Always For Keeps ( For Keeps part 2)

Thirty one. Scarlett

Morning comes too soon. I dread the plane ride today, but not as much as I dread leaving Luke here.
"I'll see you soon, beautiful." He says wiping a stubborn tear off my cheek.
"See you soon." I say and kiss him softly.
He carries my bags to the car, where Brady is putting his things in Mandy's car.
"Good morning." I say to Mandy and she actually smiles.
"Good morning." She comes over and hugs me quickly. "Sorry, I just appreciate you." She blushes.
"No need to be sorry. I'm happy we can all get along."
"Most of us." She rolls her eyes. "Can you tell Hulk here that I'm fully capable of driving."
"Listen Barbie, the last thing I need is for you to go into labor while you drive, killing us all. Then Luke would bring me back from the dead and kill me all over again. It's not happening." Brady says annoyed and I can't help but laugh.
"At least let me pick the music." She pouts.
"Fine." He shakes his head.
"It's good for you." I pat Brady on the shoulder and smile.
"You owe me. I'm going to need counseling after this trip." He teases.
"I need to pee before we leave." Mandy says.
"You literally just went." Brady calls.
"I have a tiny human utilizing my bladder as a trampoline." She says and I laugh.
"This is your fault." Brady says to Luke.
"Yeah... sorry man. I'm blaming Scarlett." He holds up his hands.
"Because I climbed on top of her and knocked her up." I tease. All three guys zone out momentarily. "Oh no. Coop! Brady! Stop pulling a Luke!" I stomp to the car.
"Baby." Cooper laughs as he grabs me. "We are animals. I'm sorry."
"Whatever." I say and roll my eyes.
"You did paint a pretty descriptive picture." Luke says at my side.
"My bad." I laugh.
"I'm going to miss you." Luke frowns.
"I'll miss you." I tell him.
"Make sure you call me. Text me. Snap me."
"I will." I say and kiss him.

We all say our goodbyes shortly after. As Cooper and I head towards the airport, I watch Mandy and Brady head in the opposite direction. Luke stands and waves until we are out of view. My heart aches in my chest, but I know he will be with me again soon so I push the uneasiness away and focus on the river as we pass by.
When we get to the airport I turn and look over the city. I breathe in the fresh air and close my eyes. I smile to myself as I say goodbye to this town.

After Cooper and I are high above the world, I unbuckle and move closer to him.
"You okay?" He asks.
"Yes." I smile.
"Good." He says and kisses me.
As his lips meld into mine, I can't help but feel every negative feeling melt away.
He has such a calming effect on my system; the calm to my own storm.
I feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest as his hand snakes around my neck.
Minutes pass until he pulls back. His wild eyes search mine.
"Better?" He smirks.
"How do you do that?" I ask as I shake my head.
"I know you better than you know yourself sometimes." He kisses my nose.
"Always. You always know what I need." I smile and curl my body more into his. He wraps his arm around me and I can't help but smile as I feel safe.
"Long flights have always made you think more." He says quietly. "I don't want you to get lost in your own mind." I turn towards him. "If you need any help to distract you, I'm here."
"Thank you." My eyes flick to the small bedroom I know all too well. "I'm going to take you up on that." I say and he grins.
"I was hoping you'd say that." He says but the flight attendant comes over with two mimosas.
"Drinks?" She smiles.
"Thank you, Margo." He says taking the drinks. She smiles sweetly at us before returning to the front.
"She's new." I eye him skeptically.
"I have never slept with her if that's what you're asking. She's Helen's niece."
"She's pretty." I say.
"I guess. But you're more her type than me." He smirks.
"Oh." I say and I feel my cheeks flush.
"You're all I see." He says in my ear.
"Okay." I say as he trails feather light kisses down my neck.
"Finish your drink." He smiles against my neck. I down the entire drink and stand quickly.
"Hurry." I tease as I kick off my shoes and walk slowly to the room. He smiles as he stands and follows me.