fasten seat belts light went on, and his breathing increased.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve begun our initial decent into the greater New Haven area. We estimate being on the ground in about fifteen minutes or so and another ten minutes for taxiing, so that puts us at the gate about ten minutes early. Please fasten your seat belts and enjoy the rest of your flight.”

Twenty-five minutes. Andrew closed his eyes and folded his arms across his chest. All these damn years, and it comes down to twenty-five damn minutes. He fastened his safety belt, and tried to take deep breaths—hard when his guts were tensing up as though he were thinking of jumping out Eye of the Storm 149

the damn plane before it landed.

He thought it would last forever, but before he realized it, the loud grinding noise of the gear being lowered sent shivers through him, and he looked outside to see the lights of the city flashing by past the plane’s long wings.

A thump, then the engines reversed, whirling up to full speed in order to slow the big plane down. Andrew stared out the window, finding the terminal lights and fastening on them.

It took minutes of a slightly bouncy motion, then the plane turned its nose towards the welcoming bays of the terminal, and selected one, where dark figures stood, guiding it in with fluorescent wands.

And then the plane stopped.

Andrew unhooked his belt, reached between his knees, and pulled the soft leather bag up and into his lap. He waited a bit for his heart to stop racing, but it didn’t, so he pushed to his feet and held onto the seat back, hoping his knees wouldn’t give way and send him sprawling over the carpet.

He went on automatic then, as the airplane door opened inward, allowing a gust of damp, musty smelling air to enter. The steward gave him a smile as he walked past, turned the corner and headed up the jetway, his heartbeat pounding so hard he couldn’t even hear the conversations around him.

He could see the terminal ahead, through the door.

Just a few steps away.


Chapter

Seventeen

CECI STOOD, AS the plane bounced to a halt and the jetway extended, cupping its end around the doorway of the craft. She pressed her hands against the window and watched the airport staff get ready, then the aircraft door opened. She could see only a small square of light there, but her eyes never left that, as first uniformed bodies passed.

Then, for a split second an outline flashed through that single square of light, and her breathing stopped.

Just that one glimpse.

Just that one second.

And she knew.

Hand over hand she moved down the line of chairs until she was near the entrance, gripping a pillar just to hold herself up as she heard footsteps approaching.

And then, he was there.

Filling the doorway. A dark blue sweatshirt draping the tall, broad shouldered body, its hood framing a scarred face whose eyes flicked over the room, then found hers.

She was lost all over again. She never remembered walking those last few steps, only that his eyes never left hers, and she only stopped when her hands touched a warm, living body that had existed only in her dreams for seven long years.

A soft gasp left her lips. “Andy.”

The gentle blue eyes searching hers teared up. “Hey there, pretty lady.”

It was too much. Her knees buckled and he caught her, and she fell into an embrace whose feel and scent overwhelmed all of her defenses.

She was so small and so light. Andrew kept his eyes closed and just savored the feel of her against him, her heartbeat thrumming against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her and let his heart come home.

At last.

He realized, unknown moments later, that they were blocking the passage, as the other passengers had to edge around them, giving them looks ranging from amusement to annoyance. Ceci had her head buried in his chest and held onto him for dear life, her body racked with sobs, so he took the short route and simply lifted her up, cradling her as he Eye of the Storm 151

walked over to a secluded area that was quiet and empty.

Then he sat down and dropped his head down until he could breathe in her scent. Her hands stroked his chest through the fabric and he pulled her closer, letting his sense of time drift away as he felt his face tense into a strange and unpracticed expression.

A smile.

KERRY WAS JUST finishing putting up some coffee in the kitchen when the phone rang. She reached over and snagged it from the worktable. “Hello?”

“Hey, Ker.”