Page 27 of Conquering the Skies

“Fantastic.” Excitement lit up her face, erasing her usual demure expression. “We’ll meet you downstairs in a few minutes.”

When her father left, closing the door behind him, Geneva planted her hands on her hips. “What did you do?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re the absolute worst at keeping secrets. Which isn’t a criticism, by the way, merely an observation.” She tapped her foot, feigning impatience. “What’s going on?”

Dahlia let out an exaggerated sigh. “Darling, I know you wanted to keep today small and low-key, with only your closest friends and family in attendance. I fully respect that, I do, but I noticed one glaring omission from your guest list.”

She swallowed back a groan. “Dare I ask which member of Pasurea’s elite you felt compelled to invite to my wedding to keep up appearances?”

Her chin lifted another inch. “As soon as you’re ready, you can go see for yourself.”

Taking a deep breath, Geneva pushed aside her irritation and snatched a bouquet of wildflowers off a nearby dresser. “Assuming I meet your approval, I think we can start making our way downstairs and outside.”

“Of course you do.” It was Dahlia’s turn to fight back an obvious display of emotion. “You look flawless, positively stunning. And, best of all…you look likeyou.”

She flicked the loose waves of her hair back over her shoulder. “Thank you for helping me find something suitable and comfortable to wear.”

The gauzy hem of her tea-length dress swished against her shins as she descended the staircase outside the room where she’d been preparing for the ceremony. Simple decorations, from sprigs of tiny flowers to white satin ribbons, adorned the foyer, though she’d told the staff of the bed-and-breakfast they didn’t need to worry about the appearance of the inside of the building. Sunlight streamed in through the large square windows overlooking the fields, filling the room with a cheery glow. As she approached the door leading out to the front porch, she spotted another man standing beside her father.

Realization gradually set in, and she clapped one trembling hand over her mouth in an effort to muffle her gasp of surprise. Frederick noticed her arrival over the other man’s shoulder and beckoned her outside. “Ah, there she is,” he said. “Geneva, come say hello.”

Despite the outdoor setting and the casual atmosphere, Admiral Joachim Walker wore his full dress uniform, the medals and insignias on his jacket glinting in the sunbeams, along with the smooth skin of his bald head. Geneva inched closer, unsure of how to react. “Am I supposed to salute?” she asked.

Hints of affection played upon his stern features. “As you’re a civilian and not under my command, I don’t think it’s either necessary or appropriate.”

She flung her arms around his shoulders in an impromptu hug, taking care not to catch the lace of her dress on any jagged edges of his badges. “It’s so good to see you,” she said. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

Walker reciprocated the embrace then stepped back. “Two of the finest commanders I ever had the pleasure of serving with are marrying each other. I’m honored to be in attendance.”

Though touched by the sentiment, she scrunched up her nose. “I’m glad you’re not holding it against us for quitting on you.”

Dahlia appeared at her side and patted her arm. “Not quitting, dear. You just retired a little earlier than planned.”

“Right.”

The admiral shook his head. “I never fault any of my soldiers for choosing the best path for themselves. What is it you said to me one time? I’m not that petty.”

“Thanks. I’m relieved to hear it.” She exhaled then gestured toward the lake with her bouquet. “Does Ash know about all this?”

“Not yet. I only arrived a few minutes ago.”

“We’re delighted you were able to attend,” Dahlia said. “Why don’t you go to the ceremony site and let him know you’re here? I’m sure he’ll also be thrilled to see you and won’t mind the distraction while we go over the last minor details before getting started.”

His eyebrow arched, but he didn’t argue. “Will do.” Before he stepped off the porch, he turned back to Geneva. “You look lovely. Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt congratulations.”

She waited for him to leave then shot her mother a skeptical glance. “Still think you can order around the highest-ranking members of the Terran military, I see.”

Dahlia ran her hand over the side of her intricate updo. “I never order anyone around, darling. I merely make helpful suggestions and try to guide them toward the right decisions.”

After her parents went back inside to check on the last of the preparations, Geneva stood at the porch railing. From her vantage point, she could no longer see the array of chairs at the edge of the lake, but she assumed they would soon be occupied by her loved ones. Dorannwasa beautiful planet, she mused, and she resolved to spend more time on it with Ash’s family in the future.

“Everything is ready.” Dahlia’s voice jolted her out of her reverie. “We’re waiting for you to give the final command.”

She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of flowers wafting from both the fields and her bouquet. “I’m so torn…on one hand, I can’t wait, but on the other, I want to make sure I savor every minute.” Her mouth twitched to one side, and she glanced back over her shoulder. “That doesn’t sound much like me, does it?”

“Everyone is allowed to have a sentimental moment every now and then. Even you, sweetie.” She rested her hand on Geneva’s wrist. “No matter what happens, you’ll always remember the most important parts of today. You’re marrying a wonderful man who loves you very much and treats you accordingly. You deserve to enjoy every second of this celebration.”

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