Kristi had seen her fair share of sweethearts at thirty thousand feet, but this couple in business class felt different. The man, polished in a tailored suit, was utterly absorbed in the radiant woman beside him. He whispered in her ear, made her laugh with ease, and then, as the sun dipped into gold through the cabin windows, he opened a velvet box with a flourish. The necklace inside sparkled like a promise, its stones catching the light and dancing across the aisle.

Kristi paused mid-service, caught in their moment. “May I, my gorgeous Isabella?” the man asked, his voice warm and reverent. The woman—Isabella—blushed, lifting her hair as he fastened the necklace around her neck with practiced tenderness.

Isabella turned to Kristi, smiling. “That lipstick’s a lovely shade.”

Caught off guard, Kristi touched her lips, flustered. “Oh, um, thank you.”

The man grinned, tipping her generously. “Thank you for making this flight special.”

She offered her best professional smile and moved on, but the memory lingered like perfume in the air.

The next day was supposed to be peaceful—her one day off. Kristi had promised her mother a visit. Continues…