Chapter 21

~Monday September 22, 2025~

Steven had been to several different airports in his life. He was familiar with the usual chaos: long security lines, overpriced burnt coffee, some people arguing in suits while others slept across seats in their pajamas. Airports were loud, crowded, and irritating. Then Steven arrived at one that was completely different.

The private gate opened, allowing the car Steven ordered to enter. He found himself staring at a building with big glass windows that looked more like a luxury hotel than an airport terminal. There were no crowds, no suitcases weaving through traffic, no anxiety-provoking rushing. Just soft lighting, expensive cars, and perfect organization.

The door opened the moment the car stopped, a uniformed attendant gesturing for Steven to exit. “Good evening, Mister Martucci. Welcome.”

Steven blinked. “Uh, thanks.”

Another attendant was getting Steven’s luggage from the trunk while he left his driver a tip on the app. Inside, the terminal was quiet and clean in a way airports never were. Soft leather seating, expensive fixtures, a small bar near the far wall. No announcements blaring overhead, no big signs for coffee, cheap souvenirs, or greasy food.

Megan fit in perfectly. The tall heiress stood near the lounge with Carter at her side. She was dressed in cream slacks and a dark green blouse, her raven hair in a single long braid down her back. Her pose exuded confidence and confidence as she spoke with an employee, likely confirming something that had already been confirmed twice.

Carter spotted him first. “Steven!”

The energetic six-year-old broke away from his mother and ran across the polished floor at full speed, a stuffed velociraptor tucked under one arm. Steven barely had time to crouch before Carter collided with him, nearly knocking them both over.

“Hey, buddy,” Steven laughed as he caught him. “You ready for Fiji?”

Carter pulled back with a serious look. “I think so. I hope Henrietta will be okay. Beatrice promised to look after him.”

“I’m sure she’ll take good care of her,” Steven replied. “Henrietta isn’t alone in her tank, either. She’s got friends to keep her company.”

“That’s true,” Carter agreed with a sigh. He then held up his velociraptor and immediately changed topics. “I packed three dinosaurs. Mom said I only needed one, but that felt unfair.”

Steven nodded solemnly. “That does feel like a flawed system; one would be lonely.”

“I knew you’d get it!” Carter grinned gleefully as Megan approached, already smiling.

“I said one dinosaur for the plane,” she corrected. “You don’t need three in the plane bedroom.”

“You said bedroom,” the six-year-old shrugged. “This is still the airport.”

“He’s got a point,” Steven smirked.

“Please don’t encourage him,” Megan sighed. “The other two will be fine in the suitcase until we get to Fiji.”

“Already looking for legal loopholes?” a male voice called out. “Looks like we’ve got a future lawyer on our hands.”

Isaac Zimmerman looked exactly like a man whose family had law firms across the globe should: tall, polished, expensive. His brown hair was neatly styled, he wore a tailored navy jacket, and had on a wristwatch that probably cost more than Megan’s first car.

Beside him was Penelope Miller, looking almost as intimidating as Megan herself. The tall blonde was wearing cream slacks and a dark blue blouse. Her hair was in the same braid as Megan’s. It was obvious the two had not only coordinated braids, but outfits.

“Don’t start,” Nell rolled her eyes. “Carter’s already impossible; he doesn’t need a law degree.”

Steven and Isaac shared a handshake while Nell and Megan exchanged air kisses. Penelope then drew Steven into a tight hug as Isaac awkwardly offered Megan a handshake of her own. Dropping to a crouch, Nell mussed up Carter’s hair before kissing the top of his head.

“Did you save room in your bag for seashells?” Nell asked.

Carter took a moment to consider the question. “No, but I can throw away socks.”

“Problem solving,” Isaac nodded approvingly.

“With how bad the used ones will smell, it might actually be a good idea,” Steven mused.

Megan pinched the bridge of her nose. “I’m surrounded by enablers.”

“And yet you keep inviting me places,” Steven said with a smile.

“Careful. That could change,” Megan teased.

The lounge doors opened again, the atmosphere shifting as Megan straightened slightly. An airport employee crossed the room; from the way he was dressed, he may have even been the manager. He looked flustered as he approached Megan with an expression that implied he had news he didn’t want to deliver.

“Miss Bauer,” he said quietly, “your father landed safely in Fiji about an hour ago. He says he expects you to join him for dinner Wednesday evening after everyone settles in.”

