*Lucas*
The engines roar as we ascend, and I feel the tension in the air thicken. Ashley is sitting next to Alexander, her face a mask of concern, and I can’t blame her. This isn’t how I wanted things to go down. I’m still trying to get my emotions and temper under control. I need to focus on the moment, not the whirlwind of feelings that threaten to pull me under.
As I glance over at Alexander, with his bright eyes and innocent smile, something in me softens. He’s just a kid… my kid… and he doesn’t deserve any of this chaos. I reach into my bag and pull out the iPad I brought along to do some light work on. “Hey, buddy,” I say, trying to keep my voice light. “This is for you.”
His eyes widen as I hand it to him, and a grin spreads across his face. “Really?” he asks, his excitement bubb
