One Long Flight 💙

Don't Let Go

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Chris?" Aisling looked at him skeptically in the lounge as they waited for their flight back to New York. Chris had insisted they take the same flight together, anticipating potential media attention due to their public relationship.

He smiled reassuringly at her. "Yes, love. Everyone knows we're together. There might be some buzz and paparazzi when we land in New York, but it'll be fine. I wanted to spend as much time with you as possible before I head to Boston."

Aisling sighed, nodding in agreement. "I'm going to miss you. But don't worry, I'll be in Boston next week to look at places with Tara. I've already arranged things with work."

Chris nodded, his hand gently squeezing her thigh. "That's great, and I'm okay with you sending your stuff to my place, by the way."

Aisling hesitated, watching him open his carry-on bag. "I'll think about it."

He pulled out a pair of AirPods and handed them to her. "For you."

"Chris! Thank you!" She grinned in surprise.

He then retrieved a neck pillow and offered it to her, earning a laugh. "Are you trying to get me to leave you alone during the flight?"

Chris chuckled. "Not at all. Just trying to make the flight more comfortable for you. And, well..." He reached back into his bag before handing her Malteesers and orange Jaffa Cakes.

Aisling playfully raised an eyebrow. "You've been talking to my parents, haven't you?"

Chris shrugged with a smile. "Maybe. I wanted to know your favorite treats from home."

She beamed. "It's amazing. Thank you, Chris." Aisling leaned in, drawing his lips to hers for a passionate kiss that elicited a soft moan before she had to reluctantly pull away. "I'm really going to miss you."

He nodded, their foreheads resting against each other. "Me too. Maybe I can come to New York and help you."

Aisling groaned playfully. "No need, Chris. It's just one week. But thanks for the gifts."

Chris laughed again. "I promise, it's not about getting you to leave me alone. If you want to talk for the entire 7-hour flight like last time, I'm all ears."

Aisling smiled warmly. "You're too great."

He shrugged modestly. "I think you're pretty great too." Standing up as the boarding announcement was made, he extended his hand to her. "Shall we?"

She sighed, gathering her belongings and following him onto the plane. Aisling settled into her window seat while Chris took the one next to her. "Thank you for arranging for us to sit together."

Chris smiled as he sat down. "Thanks for waiting for me in London so we could return together."

Aisling nodded. "Of course. I've missed London anyway." She grasped his hand tightly as the plane started its ascent. Curiosity got the best of her. "So, you've been chatting with my parents, huh? What else have you talked about?"

He chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "That's a secret between us."

Aisling groaned playfully. "I hate feeling left out."

He leaned toward her, his tone softening. "It's nothing too secretive, love. I just wanted to make sure I got you some UK treats you'd like for when you're in Boston with me. I want you to feel at home there."

She nodded gratefully. Looking into his eyes, she couldn't help but express her feelings. "I really appreciate that. But Chris, I still haven't met your family. What if they don't like me?"

He laughed warmly, cupping her cheek gently. "They'll love you. Trust me. Think about it, okay?"

Aisling nodded, a promise in her eyes. "I will. I promise. But I'm still going to check out places with Tara."

Chris sighed, nodding in understanding. "Of course, take your time. And by the way, I made you a playlist." He handed her his iPod with a smile.

Her face lit up with surprise. "You did?" Plugging in the earbuds, she hit play, letting the music fill the space between them.

🎵 I knew I loved you then
But you'd never know
'Cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go
I know I needed you
But I never showed
But I wanna stay with you until we're grey and old
Just say you won't let go
Just say you won't let go 🎵

He chuckled as she removed an earbud, repeating the line, "I held your hair back while you were throwing up."

He smiled, nodding. "Say you won't let go, Aisling."

She shook her head and rested her head on his shoulder, putting the earbud back in. "Never."

He sighed contentedly, intertwining his fingers with hers and resting his head on top of hers. After a few minutes, he chuckled softly as he heard her gentle snoring, realizing she had fallen asleep. "I knew I loved you then, but you'd never know."

✈️

Chris gently nudged Aisling, realizing that they were nearing New York. "Love."

Aisling stirred, looking at him with a slightly confused expression. "Did I fall asleep?"

He chuckled softly, nodding. "You slept through the entire flight, love."

"What? I haven't been able to sleep on a plane since I was a kid."

He shrugged playfully. "Well, you managed it this time. Just relax, we're about to land." He observed her slightly disoriented state as she handed him back his iPod. He shook his head, offering it back to her. "You can hold onto it for now. Return it when you come to Boston."

She nodded, securing the iPod in her purse. Looking at him, she leaned closer. "Chris?"

Meeting her gaze, he replied, "Yeah, love?"

Her hand gently cupped his cheek, and she spoke softly, "I think I love you."

His heart raced at her words, though he had already arrived at that conclusion himself. "I know I love you," he admitted, his voice steady and warm. His fingers brushed the back of her neck, drawing her lips to his in a tender kiss. Then, resting his forehead against hers, he repeated his confession, "I know I love you, Aisling." He watched her eyes well up with tears, his thumb brushing them away. "Hey, no tears."

She shook her head, her voice soft and sincere. "No, it's just happiness. I love you."