Page 52 of Captain's Companion

“I told him he couldn’t have more cake and ice cream,” Lieutenant Cooper said.

“He didn’t ask for any,” Plav said.

“Lieutenant Cooper,” Gwyn said. “It’s my fault. Eldrich asked me a question and I told him to ask the captain.”

“Ma’am,” Lieutenant Cooper said. “I lost track of him for a second.”

“You must have been worried,” Gwyn said. “He’s been a well behaved young man.”

“Dad, can we do the engineering table again,” Eldrich asked tugging on his dad’s hand.

“Yes, of course,” Lieutenant Cooper said. “Sir, ma’am, please excuse me.”

“Have fun,” Gwyn said.

“Enjoy,” Ulrik said.

***

Gwyn held his hand as they walked from the adult party to their quarters. “Tired,” he asked.

“Yes,” she said leaning her head on his arm.

He wrapped his around arm her and pulled her close. “I lost count of how many people complimented both events. How did you manage to stay in budget and provide childcare for the adult event?’

“It was not easy, but I hope everyone had a good time,” Gwyn stifled a yawn.

“Want me to carry you back to our place,” he whispered.

“Tempting,” she said bumping his hip. “I’ll manage to stay upright.”

“How hard would a party for three be to organize,” Ulrik asked.

“What kind of party,” Gwyn asked.

“Something small, intimate,” Ulrik asked thinking about Eldrich wanting supper with his parents on his birthday.

“I assume you and I but who will be the third person,” Gwyn said frowning.

“Not you and I,” Ulrik said confused by how tense she got.

“Oh,” Gwyn said. “Who then?”

“What did you think I meant,” Ulrik asked.

“The last time someone asked me to organize a small intimate party, I spent the night with two men the captain wanted to curry favor with,” Gwyn said not meeting his eyes.

Ulrik sighed but said nothing as they continued down the corridor to their quarters. As the door slid up, Ulrik stepped through and turned her to face him. “I will never share you,” he said fiercely. “You will never be used to curry favor, entertain, or amuse anyone ever again.”

Gwyn closed her eyes and a single tear slipped out. “I’m sorry.”

“Shh,” he said wiping the tear away. He told her about Eldrich and what the boy wanted.

“Oh,” Gwyn said. “It will take less than an hour. When’s his birthday?”

“I’ll have to look it up to make sure,” Ulrik said.

“I can look it up,” Gwyn said. “He’ll be on the list. Ulrik?”

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