As they walked toward the first-class lounge, another airline employee, a woman in a sharp manager's uniform, stopped to greet them.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Chandler. Everything is ready for your departure."
Erin's steps faltered. She tugged on Harmon's sleeve. "Why does everyone keep calling you that? 'Mr. Chandler.' It sounds like you're the CEO or something."
He stopped, turning to face her. His expression was patient, his eyes warm. He had been waiting for this question.
"In a way, I am a boss," he said smoothly. "Just the boss of the pilots."
He launched into a well-rehearsed explanation. "I'm not just a line captain. I'm also the General Manager of Flight Operations for AeroLux. It's a desk job, mostly, but I keep my flight hours up to stay current. So, the management and ground staff call me 'Mr.', but the flight crews call me 'Captain'."
It made perfect sense. It was logical, reasonable, and explained everything. It also painted him as even more impressive. A man who could fly a plane and manage an entire department. Her last shred of suspicion vanished, replaced by a swelling sense of pride.
He led her into the AeroLux private VIP lounge, a sanctuary of hushed luxury that was completely empty. The opulence of the room-the plush velvet chairs, the original art on the walls-made her feel a little uneasy. This seemed a bit much for a "department manager."
As if reading her mind, Harmon reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out a slim, black cardholder. From it, he produced a heavy, black metal card. He pressed it into her hand.
"This is an AeroLux Centurion card," he explained. "It's for senior executives and our most important clients." He closed her fingers around it. "And now, for my wife."
His voice was soft, laced with a sincerity that made her heart ache. "I want you to have the best of everything, Erin. Wherever you are in the world, this will get you into any of our lounges, get you any assistance you need."
She looked down at the card, its weight a tangible symbol of his care. She saw it not as a key to a world of unimaginable wealth, but as the ultimate perk of her husband's important job. A sweet, romantic gesture.
She didn't know it was the founder's card, one of only two in existence, with unlimited access and authority.
"Thank you, Harmon," she said, her voice thick with emotion.
He took her hand, his thumb stroking the back of it. "We're married, Erin."
The simple words were a promise.
They sat by the large window, watching planes take off and land. A server brought them champagne and a platter of delicate pastries. Erin leaned her head on Harmon's shoulder, a feeling of peace and belonging settling over her for the first time since she'd met him. This wasn't just a business trip anymore. It felt like the beginning of a honeymoon.
Harmon's body tensed for a second at her touch, then relaxed, his arm coming around her to hold her close. He breathed in the faint, floral scent of her hair, and a decade of carefully controlled longing threatened to break through his composure.
Not yet, he told himself. Patience.
A soft chime announced their flight was boarding.
Harmon stood. "I need to go do my pre-flight checks. A gate agent will come get you for priority boarding."
He leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.
She watched him walk away, his back straight and proud in the uniform, and her heart soared with him.
