"Don't worry; I have plenty of hours in. You're in safe hands," he said with a wink. She wasn't reassured one bit but it was too late to back out now. Maybe she could fake an illness. One look at her son's face and she knew she was going to have to get the ride over with.
"Let's go, daylight is wasting," Mark called. Trevor was on his heels as they headed out the back door and toward the helicopter pad.
Emily followed at a much more sedate pace, still dragging her feet. When they got to the helicopter and she saw it up close for the first time, her fear kicked in even greater. She might end up passing out on the ride. Of course if that happened, it would all be over much sooner.
Mark did a pre-trip on the aircraft and then said everything was ready to go. He helped Trevor inside and got him buckled. Trevor grinned hugely when Mark placed the headphones on his head and explained they could talk back and forth through the built in microphones.
"Ready?" he asked her when she was still staring in the door.
"I guess so," she answered, slowly stepping forward.
Mark placed his hands on her hips and boosted her inside. Emily felt goose bumps rise as his hands lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. When he placed her in the seat, their mouths were only a couple of inches apart.
She nearly fainted at the instant heat flaming in his eyes. He continued to stare at her for a few more moments, before handing her the headset and then shutting her door. She let out the breath she hadn't even realized she was holding and was surprised by the disappointment she was feeling he hadn't closed the gap and kissed her.
She didn't have time to feel sorry for herself though, because Mark had started the propellers and she was focused on nothing but her fear. As the helicopter started to rise straight up in the air, she was once again holding her breath. The higher up they got, the more she started sweating.
She couldn't believe she'd let them talk her into this. She was thinking about demanding to be put back on solid ground, when they shot out across the countryside.
"Wow Mark, this is the coolest thing ever," she heard her son say into the microphone.
"The first time up is the greatest but it's still pretty cool even after hundreds of times," Mark said. She saw him reach over and ruffle Trevor's hair.
"Mom's just silly. There's nothing to be scared of," Trevor said bravely.
"Careful young man, your Mom can hear us," Mark said and then looked back at her and winked. She was more horrified he'd looked away from the front window than by anything they were saying.
"Sorry Mom."
"It's okay, you're just braver than your Mom," she replied with pride.
"That's okay Mom. Guys are supposed to take care of their special women," Trevor said in all seriousness.
Emily was so proud of her son. He really was growing up fast. He was already a gentleman. She knew there wouldn't be a lady out there who would ever be good enough for him.
Emily finally realized while she'd been talking to Trevor her fear had started to dissipate and she was even looking around at the scenery below her. She was shocked to find she was starting to enjoy the thrill of being so high up and yet close enough to see all the buildings and fields.
There was no way she was going to admit to Mark she was starting to enjoy the ride though. The man was right far too often and she refused to give him yet another victory. She sat back and enjoyed looking out the window and listening to Mark and Trevor talk back and forth.
Before the ride had barely started, they were making their decent. "Is something wrong?" she asked with concern.
"We've arrived at my dad's," Mark said.
"That really was fast," she replied.
"We've been in the air about thirty minutes. I told you I was taking the scenic route," he said smugly. She glared at the back of his head. He sounded far too smug. Well he could think she enjoyed the ride but she wouldn't confirm it to him. That comforted her somewhat.
She looked over the lands as they were approaching and was once again awestruck. The house that sat centered made Mark's place look small. It seemed like a castle, with its rising towers and brick exterior. She looked around, expecting to see a moat and drawbridge. She found herself giggling at the image. Mark was most certainly a man she could imagine rescuing the princess from a tower.
When she thought of money before, she pictured her ex in-laws who weren't good in any shape or form. They used their money to lord over other people and look down on the masses. But they'd be considered poor compared to the Anderson's.
They landed smoothly, much to Emily's relief and Mark turned the chopper off. They all climbed out and headed towards the mansion. Joseph came out to greet them about half-way there.