Page 28 of Conquering the Skies

Her grip tightened on the stems of her bouquet, and she swallowed, trying to tamp down the whirlwind threatening to overwhelm her. “All right, I’m ready,” she said. “Let’s go.”

Frederick joined them at her other side and they left the building together. Soft grass crept over the edges of her flat sandals and tickled her toes as they crossed the expansive field. The echo of muffled voices drifted toward her, but as they approached the crest of the hill leading down to the lake, all conversation ceased, despite the lack of formal announcement.

Geneva stood still, taking in the sight from up close. Everyone turned toward her, yet the attention didn’t make her uncomfortable. Her gaze drifted about the small group assembled before her—Marcus and Adele, Renae and Freya, Admiral Walker, and the Ashfords. Their joyful expressions warmed her heart, and she was grateful for the opportunity to declare her love before those closest to her.

Beyond the arrangement of chairs, Ash stood with the officiant. He wore a crisp button-down shirt and a pair of khaki pants, as they’d decided a suit would be too stiff and uncomfortable for the environment they wanted to create. A broad grin spread across his face at the sight of her, making her pulse flutter the same way it had the very first time she’d realized her attraction to him.

She walked toward him, accompanied by nothing but the sound of birdsong, lapping waves, and her heartbeat thrumming in her ears. The world around them vanished as she stared into his azure eyes and prepared to speak the words of devotion she’d composed. Some decisions in her life she’d never question, and loving Ash was one of them.

Chapter Eleven

Strings of tiny white lights dangled from the top of the tent behind the main building, reminiscent of the millions of stars in the skies Geneva used to call home. Everything had gone according to plan throughout the day, though she placed more importance on the people surrounding her. They’d all shared food, dances, and other celebratory moments and, as nightfall encroached upon them, she couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Ash’s family was the first to leave. His mother hugged him and Geneva in turn, taking the latter’s hands in her own. “Congratulations again. Welcome to our family,” she said, giving them a squeeze.

“Thank you, Bridget.” Slipping one arm around Ash’s waist, she smiled. “As of right now, our plans will be taking us all over the galaxy, but we both agreed we want to spend more time here. After all, we’re no stranger to long space flights.”

Bridget returned the expression. “Whenever you’re on this planet, my home will always be open to you. Your family as well, should they ever want to visit again.”

“That sounds nice,” she said. “We’ll have to coordinate something in the near future.”

Not long after they left, Dahlia and Frederick approached. “Oh, sweetie, this was a perfect day,” Dahlia said. She turned in a half circle, surveying what remained of the reception, and exhaled. “Simply magical.”

Geneva smoothed the front of her dress. “Only because you were here to help make sure everything was in order.”

“We both know you’re more than capable of handling these things on your own, but I’ll accept your gratitude.” She waved a hand in the direction of the farmhouse. “We’ve settled up with the staff, and they said you can stay out here as long as you’d like. Meanwhile, I am exhausted, so I think we’re going to retire for the evening.”

“I understand.”

Dahlia stood on her toes to wrap her arms around Ash’s broad shoulders then pulled her daughter in for a similar embrace. “We’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

After hugging and kissing her parents goodnight, Geneva flopped into a chair beside her remaining guests and kicked off her sandals. Ash followed suit, stretching his arms over his head. “Anyone need anything? Food, drink, a different music selection?” he asked.

Renae swallowed the last of the wine in her glass. “No, thanks. You’ve been excellent hosts today.” Glancing to the side, she rubbed the top of Freya’s hand. “We don’t want to overstay our welcome, so we’ll also probably get going soon.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Geneva said. “You heard what my mother said. We don’t have a firm end time.”

“I think our days of partying until dawn are over, though I appreciate the offer.” She slid her chair backward and stood. “Thanks so much for the invitation. It was wonderful being able to celebrate with you.”

“You’ve been an important part of my life ever since I moved back to Pasurea.” Her jovial expression soon vanished. “I owe you a lot. And I promise your company is in good hands. Even though I’m taking a step back from some of the day-to-day work, Claire has been handling a lot of those tasks, and she’s doing a great job.”

“Do I seem worried?” A hearty laugh left her lips. “Besides, it’s not my company anymore. Not to mention, I can’t believe you brought this up at your own wedding. Now who’s being ridiculous?”

Freya linked her arm through her partner’s. “Renae isn’t allowed to worry about these things anymore. I made it a rule as we’ve been touring all the tropical beaches this sector of the galaxy has to offer.”

The corners of Geneva’s mouth turned up again. “I’m glad to see you’ve both been enjoying your retirement. And that I haven’t been contributing to your stress levels since you bequeathed your empire to me.”

“Stress? What stress?” Renae’s eyes darted back and forth between her and Ash. “I know I don’t need to tell you these things, but really, enjoy every moment with each other, wherever you happen to be. Work and other obligations will always have their highs and lows, but don’t let them get in the way of what’s important.” Casting one last adoring look at Freya, she stepped out from the other side of the table. “On that note, we’ll call it a night. We’ll meet you for breakfast before taking off tomorrow.”

Only Marcus and Adele remained. Ash reclined in his chair and draped one arm over the back of Geneva’s. “So, what now?” he asked. “A dance competition to see who can stay on their feet longest, or are you two heading upstairs as well?”

Marcus brushed his hair away from his forehead. “If you’re not too tired yet, I think we might be able to last a little longer.”

Adele looked around the empty tent then leaned toward them. “We have a surprise for you,” she whispered, excitement sparkling in her dark-brown eyes. “A special gift.”

“You didn’t have to get us anything,” Geneva said. “Just coming all the way out here—”

“No, no, no.” One leg bounced up and down underneath the table and she giggled. “This isn’t your typical wedding gift anyway.”

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