As the plane began to taxi down the runway and lift off, Chase noticed a sudden shift in the woman next to him. Her excitement from earlier had faded, and now she looked pale, her hands clutching the armrests tightly, her knuckles white. Her whole body had tensed up, and he could see a thin sheen of sweat on her forehead. Her breath was quick and shallow, her chest rising and falling in nervous gasps, and he realized she was terrified.

Her fingers were trembling, and he could see her gaze darting around, maybe searching for something to focus on or some reassurance that everything would be okay. Chase’s heart went out to her. He could tell this was no small fear—she was scared out of her wits. Instinctively, he reached over and gave her a gentle nudge to get her attention, offering her a warm, steady smile.

“Hey, you all right there?” he asked softly, his voice calm and friendly. “I know it feels a bit rough now, but trust me, you’re in good hands. These pilots have done this a thousand times over. You’re gonna be just fine.”

She looked over at him, her eyes wide, and he could see the anxiety etched across her face. He kept talking, trying to give her something else to focus on. “You know, once we’re in the air, it’s smooth sailing,” he assured her, speaking in the same calming tone he’d use to soothe a nervous horse back on the ranch.

“If it helps, you can hold my hand,” he offered with a gentle smile. “I know it’s scary, but I’ve got you.”

After a moment’s hesitation, she reached out, taking his hand. Chase held hers firmly, giving it a reassuring squeeze.