“Of course,” Megan said, her shoulders tightening slightly. “Thank you.”

Steven watched Megan closely, realizing she was likely annoyed by the summons. No mention of Theodore telling them to have a nice flight, no greeting. He just expected a formal dinner. It felt like Megan was a colleague of his, rather than his daughter. The man nodded in response to Megan’s words before disappearing efficiently.

After a moment of awkward silence, Carter tugged on Steven’s sleeve. “Do you think Fiji has sharks?”

“Oh, they definitely do,” Steven replied immediately. “I did some research on fun things to do in the area. Shark diving is really popular.”

“Cool!” Carter exclaimed turning toward his mother. “Mom-”

“You are not diving with sharks,” Megan responded instantly.

“Aww,” Carter pouted as another staff member approached.

“Miss Bauer, we’re ready for boarding,” she stated calmly.

The evening air was cooler than Steven expected as they stepped through the gate. The aircraft waited under runway lights; sleek and white, it was far too elegant to simply be described as a plane. Instead of transportation, it looked like a luxurious flying hotel important people used.

“That’s...” Steven trailed off. “That’s impressive.”

“You should see Theodore’s,” Nell giggled, stepping beside him.

“Grandpa’s plane is boring!” Carter interjected. “It’s all business seats. There’s nothing fun.”

Steven looked at Nell. “How many planes do the Bauers have?”

“They belong to Bauer International Holdings,” Megan said, holding Carter’s hand as they boarded. “We just have a few for executives to use.”

“Oh, just a few? Okay,” Steven scoffed as Carter slipped free of Megan and ran toward the plane.

“Slow down!” Megan called.

“I am slow!” Carter shouted back. He was not.

The inside of the jet was even more impressive. Soft lighting, leather seats, polished wood; enough luxury to make the private terminal look casual. Four large, comfortable-looking chairs surrounded a low table. There was also a dining area and another lounge space with a couch facing a large entertainment setup. Carter was beneath the television, looking at the gaming systems.

“Welcome aboard, Miss Bauer,” a flight attendant said. “Can I get anyone something before departure?”

“Water for me,” Megan said. “Thank you.”

“Make that two,” Steven smiled politely.

“You two are boring,” Nell teased before addressing the flight attendant. “A glass of white wine, please.”

“Whiskey, please,” Isaac requested.

“Carter, would you like a drink?” Megan called out.

“Apple juice!” Carter yelled while climbing up on the couch.

“Manners, young man,” Megan admonished gently.

“Apple juice, please,” Carter corrected himself, kneeling on the couch and smiling at the flight attendant.

“Coming right up,” the young woman smiled and headed off to fulfill the orders.

Carter was still exploring and soon pointed toward the rear of the cabin. “Is that my room?”

Megan walked over, placing a hand on his shoulder. “That is where you’re going to sleep, yes.”

“Cool!” Carter grinned.

Steven took one of the big chairs near the front while Megan disappeared with Carter to inspect what he had declared his sky bedroom. Isaac and Nell took the sofa further back, already deep in conversation. Nell had sat down on the opposite side of the couch, but Isaac immediately moved closer and placed his hand on her knee. The drinks soon arrived, and Steven gratefully took a sip of the refreshing ice water.

Megan returned a few minutes later, carrying a small sneaker and looking exhausted. “His carry-on has a dinosaur, a few pieces of his train set, three whoopee cushions, and a shoe.”

“Rookie mistake, Megs,” Nell shook her head. “You’ve gotta check.”

“I did!” Megan grumbled. “I checked his suitcase and his carry-on. I have no idea when he switched things.”

“He beat you on this one, Megan,” Steven smirked.

She laughed softly, dropping into the seat across from Steven, one leg crossing over the other. Megan took a sip of her own water, making a face that suggested she was regretting her choice to skip on the alcohol. Steven marveled at how the powerful woman could seem unstoppable in the office, yet looked so tired and normal in the luxurious jet.

Megan looked like a tired mother just trying to get through an overnight flight with a six-year-old. Steven liked the human version of her best. She had let her guard down and showed herself to be a human being like everyone else. The real person was who Steven was falling for, not the heiress who could control a board room with little more than a stern expression.

The engines roared to live, low and powerful.

Carter reappeared immediately with a stuffed triceratops. “Are we flying now?”

“Almost,” Megan smiled. “We’ll have to sit down for takeoff.”

“Can I sit by the window?” Carter requested.

“Yes,” she nodded, placing a hand at his back.

