My husband, Tyler, has been a commercial pilot for almost nine years, but our 7-year-old son, Mason, had never actually been a passenger on a plane his dad was flying.

 

Tyler had told meApparently, he had been lying.

 

“There were times when I thought I had everything figured out,” Tyler continued. “A good career, a beautiful home, a family. But sometimes, life brings someone into your world who changes everything.”

 

Mason squeezed my hand.

 

“Mom, who’s Vanessa?”

 

I swallowed hard.

 

“I’m not sure, sweetheart.”

 

It was the first lie I had ever told my son that I desperately wished were true.

 

A few passengers began applauding. Someone near the front let out an excited laugh, as though they wereThen Tyler said the words that made my stomach turn.

 

“Vanessa, if you’re listening, I want you to know that I’m done hiding how I feel about you. When we land, I want to begin the rest of my life with you.”

 

The applause grew louder.

 

Mason stopped smiling.

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