Free Flight to Paradise (Flight Trilogy, Book 1) by Mike Coe Page B

tiny ships and would be gone for years at the time. They took chances few men would take today.”
    “Why do you think they were willing to do that?” she asked.
    “I don’t know. I guess it was the promise of a better life, or maybe just the thrill of an exciting adventure. One thing is for sure, they weren’t afraid to pursue what they believed in—regardless of the risk.”
    “I guess if you want something badly enough, it’s worth the risk,” she said.
    Her words struck home in Ryan’s heart. Logically, he knew it would be best if he did wait a year or so to get better established before committing to the responsibilities of being a husband. But like J.R., he felt the risk was worth taking.
    He put his arm around her and walked over to the edge of the lookout. Pointing across the water, he said. “You see the Del, over there?”
    “Yeah. The red roof makes it easy to spot. It’s my favorite place in all of San Diego.”
    “Tonight, that’s where I’m taking you to celebrate our six-month anniversary. The same place where we first met.”
    “Really?” She turned and hugged him. “That sounds wonderful! I can’t wait!” She reached up and kissed him. “You are so romantic.” She kissed him again, then snuggled up close to his side. “I can’t wait. It should be absolutely beautiful with all the Christmas decorations.”
    “We’re going to have the most romantic dinner ever. As long as I live, I will never forget how I felt that day. Tonight is the perfect night to celebrate,” he said.
    Noticing she was chilled, he turned her around, put her back up against his chest, and wrapped his arms around her. Her body was warm and soft. They faced toward the ocean, watching the sky begin its evening performance of colors.
    He hoped the three illustrations would settle into the fertile fabric of her emotions: the brevity of life and the urgency to embrace the present; the importance of relationships over places and things; and when faced with the unknown, willing to embrace the driving power of adventure and discovery.
    Down the cliff toward the water, he noticed four people standing on one of the lower viewing spots overlooking the entrance to the harbor. He watched as they took turns casting their arm up in the air releasing a fistful of white chalky dust which quickly dispersed into the breeze. He surmised the chalky dust to be the cremated remains of a loved one.
    The contrast was sobering. A life from the past was slipping through the fingers of loved ones while he held tight to the love of his future. It was a grim reminder of the pain he would feel if Emily chose not to set sail on the next big adventure of his life.
    Her shivers had stopped. The brilliant orange sky transitioned into a deep purple. She said, “I always dreamed of meeting a man like you. I don’t deserve you.”
    “I just don’t want to lose you, ever,” he said, pulling her close.
    The sun slipped below the horizon. One-by-one, the few remaining on-lookers slowly left the lookout to escape the chill and imminent darkness. Soon, they were alone. The city lights twinkled in the growing darkness. She turned and cuddled-up against him, sliding her arms tightly around his waist.
    “Don’t you worry. I’m never letting you out of my sight.” She gazed up at him for a minute and then kissed him, long and slow with passion. Her hands firmly grasped the cheeks of his buttocks pulling him tightly up against her. The kiss would have been enough, but the added encouragement of her hands aroused him.
    “Excuse me, sir,” said a man.
    Ryan opened his eyes and looked toward the strange voice, while Emily continued kissing with no regard for the sound that had abruptly interrupted the silence. Ten-feet away stood the tall silhouette of a man. A sudden flash of light passed across Ryan’s eyes. The tall man stood stiff, much like the statue of J.R., but in a unique green uniform and “Smoky Bear”-style hat.
    “The park is closed,”