Steven sat with Megan and Carter at the small table while Nell and Isaac used the seat belts on the couch. Carter had his face plastered against the window as the plane began to head toward the runway. Steven settled back into the leather seat, amazed by what was happening. Fiji. A wedding. A week with Megan. A week with some of the wealthiest people in the world.

The plane surged forward, causing Carter to sit up straight. “This is the good part!”

“Indoor voice,” Megan reminded him as the plane picked up speed.

“We’re outside!” Carter argued as they all felt the plane take off. He squealed when he felt the plane gaining altitude. “Yes!”

“I don’t think we’re outside, bud,” Steven chuckled while looking out his own window.

Carter continued watching as the plane kept climbing. “Clouds!”

“They’re pretty, aren’t they?” Nell called out from the couch.

“Yes!” Carter nodded rapidly. “Hey, Steven? You and Aunt Nell like birds, right?”

“We do,” Steven readily agreed. “I’m hoping to get some good pictures in Fiji.”

“Do you think the birds get mad we’re in their road?” the six-year-old questioned.

“I think we’re a little too high up for birds,” Steven answered patiently.

Dinner trays eventually arrived; a meal far better than anything Steven had ever been given on a normal flight. It was delicious, with Steven savoring every bite while the five of them talked about their plans. Steven and Nell discussed making time for bird watching, with Isaac inviting himself along. Likely for the sole purpose of flirting with Nell.

Despite the late hour, Carter was still full of energy. He happily gave Steven a tour of the plane, pointing out everything and discussing previous trips. Megan let Carter have some extra time but eventually insisted it was time for bed while he stood in the lounge with Steven. The six-year-old was holding two stuffed dinosaurs while negotiating travel rights.

“This one stays with me,” Carter insisted, holding up the triceratops. “He gets nervous.”

“Reasonable,” Steven replied.

“And this one guards the bed,” Carter held out the velociraptor.

“An important job,” Steven nodded seriously. “Didn’t you say you brought three?”

Carter froze. Slowly and dramatically, he looked at his mother, then at Nell, then finally at Steven. There was only one possible answer.

“He’s missing?” Steven asked.

“Uh-oh,” Carter said.

For the next ten minutes, the entire cabin was subjected to an emergency search for a stuffed stegosaurus that was apparently vital to sleep security. Penelope found it inside Carter’s backpack next to a few fruit snacks, a single sock, and Carter’s fart blaster. She brought out the stuffed animal and the plastic noisemaker.

“Recovered,” Nell announced, handing Carter the stegosaurus.

“He was hiding,” Carter nodded, grabbing the third dinosaur.

“What is that?” Steven asked, gesturing toward the fart blaster.

“The fart blaster I bought him,” Nell grinned, aiming it at Steven and pressing one of the buttons.

“Isn’t that ... useful?” Steven questioned.

“Looks fun to me!” Isaac spoke up with a laugh.

“Each sound makes a different sounding fart!” Carter grinned happily.

“Yup!” Nell agreed, pressing another button. “Oh, that was a wet one.”

“Thank you for that gift, Aunt Nell,” Megan sighed as everyone but her laughed. “Okay. Pajamas. Teeth. Bed.”

“I’m not tired!” Carter whined.

“You’re yawning,” Megan pointed out as she crossed her arms.

“That’s just how I’m talking,” Carter argued, stifling another yawn while Steven failed to hide a laugh.

Megan pointed at Steven. “Not helping.”

“I’m providing emotional support,” Steven shrugged.

“No, you’re not,” Megan rolled her eyes, offering Carter her hand. “C’mon, let’s go. The sooner you’re in bed, the sooner you can get up and hang out with Steven.”

“Okay,” Carter sighed reluctantly, taking his mother’s hand.

Steven sat back down with Nell and Isaac, gratefully accepting the drink the flight attendant placed beside him. He could hear Megan negotiating with a child who believed sleep was the worst thing in the world. There was something immensely amusing about the CEO negotiating bedtime with a six-year-old on a private jet.

“When did Carter get so interested in dinosaurs?” Steven asked.

“When he found out Steven used to play with them as a kid,” Nell smirked, peering at him over the rim of her wineglass.

“Her son likes you; you’re in, man,” Isaac smiled reassuringly.

“He’s got a point,” Nell agreed, kicking off her shoes and tucking a leg beneath herself on the sofa. “Megan likes you, and the most important person in her life approves.”