His Flight Plan by Yvette Hines

something that made sense. “I was just saying that your daughter favors your wife.”
    Mr. Branson chuckled. “Only in looks. She is all me inside. Now my son…” The older man shook his head. “On another note. When will you all be back in town?”
    “About three weeks to a month.” Vance confirmed.
    “Good, good. That’s perfect. My daughter, Kiera, owns a community center for youth. She’s allowing me to put together a fundraiser benefit. It is important to her that most of the people who come and contribute are local business owners. I’d love to add the three of you to that list of attendees. It would be a perfect place for you to connect with some of the people in the city.”
    Drake nodded. Not because he particularly wanted to attend, but out of courtesy as he tried to figure out a way for them to get out of going.
    “Drake and I would love to come. We’ll be there.” Vance was smiling and offering another round of handshakes.
    Staring at his brother, shocked that Vance would volunteer them for something without consulting with him first. Shit .
    “Great. And you, Mrs. Rucker?” Branson asked Tasha.
    “Sorry. I will be back in Michigan now that all the legal part of my cousins’ business is settled.”
    “Understandable.”
    Drake would have preferred to be in Michigan with Tasha.
    Branson placed a hand on Drake’s shoulder. “I’m looking forward to you two meeting my daughter.”
    Why’s he staring at me? A sick feeling began to expand in Drake’s stomach. What would this man think about signing on with the Harrisburg Airport if he knew about me and Kiera?
    Rich business tycoons always preferred their children marry well. What did Kiera say, that her brother was engaged to some CEO’s daughter, leaping up the corporate ladder following the “I Do’s”? Drake doubted that Branson would accept his daughter in a serious relationship with a blue-collar man.
    Even if the Rhine’s owned a small airstrip, Drake was still just an airplane mechanic.
    “Yes, sir.” Drake responded. His words felt wooden and hollow as he walked out of the office after his cousin and brother.
    A distant part of his brain noted that they collected their contract copies from the secretary out front of Branson’s office, but Drake focused on that very little, just as he did the ride down in the elevator to the garage floor.
    “What’s up with you, Drake?” Vance stood beside the car they had all ridden from the hotel in.
    Snapping out of his fog for a moment, Drake looked at Vance, who was opening the front passenger door for their cousin. “Nothing.”
    “I would think you would be all smiles about our business, but instead you’ve had deep creases above your nose since we got into the elevator. What gives?”
    “I’m just processing everything. Nothing to worry about.” He forced a smile.
    Vance arched an eyebrow, not looking convinced. “It’s too late to have second thoughts.”
    “Not having second thoughts.” He exhaled. Going into business with his brother didn’t concern him at all. It was the only bright spot in his mind right now. “I’m good. Look, I want to take a walk through the city for a little while. Some things I saw in the dark I want to get another look at.”
    “You want us to go with you?” Tasha peered out from her seat.
    “With those heels?” He pointed at her feet. “Hell no. I may have to carry you back.”
    “Vance would help.” Tasha poked his brother in the side.
    “The hell if Vance will.” Vance chuckled.
    All was back to normal between them. It was exactly what Drake was aiming for. He didn’t need the added stress of his brother’s questions.
    “I’ll find my way back to the hotel before late check out.” Drake walked backward toward the elevator that would take him up to the lobby/street level.
    His brother waved him off and got into the vehicle.
    Alone finally, Drake laid his head back against the wall of the elevator car. At that moment his emotions