The flight from Palm Beach Executive Airport to Orlando was a mere half hour, and I steeled myself as I stepped onto the luxury jet. I was the only passenger aboard, because I'd chartered the private flight.

I buckled my seat belt, feeling the anxiety creeping across my skin. I could have hired a car to take me the three hours to Colin's house, but I had meetings about the new spring line all day, all week, really, and couldn't spare a moment. I'd signed off on the new fabric for the swimsuits and cover-ups, and had met with vendors for the wooden rings that would be used to tie the bikinis at the hips. The new line was called Tidal Wave, and it was a vibrant mishmash of various blue hues and white, inspired by the ocean itself.

And the eyes of one beautiful man.

I'd even designed the dress I'd dreamed about on the plane, the ice blue and black maxi. Already an editor at Vogue was considering showcasing the dress on the cover the coming summer.

I'd also had an interview with Women's Wear Daily and a session with my accountant. I'd even been struck with inspiration for the season's slogan: It's summer and that comes with all the things: palm trees and oceans, and queens finding their kings.

So a charter flight it was.

Flying to see Colin was also symbolic. It meant letting go my past and my fears. Embracing risk. Apologizing to Colin was the biggest risk of all.

I swallowed back tears as the small jet hurtled down the runway. It seemed faster, somehow, than a larger plane, but smoother as it became aloft. We lifted up, up, into the air, and I exhaled and eased the grip on the fine-grain leather armrests. The jet was quiet and as I watched the sun set from my window, I marveled at the beauty of the sky.

Maybe everything would be okay.

The flight attendant, a smartly dressed woman in a white blouse and blue pants, approached.

"Something to drink, ma'am?"

I asked for a sparkling water and smiled wanly when she returned with a Pellegrino. "How long of a flight to Orlando?"

"About twenty five minutes. Not long at all. The pilot wants you to keep your seat belt fastened, though, because there are thunderstorms in the area."

I nodded, tensing again as I sipped my water. Instead of focusing on my fear and the plane, I rehearsed what I'd say to Colin.

I'm sorry. I should have answered the phone. I should have listened to you.

Other words ran through my mind as well. I missed you. I've thought about you every day for months. I think I could fall in love with you.

I wasn't sure if I — or he — were ready for those words yet.

And, anyway, he might slam the door in my face. There was still that possibility, despite Emma's invitation. He had, after all, stopped calling and sending flowers. Perhaps he'd given up on me.

The flight attendant briskly collected my water and before I knew it, we were descending. The sky was an odd purple-grey, and the small plane skittered as it collided with an angry-looking cloud.

I whimpered aloud. There was no one here to hear me, or help, for the flight attendant was sitting in the front of the cabin and I was in a roomy bucket seat in the middle of the plane.

I was alone with my panic. The plane zoomed into thick clouds, and I saw a flash outside the window. Lightning. The very idea of our flying metal death trap flying through a storm made me shake.

And yet I couldn't close my eyes, couldn't tear myself away from the window. If something were to happen, I wanted to see and experience it in all its horrible glory.

There were more bumps. More whimpers and a few whispered pleas to the pilot from me. Okay, and a few prayers, too.

Suddenly, we broke through the clouds and we were near the ground, flying toward an airport runway in a driving rain. We were so close that I could see the brake lights of the cars on a nearby highway, and the palm fronds whipping in the wind. We seemed to be going extraordinarily fast.

I held my breath.

Then the plane touched down, kissing the ground.

And that was it. A safe landing. Uneventful.

I exhaled long. My next breath felt light and new. The flight attendant turned to glance at me. "You okay?"

"Yes. I am okay. I'm actually wonderful."

* * *

I took a deep breath as the elevator ascended. The concierge said Emma and Caleb King lived in the penthouse, and he'd been instructed to send me up and mentioned he would call them as I was on my way.

I straightened my sleek, black cocktail dress in the reflection of the elevator door. I'd kept my look simple tonight, with tall black heels and pearls. My hair loose, as Colin preferred. As polished as I looked on the outside, my insides were churning balls of chaos.

The elevator doors opened, and there was Emma, grinning and wearing one of my designs from last season. It was a coral and white shift dress.

"You look lovely with that color, and your hair," I said, sweeping her into a hug.

She giggled endearingly, and I held out a large bag, with a box wrapped in a gift print of my designs. Inside were purses and scarves, all in my latest patterns.

"This is for you. As I promised. Some things for you and your daughter."

She squealed, and despite her loud noise, I got the distinct impression that she was trying to be quiet. It made me laugh.

"Colin's in the library," she whispered dramatically. "He's being kept occupied and still doesn't know you're coming."

A tall man in jeans and a black T-shirt loped down a hall, carrying Charlotte on his shoulders. She was wearing a dress identical to her mother's and giggling.

"Sam, I'd like you to meet my husband, Caleb."

While keeping one hand on Charlotte's chubby leg, Caleb extended his other arm.

"Thanks for coming to the party. I really appreciate it."

I grinned. Caleb's voice was so similar to his brother's, and my excitement at seeing Colin was growing by the second.

Caleb turned to Emma. "Look at her. Didn't I tell you?"

"Tell her what?" I asked.

"Sam showed me a photo of you. Colin said in high school that his perfect woman was Darryl Hannah in Splash. He's always liked that blonde, mermaid look. You're totally his type. A thousand percent. I'm so glad you came. Thank you."

Emma giggled, and I did, too.

"Let's go," she said, sotto voce. "He's with the others. I can't wait to see his face when you walk in."

We went down the hall in formation, Emma in front of me and Caleb behind.

My heels clicked on the polished cement floor. While it seemed unusual that a family this wealthy would want to raise their daughter in an urban condo, there was something cozy and warm about the minimalist space. The vibe set me at ease only a little, and my heart sped up as we got closer to the end of the hall.

"Ready?" Emma said, her hand on the door.

I nodded. My heart thrashed against my ribcage.

She swung the door open and allowed me to walk in ahead of her. My gut churned when I saw Colin, sitting on a sofa, looking handsome as ever in a white linen shirt and faded blue jeans. He was barefoot, and his legs were propped on an ottoman. His mouth opened when he saw me, as if he was going to say something.

My heart splintered at the sight of him.

"Hi." My voice was uncharacteristically shy and squeaky. Huge waves of happiness washed over me as Colin and I locked eyes. After about fifteen seconds of me standing like a mannequin in the middle of the room, I became acutely aware that everyone was staring at me. I swallowed and broke my gaze from Colin's blue eyes.

I glanced around and my knees almost buckled when I noticed a blonde with short hair on one side of him, and a brunette with long, luxurious locks on the other. Both were gorgeous. Had he already moved on? Was this some cruel joke on Emma's part?