Page 51 of Captain's Companion

“Stunning,” Ulrik said staring into her green eyes.

“The baby, or your woman,” Plav asked.

“Both,” Ulrik said diplomatically.

“You two are needed at table seven. Doctor, you’re scheduled to be at table fourteen,” Gwyn said. Going up on tiptoe, she kissed Ulrik. “Don’t mess up. Any of you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Ulrik said.

“Table seven is behind you,” Gwyn said over her shoulder as she walked back to the cake decorating station.

“Behind me,” Ulrik said falling back into enthralled mode.

“I believe she wanted you both to help rather than stare,” Dr. Shifleman said. He deliberately stepped in front of the two men breaking their line of sight to the women.

“Yes,” Ulrik said looking over his shoulder.

“You’ll be able to watch,” Dr. Shifleman said from the table.

“Thank you, doctor. I’m sure you’re right,” Ulrik said.

“Beautiful women,” Dr. Shifleman said. “They will get attention.”

Ulrik watched as Gwyn talked with everyone. She smiled and helped people figure out where they wanted to go first. He and Plav cut and handed out cake and ice cream. A little boy stood before the table staring but not asking for anything. “Do you want cake and ice cream,” Ulrik asked.

“Are you really the captain,” he asked.

“I am,” Ulrik said.

“Gwyn’s nice. I like her. How come she’s only staying for six more weeks,” the boy asked.

“What’s your name,” Ulrik asked.

“Eldrich,” he said.

“Are you Lieutenant Eldrich Cooper’s son,” Ulrik asked seeing a likeness to one of his best lieutenants.

“Yes, sir,” he said. “I like Gwyn. Can she please stay?”

“I’ll do my best to convince her,” Ulrik said.

“Good,” Eldrich said. “This is better than last year for my birthday.”

Ulrik knelt next to Eldrich. “You’re turning seven this month. Right?”

“Yes, in three days,” Eldrich said. “Dad’s on duty opposite mom so I won’t get nothing like this.”

Ulrik scowled at the thought. He didn’t remember Lieutenant Cooper asking for time off. Nor Engineer Cooper. “What day is it,” Ulrik asked.

“Don’t matter,” Eldrich said. “They’re saving up time off for when mom has my little sister.”

“If you could have whatever you wanted for your birthday, what would it be,” Ulrik asked.

“I want supper with mom and dad both,” Eldrich said.

“Sir,” Lieutenant Cooper said. “I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize,” Ulrik said rising and ruffling the shaggy blond hair on the boy. “Eldrich and I were discussing the best part of birthdays.”

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