Page 29 of Surrendering the Skies

Geneva laughed and nudged him onto his back. Curling one arm around his torso, she snuggled against his side, resting her cheek on his broad chest. “There are definitely much worse positions to be in.”

Epilogue

Three months later

Marcus and Adele stood near the door, the latter arranging her scarf around her shoulders. “Thank you so much for inviting us over for lunch,” she said. “Your new place is lovely.”

Geneva glanced around the room. “I still need to add a few more decorative items and personal touches, I think.”

Dahlia patted her arm. “I keep offering to take you shopping for more than the essentials, dear.”

“I know, and I appreciate it. But now that I have so much of my own space to work with, I probably should figure out how to fill it on my own.” She shrugged and smiled. “Thanks for coming, though. And thank you for the plant. I’ll try not to kill it.”

“It’s a succulent!” A pleased expression lit up Adele’s face. “It doesn’t need much water at all, I promise.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Marcus gave her a quick farewell hug. “Thanks again for having us over. Next time, we’ll get together at my house, all right?”

“Sounds good.”

He turned to her mother next. “Mrs. Greyson, always a pleasure.”

“It was good to see you, Marcus.” Dahlia’s usual prim smile made its appearance. “And, Adele, it was nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise,” she said. “I know we’ve passed each other countless times at various events, but I’m glad we were able to spend some time together and get to know one another.”

“I’m sure we’ll run into one or both of you soon enough.” Marcus reached for the doorknob with one hand and took Adele’s elbow with the other. “Enjoy the rest of your day!”

“You, too.”

Dahlia waited for the door to close behind them before making an unpleasant face. “I suppose she’s notawful,” she said with a sniff.

“Mother.” Geneva put her hands on her hips. “She’s actually very nice.”

“Hmph. Maybe too nice.”

“Stop it.” She raised an eyebrow as one side of her mouth turned up in a smirk. “Funny, I thought Adele was a perfect example of everything you ever wanted in a daughter.”

“The daughter I want is the one I have. Or vice versa.” Dahlia looked past her toward the kitchen. “Would you like me to help you clean up from lunch?”

“No, thanks, I got it.” She waved her off with one hand. “It’s not much, and believe it or not, cleaning up my own kitchen is a nice change of pace from just dumping a tray into a bin in the ship’s cafeteria.”

“Very well.” She threw her arms around Geneva’s shoulders and squeezed. “Oh, sweetie, it’s so good to have you nearby.”

She hugged her in return. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

Dahlia smoothed her hair and wagged a finger at her before opening the door. “Remember what I said about shopping!”

“Of course. Say hello to Father for me, and try to make sure he doesn’t schedule any meetings the next time I host a gathering.”

After she left, Geneva stood in the middle of the living room and turned in a circle, taking in all the details of her surroundings for what felt like the hundredth time. The idea of living with her parents long-term following her departure from the military had held little appeal, and she thought the faster pace of the planet’s capital city would be more suitable for her. The modest apartment was situated near the center floor of one of Triayda’s many trademark skyscrapers; though she had nothing in the way of a picturesque view, everything she needed was a short hovercab ride away.

She entered the kitchen and began clearing the dishes from the table. As she stacked the last one next to the sink, the tablet she’d left lying on the countertop beeped with an incoming video call. She snatched the device off the flat surface and swiped her finger across the screen as she held it up.

“Hey there!” Ash’s face appeared on the display.

“Hey, yourself.” She grinned.

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