The pieces of my puzzle.

Twenty two.

Time until takeoff: 2 days.

(Azara's POV)

I snuggled a little closer to Bradly as we lay in my bed, cuddling before we went on a lunch date at 1:00.

No we did not do what you think. I would never do that before marriage, I would never defy my faith.

Bradly was laying on his back with his one arm around me while his other ran through my hair.

We have been lying in silence for a while but I had to get my fears off my chest.

"I'm scared Brads." I said, barely above a whisper.

He shifted until he could look me in the eye. I understand why, I probably surprised him by sharing my feelings. I don't do that very often.

"Which part are you scared of?" He asked softly, referring to the mission.

How Could I answer that?

"The whole thing. I have to lead these pilots on a suicide mission just to retrieve some stupid planes. I can't even trust myself not to have a random episode in the air, how can you guys? And what if we lose someone? I will never forgive myself."

I elaborated my feelings. I cared so much for these pilots. They are family. I couldn't bear the thought of losing any of them.

Bradly signed like those thoughts have been heavy on his chest as well. "Az, all those pilots, including me, trust you with our lives. But you need to trust yourself too."

I sighed. "I know."

It was quiet for a moment. "Can you promise me something?" Bradly asked, gazing into my eyes.

I raised a brow in silent gesture for him to go on.

"Can you promise not to be like your dad? Not to take an unnecessary risk just to save us...." He trailed off at the end before continuing. "Especially me. Don't take another missile for me. You are still stuck with the consequences of that day." He lifted the bottom of my shirt slightly and traced his fingers over my abdomen where there was a prominent scar. The one I got from the seatbelt digging into me.

"I can't let you go through anything like this again because of...me." His voice cracked at the end.

I caressed his cheek with my hand. "Brads you know I'll do anything to make sure you make it back. All of you. And yeah, I still live with the consequences of that day." I placed my hand on his that was on my scar.

"But I'll do it again and again if it means you're alright. All of you are my family. I won't let anything happen to you."

A tear slipped down his cheek. "I know, but for once don't be like Mav, promise me you won't be reckless."

I sighed as a tear of my own escaped my eyes. "You know I can't do that Roo."

He inhaled sharply but when he let out the breath he promptly burst into tears. I hugged him tightly as he sobbed.

"I can't lose you Az. I can't...I.."He pleaded.

"I know Brads. I know."

***

We had laid there for a while, letting out all our emotions.

Bradly left to go get ready and now we were in a beautiful meadow, having a lovely picnic.

Bradly had surprised me. There were different colored flowers all around and a red blanket with different kinds of snacks.

We talked about everything and anything until Bradly suddenly asked me something.

"Azara." He said. Trying to get my attention since I had been looking out across the meadow.

"Mh?" I hummed in response.

He took a deep breath and took my hands in his before speaking. "Azara, will you be my girlfriend?"

My heart skipped a beat at the question and my face suddenly broke into a massive grin. "Yes Bradly, yes I'll be your girlfriend."

He smiled and leaned in to kiss me.

My heart soared at the feeling of his soft lips meeting mine. And once again this man made my day.

Even though the mission was two days away, in this perfect moment I could forget about all that and focus on being with the man of my dreams.

A/N: I'm sorry that it's short! I didn't know what to write. 😂.

Love you guys!!

~Mike.❤️❤️.