Page 13 of Conquering the Skies

He shifted to one side, holding her close as he let out a contented sigh. “You know what I’m thinking?” he murmured into her hair.

“I bet you’re going to tell me.”

Chuckling, Ash kissed her temple. “I’ve loved every moment we’ve spent together, and we’ve had some great times.” He wiggled downward until their heads were level on the pillow. “But for you and me, I truly believe the best is yet to come.”

Chapter Six

“Let me help you clear the dishes,” Geneva said, rising from her chair. “It’s the least I can do.”

Marcus waved her off with a flick of his wrist before stacking plates into a pile. “Nonsense. You know the rules for invited guests around here.”

She plopped back down. “We haven’t been here for dinner for a while, though. And you went to so much effort, as always.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ll take care of everything.”

Adele folded her hands in her lap. “It really has been too long since the last time we got together like this. I know we say that every time, but it seems like we’ve all been especially busy lately.”

Ash chuckled. “Not me. Though I’m sure I’ll be put to work soon enough by the new boss over here.”

Geneva poked his shoulder. “You’re almost out of baking shows to watch. If nothing else, you’ll need to get a new hobby anyway.”

“I think it’s fantastic how you’re taking over Renae’s company when she retires,” Adele said. “I know you’ll be great at it.”

“I hope so.” She sipped from her wineglass. “I’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill, but you know me, always up for a challenge.”

“I’m sure you’ll slide right in to the top position without any issues whatsoever,” Marcus said, leaning back in his chair. “You’ll be creating and expanding your own empire before we know it.”

“Maybe.” She rolled her eyes then attempted to steer the conversation toward a different topic. “Regardless, all of it pales in comparison to your wedding planning, which is a much more exciting reason for keeping busy.”

A joyful grin bloomed on Adele’s face. “Therehasbeen an awful lot to do, you’re right. Music, flowers, menus…” She ticked off the items on her fingers as she listed them. “But we’ve made most of the major decisions. We’ll finalize all the little details closer to the date, so now it’s just a matter of waiting.”

Marcus reached over and took one of her hands. “The big day will be here before we know it.”

“I’m impressed with how much you got done so quickly,” Geneva said. “I thought these things usually take a while to plan…though I admit, I don’t have a lot of firsthand experience there.”

He smirked. “Money talks. Especially on this planet, as you’re well aware of.”

“Hey, why not enjoy whatever perks you can,” Ash said.

He shot Geneva a knowing look. “And when you’re certain you’re doing the right thing, why wait?”

Adele wiggled in her chair, her brown eyes sparkling. “There’s one other part we wanted to tell you about tonight.” She glanced at Marcus as she bounced up and down, as if she were physically unable to contain her excitement. When he nodded at her, she took a deep breath, her expression brightening further. “We want you to be part of the wedding party. Both of you.”

The suggestion didn’t come as a complete surprise, yet Geneva raised her eyebrows. “That’s quite an honor, and I’m flattered, but…are you sure?”

“Of course we’re sure.” Marcus matched his fiancée’s enthusiasm. “You’re good friends and you’re important to us. We’d love to have you standing there beside us on the most important day of our lives.”

“Aren’t there other people you’d rather—”

“Oh, other friends and family members are included, too,” Adele said. “Everyone who has always cared about us and supported us. You’re definitely on the list.”

“I didn’t want to make it sound like I don’t feel the same way, as you are close friends.Veryclose friends. In fact…” Her mouth twisted to the side. “Don’t you think it might be a little awkward for the two of us to be up there with you?”

“Why?” Marcus winked at her. “No one else knows what we’ve done behind closed doors.”

“Dahlia knows,” Ash said. “She just pretends not to.”

Geneva swatted his arm. “Ugh. Please don’t start.”

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