Page 62 of Prospecting

“What took you so long,” Hazel said sitting stiffly in a chair.

“We toured the new ship,” Cade said. “Sheridan is starting a business and we looked over old ships to overhaul.”

“Will you resell them,” Louis said.

“No, we’re building a fleet and will employ others to either do shipping with them or prospecting,” Sheridan said. “The one would be good for running supplies to other ships.”

“You’re buying two more ships,” Hazel said.

“Yes, mother,” Sheridan said. “We’ve been very careful with our money and have saved a great deal in the last four years. It’s allowing us to build up our own business.”

“Hhmmmph,” Hazel said.

“Good for you,” Louis said. “I’m very proud of all you’ve accomplished.”

“Thanks, dad,” Sheridan said.

“Did you know Calli is starting a deep space branch,” Cade asked.

“I’ve been in on those meetings,” Hazel said.

“It sounds exciting,” Sheridan said sitting on the sofa near her mother. “What’s the concept?”

“It’s an extension of the prospecting,” Hazel said. “There are people good at finding planets for settling as well as other mining operations.”

“How soon will it be up and running,” Cade asked.

“We’re in the preliminary phases of the project,” Hazel said.

“We’ve been talking about going,” Louis said. “On one of the ships further out.”

“How exciting,” Sheridan said. “Mom, you’ve always wanted to explore more.”

“It’s an intriguing idea,” Hazel said. “I don’t know if I can be so far from my babies.”

“It will be hard to leave the grandchildren,” Louis said. “You girls are busy with your own lives. It’s time for us to look to our lives.”

“It definitely is,” Sheridan said. “I hope you’ll take the opportunity if you can. I’ll miss you both.” Sheridan gripped her father’s hand.

“Hopefully we don’t leave before you come back,” Hazel said.

“Let us know,” Cade said. “We’ll try to get back before you leave.”

***

“Where do you want to start,” Cade said as Sheridan flew the new ship.

“Start what,” she asked focusing on the ship. “Oh. This is a dream.”

“Yeah,” Cade said. “Does it have a good auto pilot?”

“Yes,” Sheridan said.

“Where do you want to start,” Cade said. He ran his hands over the open area between the two pilot stations. “Do we stick with tradition?” He wiggled his brows at her.

“You banged me for five hours,” Sheridan said. “Maybe I don’t want to be banged.” Her nipples tightened as she looked at the space between the two stations.

“You could always take me,” Cade said as he knelt next to her, slipped his hand under her shirt to cup her breast.

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