Page 43 of Prospecting

“Right here,” he said. “Unless you don’t want to be here.”

“Will we expand this ship, sell it, or lease it for other prospectors,” Sheridan said after she kissed him long and slow.

“What are you thinking you want,” he asked.

“A bigger kitchen, a couple of bedrooms, a bathroom with a bathtub,” Sheridan asked.

“A couple of bedrooms,” he asked.

“Maybe four,” she said. “Our bedroom has to have a really big bed in it because you’re a bed hog.”

“I like to sleep cuddling with you,” Cade said. “Sheridan?”

“Cade Delvacy, I love you,” Sheridan said. “You’re stuck with me.”

“Thank the stars,” Cade said. “Sheridan Pitroski, will you marry me according to human tradition.”

“Because,” she asked.

“Because you are my life, my love,” he said cupping her face gently. “I love you.”

“I’ll marry you,” Sheridan said.

***

“I think she’s gambling,” Calli said.

“Shit,” Cade said. “Sheridan gave up everything to bail them out.”

“Her mother’s a bitch,” Calli said. “I’m blocking the online sites she’s been visiting. She complained to me about it. I told her if she didn’t like it she could take it up with Sheridan.”

“What did she do,” Cade asked.

“Clammed up,” Calli said. “Did you hear mom and dad got Carina out with all her kids?”

“Yeah, they let me know,” Cade said. “Apparently the oldest girl was supposed to be joined with the land which meant sex with daddy. It was the last straw for her.”

“About time,” Calli said. “Cal and Conni think we should do a family get together. You interested?”

“Depends on when and where,” Cade said. “I’ve got my contract and little downtime.”

“I can’t remember the last time we were all together,” Calli said.

“Don’t guilt me,” Cade said. “I’ve got years left on my contract. If I ask for time off, I’ll end up extending my contract.”

“You aren’t willing to extend your contract,” Calli said. “You’ve done it in the past.”

“Sheridan deserves someone to put her first,” Cade said. “I want to get this contract done so we can decide what our next steps will be.”

“Will you tell her about her mother,” Calli asked.

Cade said, “She will be hurt when I tell her. I can’t keep it from her but it will hurt her.”

“You’ll help her through it,” Calli said.

***

Cade watched her react to what he told her. “Sheridan,” he said softly.

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