Rerouted to Love (Part 1)

In a busy airport, Will sighed as he stared at the large screen flashing the words \"FLIGHT CANCELLED\" in bold red letters. He ran a hand through his messy brown hair and checked his phone. No new flights until tomorrow.

\"Just great,\" he muttered, rubbing his forehead.

Beside him, a woman groaned in frustration. She had long dark hair tied in a loose ponytail and a small suitcase by her feet.

\"Missed your flight too?\" Will asked, offering a sympathetic smile.

\"Yeah,\" she said, crossing her arms. \"I’m Kira. I was supposed to meet my best friend tonight.\"

\"Will,\" he said, extending his hand. \"I was heading to my sister’s wedding.\"

Kira sighed. \"Guess we\'re both stuck now.\"

They both stared at the screen for a moment before Will spoke again.

\"You know, we could rent a car,\" he suggested. \"It’s a long drive, but at least we won’t be stuck here all night.\"

Kira hesitated. \"You’re a stranger.\"

\"Technically, yes,\" Will admitted. \"But we both need to get somewhere, and I promise I don’t bite.\"

Kira studied him for a second, then shrugged. \"Fine. But if you turn out to be crazy, I’m jumping out of the car.\"

Will laughed. \"Deal.\"

An hour later, they were on the road in a small rental car. Will drove while Kira played music from her phone. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the road.

\"So, tell me about this wedding,\" Kira said, stretching her legs.

\"My sister, Emily, is getting married tomorrow,\" Will said. \"I was supposed to be there early to help. Now I’ll be lucky if I make it in time for the vows.\"

Kira smiled. \"I’m sure she’ll understand. At least you’re making the effort.\"

\"What about you?\" Will asked. \"Who’s this best friend you’re visiting?\"

\"Her name is Sarah. We grew up together,\" Kira said. \"She moved away last year, and I haven’t seen her since. I promised I’d be there this weekend.\"

Will nodded. \"Sounds important.\"

\"It is.\" Kira smiled. \"She’s like a sister to me.\"

As the night deepened, they stopped at a roadside diner. Over burgers and fries, their conversation flowed easily.

\"Okay, favorite movie?\" Will asked.

Kira grinned. \"Easy. Pride and Prejudice.\"

\"Classic,\" Will said, nodding. \"I respect that.\"

\"What about you?\" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

\"Indiana Jones,\" Will said proudly.

Kira laughed. \"Wow, adventurous much?\"

\"Always,\" Will said with a wink.

Kira shook her head but smiled. She liked talking to him. He was easygoing, funny, and charming in a quiet way.

Back on the road, they drove through open countryside. The stars sparkled above them.

\"You ever just stop and stare at the sky?\" Kira asked.

Will glanced up. \"Not often enough.\"

\"Let’s pull over,\" Kira said.

Will hesitated but saw the excitement in her eyes. \"Alright.\"

He parked by the side of the road, and they got out. The night air was cool and fresh. Kira lay down on the hood of the car, and Will joined her.

\"It’s beautiful,\" Kira whispered.

Will looked at her instead of the sky. \"Yeah, it is.\"

Kira turned her head and caught his gaze. A strange warmth spread through her chest.

\"You’re staring,\" she said softly.

\"Sorry,\" Will said, smiling. \"I guess I got distracted.\"

Kira felt her heart skip a beat. She quickly looked back at the stars, but her mind was filled with thoughts of him.

They drove through the night, switching turns at the wheel. By morning, they stopped at a gas station.

As Kira stretched, Will handed her a cup of coffee. \"For the road,\" he said.

\"Thanks,\" she said, taking a sip. \"So… what happens after this?\"

Will exhaled. \"You mean after we reach our destinations?\"

\"Yeah.\"

He looked at her, then away. \"I don’t know.\"

Kira bit her lip. She didn’t want this trip to end.

\"I had fun,\" Will said.

\"Me too,\" Kira admitted.

They drove in silence for a while, both lost in thought.

When they finally reached Kira’s stop, she hesitated.

\"Well… this is it,\" she said, trying to sound casual.

Will nodded, gripping the steering wheel. \"Yeah.\"

Neither of them moved.

Kira cleared her throat. \"Thanks for the ride, Will.\"

\"Anytime,\" Will said, forcing a smile.

She opened the car door but paused. \"You know, if you ever—\"

\"Wait,\" Will interrupted.

Kira turned, surprised.

\"Can I see you again?\" Will asked, his voice uncertain but hopeful.

Kira’s heart soared. She grinned. \"I was hoping you’d ask.\"

Will let out a breath of relief. \"Then it’s a date?\"

Kira nodded. \"It’s a date.\"

Will hesitated for a second, then said, \"Actually, I have an idea. My sister’s wedding is tomorrow. Would you… be my date?\"

Kira’s eyes widened in surprise, then softened. \"You mean it?\"

Will smiled. \"Yeah. I think we make a pretty good team.\"

Kira chuckled. \"Well, I do love weddings. Alright, Will. I’ll be your date.\"

As she stepped out, Will watched her go, already counting the hours until they would meet again.

And for the first time in a long while, they both believed in fate.