One Long Flight 💙

Wherever With You

Aisling surveyed the room, all eyes still on her. "Not here, Christopher."

He shook his head, placing his napkin on the table, "How many houses have you looked at, Aisling? That's a rhetorical question, by the way. Too many, I'm sure. I know Tara is about to exhaust her list. Don't you think that's a sign?"

Aisling scoffed, standing up from the table, "It's only been a week. I can stay at the apartment a bit longer. It's fine." She motioned toward his family, who were still focused on them, "They've already implied that I'm using you. How can you ask me to move in with you in front of them?"

Scott leaned forward, "We didn't all imply that."

A wry smile tugged at her lips as Scott leaned back in his chair, shrugging. "Thanks, Scott."

Chris rose from his chair, standing beside Aisling, "I didn't ask, Aisling. It was more of a command. I love you, and that's all that truly matters."

Aisling shook her head, "Not here, Chris. And you can't command me to do anything."

He chuckled, "Oh, I know. I'm well aware that I can't dictate your actions. I also know you're incredibly stubborn and like to do things in your own time. Even if that means you'll eventually arrive at the same conclusion. Because heaven forbid you heed someone else's opinion or advice."

Aisling was about to retort, but he raised his hand, pressing his fingers to her lips.

"No, Aisling. I'm talking, and you're listening."

She nodded, her face reddening as she felt the gaze of everyone still trained on them. Chris rarely raised his voice, except for that one time on the plane when he'd said her name to get her attention.

"I love you. I know you love me." He motioned toward his family while maintaining eye contact with her, "Their opinions don't matter, because they don't feel what we do. Do you agree?"

Aisling nodded, her heart warming at his words. "Yes," she whispered.

"Good," he smiled. "As I was saying, Aisling, I'm head over heels for you. I want to be with you. I understand your fears of not being enough or being too much, but I cherish every aspect of you. From your fiery red hair to your adorable freckled toes."

A laugh escaped Aisling's lips, and Chris smirked, his hand cupping her cheek.

"I fell in love with you the moment you stole that kiss on the plane."

She nodded, her eyes glistening with tears, "And I knew I was in love with you when I saw you standing in the rain. You held me, and for the first time, I felt that home could be a person, not just a place." Aisling entwined her fingers behind his head, his hands resting on her back. "You're right, and I'm scared. But I love you, and I want to be wherever you are. I'll move in, and we can figure everything else out later."

A bright smile spread across his face, his heart racing, "You will?"

Aisling nodded, determination in her eyes, "Of course, I will. You're right, and I'm sorry."

He teased, "What? I didn't hear you."

She laughed, "Shush." A quick, impulsive kiss followed, cut short by the realization that they weren't alone. Aisling glanced at the family still observing them, "Now, you just have to convince your family not to hate me."

Laughs echoed around the table, and Chris gestured for her to retake her seat. "We don't hate you, dear," Lisa assured. "We just wanted to ensure your intentions were genuine. Now, Chris mentioned that you were an Art History major?"

Aisling smiled, doing her best to regain her composure and wipe away the tears on her cheeks. "Yes, that's right. I attended Cambridge. I worked as an Art Curator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. But I recently got a position as an Art History professor at Harvard. That's why I was already planning on moving to Boston. I was just waiting for the official offer, which I received while I was in London."

Lisa's eyes lit up. "That's impressive."

Aisling nodded, "Thank you. So, I do have my own things going on. I want everyone to know that I'm not with Chris solely because of his celebrity status or the perks that come with it. I'm with him because of who he is." She looked at Chris, her gaze softening. "Because he glows, like the sun."

Chris chuckled, his cheeks tinged pink, and he resumed eating.

✈️

"You're still in big trouble for causing such a scene in front of your whole family, Christopher," Aisling said, her tone playful as she stood beside him, helping with the dishes.

He shook his head, a grin forming on his face, "I willingly accept any consequences that await us once we're back home."

A chuckle escaped her lips as she nodded. Placing her hand on his arm, she looked up at him, "I meant every word I said. I feel a sense of home with you."

Chris smiled, pulling her closer to him, "And I feel the same way. You were meant to be here, in my arms, Aisling."

She briefly pulled away to meet his gaze, "I've also noticed that you've given your family proper pronunciation lessons for my name."

He chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Of course. I'm planning on having you around for a very long time, and I want them to get it right."

"I love you," she said, the words flowing freely.

He responded with actions rather than words, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

Abruptly, he stopped, taking her hand, "I want to play something for you."

Aisling laughed softly, "Not here. I think we've garnered enough attention for one day, don't you?"

He let out a sigh of agreement, "You're right. We'll save it for when we're back home."

Her smile widened, "Home."

✈️

Chris led Aisling to the piano when they returned home, positioning her on the bench next to him as he sat down.

🎵 One day we'll be home
With no distance to show
And wherever we go
I know
That till death do us part
And the allignment of stars
Comprised of two hearts
I'm home
Wherever with you I'm home🎵

"I love you, Chris. Promise you'll never stop singing to me," Aisling whispered.

He chuckled, pulling her onto his lap, "Never."

She nodded, a small smile gracing her lips, "I still don't think your sisters like me."

He shrugged, his arms tightening around her, "That's a problem for another day." Urgently, he pressed his lips to hers, the passion evident. "For now, let's go to bed."