Swimming With Sophie

IF THIS DOESN'T WORK...

Luc

My stomach is rolling and it's not just because the chopper is banking left. And right. And left again. Okay, so maybe that's part of the reason. But mostly its because I can't get a good read on Sophie.

Is this even working? I guess I got her here. She did get in the limo, she did walk towards me as I stood in front of the chopper, although Lacey had to drag her out of the limo and halfway down the tarmac. She did let me take her hand. But at that point Lacey and Travis had gotten all tangled up in each other and we were dead to them. Sophie had no choice but to grab on for dear life. I could tell she was overthinking everything.

That needs to stop.

So here we are, on a chopper that I paid full price for, plus a bonus for the last minute booking. And I have no idea if Sophie is even interested in what I have to say. She's leaning away from me snapping pics of the impending sunrise. The two of us are silent even though Captain Bob gave us noise-reducing headphones with built in microphones so we could communicate over the noise.

But she did get in, so I'm thinking that I have a chance.

"Oh, wow!" Sophie's voice comes through the headphones causing my head to jerk over in her direction. It's the first actual words she's spoken to me since yesterday morning.

"What?" I lean into her and ask.

"Look, the sunrise is just glowing." Her voice, even in the headphones, is reverent. I'm so glad this is getting her mind off of her fears and wrapped around something else.

The two of us spend the rest of the short flight observing the horizon and watching as the colors morph from dark to golden. It really is like liquid gold being painted across the sky.

I lean close, even though my voice will be projected by the microphone, and whisper-shout to her, "Our darkness has melted away. Are you ready for what comes next?"

Sophie shudders as I speak, but then she rests her head on my shoulder and I know. It's all going to work out.

"Bring it on, baby," she says while still watching the horizon.

I take her hand. It's a simple move, but when she tightens her grip around my fingers, I squeeze back. I think it's the best thing I've ever felt, her hand in mine. It's a sign.

Captain Bob changes directions, now heading to the designated spot. We've seen the sun rise. Our darkness is gone, but now we need to take that leap of faith.

Sophie says nothing else as we travel the last few minutes to the landing area. Her hand is still wrapped in mine hold tightly. Bob starts to set the chopper down on a circular clearing at the top of a hill. Sophie looks over at me.

"Um...Luc?" That's all she says but her concern is written all over her face.

"Don't worry. It's a short hike to the spot I have in mind." Sophie is not super outdoorsy. She's got less interest in being outside than Lacey does. Although Lacey has made a huge effort for Travis' sake. I've never pushed Sophie to be more active. That's my thing, not hers. But I think the symbolism for today is more important that either of our lifestyle preferences are.

"I'm not dressed for anything too challenging." She protests.

"Nah, no worries. There's an easy trail to the perfect lookout. I've got you, okay?" I pull her close once again, wrapping my arms around her shoulders. I feel her nod and the relief at that trust she's put in me is almost tangible.

"Good. Let's go." I climb out of the chopper and turn to help Sophie down. We wave to Bob, who gives us a thumbs up, as we clear the landing zone. As soon as Sophie and I are in a safe spot, he takes off.

"Where's he going?" Sophie panics a bit.

"He was just dropping us off. We have a different kind of ride back." I give her a wink but notice her tension. "Please trust me Sophie. We need this. I promise everything will be fine and you'll be back in luxury before lunch."

"Lunch? I haven't even had breakfast yet." Sophie laughs a little, thank heavens.

I reach into my pocket and pull out a chocolate chip power bar, her favorite. She takes it greedily and then we set off on the trail to the most important destination of our relationship.

Dang, I hope this works. If not, I have no other plan. All of my hopes are laid out on this one idea. The two of us keep putting one foot in front of the other on the little winding trail bordered by tropical greens and bright flowers.

"Luc," Sophie says as we reach the peak, "this is beautiful." We stand at the top of a waterfall, looking down onto a crisp blue pool of water. The lush vegetation surrounds the spot making it feel like a secret we've stumbled upon.

It's the moment of truth. Either Sophie let's go of her fears about our future and sees me holding my heart out to her, needing like hell for her to trust us. Or she stomps on my heart and leaves me bleeding, ruined for finding love ever again. Sophie is it for me, end game.

When I turn her to face me, it's me who's more nervous now. I'm the one freaking out. And it's Sophie who puts her arms around me, pulling me close. It's Sophie who holds me in comfort, silently telling me that she's all in.

We've got this.

^^^^^

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