Chapter 3: Plane Flirtation & Cowgirl

At the terminal, Ryan and Madison checked their luggage and made their way toward the first-class lounge. The excitement of the journey seemed to follow them everywhere. They were no longer simply two newlyweds leaving for a vacation; they were beginning their first real adventure together.

Once aboard the plane, they settled into their wide leather seats. Madison gazed out the window as the aircraft slowly climbed above the clouds, her fingers intertwined with Ryan’s.

“We’re really going to Hawaii,” she whispered.

Ryan smiled. “Our honeymoon.”

The words made her grin.

After they had settled in, Madison pulled the worn copy of The Joy of Sex from her carry-on. She lowered her voice conspiratorially, “Should we keep studying?”

Ryan laughed. “You brought it on the plane?”

“Of course.”

They huddled together over the book, turning pages and quietly discussing the illustrations. Madison’s cheeks grew warmer with every new discovery. She was fascinated by how much there was to learn—not merely about physical intimacy, but about communication, trust, and the different ways couples could make one another feel loved.

Ryan noticed her expression. “What are you thinking?”

She closed the book halfway. “That I never imagined marriage would feel like this.”

“Like what?”

She thought about it. “Like having someone I can be completely embarrassed with.”

Ryan laughed. “That’s romantic.”

“I mean it.” She rested her head against his shoulder. “I don’t feel like I have to pretend I know everything anymore.”

Before Ryan could answer, a flight attendant stopped beside their row. She was tall, cheerful, and clearly amused by the book. “Well, well,” she said with a grin. “Planning an adventurous honeymoon?”

Ryan and Madison immediately looked at each other. Madison’s face turned scarlet.

The attendant laughed warmly. “Don’t worry. I won’t ask questions.”

“We’re just learning,” Madison admitted.

“That,” the attendant said, “is probably the best way to start a marriage.” She winked before continuing down the aisle.

Madison waited until she was gone. “I think she embarrassed me on purpose.”

Ryan smiled. “I think you secretly enjoyed it.”

“Maybe.” She hid her face against his shoulder, laughing.

The rest of the flight passed in a comfortable haze of conversation, naps, meals, and anticipation. Every so often Madison would glance out the window and squeeze Ryan’s hand.

When the plane finally began its descent, she pressed her forehead to the glass. The Pacific stretched endlessly beneath them. “Oh my goodness.”

Ryan looked at her instead of the view. Her expression was pure wonder. He realized then that this was one of the things he loved most about being married to her: experiencing ordinary things through her eyes made them extraordinary.

When they stepped out of the airport, warm Hawaiian air surrounded them. The scent of flowers and ocean salt seemed to announce that they had truly arrived.

As passengers dispersed, the same flight attendant passed by their group. She leaned toward Madison with a mischievous smile and gave her a quick, playful kiss on the cheek. “Go get him, you slut,” she whispered.

Madison’s eyes widened.

The attendant straightened and continued on her way as though nothing unusual had happened.

Ryan looked at his wife.

Madison covered her face, laughing.”She did it again.”