Dark Biology
Page 26
Guilt tinged her weary sigh. “I blew him off for years. I should have talked to him, listened more. Maybe I could have done something—”
“You are not responsible, Hildi. Chet made his choice.”
Her guilt persisted. Had that Nobel Prize really been so important? If she’d set her ambition aside and reached out to her bitter brother, could she have made a difference? She’d never know.
“What did the World Health Organization say about the loss of life?”
She jerked her mind back to the present. “Fewer died than I’d feared. WHO estimates about 50,000 worldwide. But with the slow distribution to undeveloped countries, the death toll is sure to rise.” She shook her head. “You’d think even the insurgents would let the vaccine through instead of demanding bribes.”
Hildi gazed into Dan’s eyes. His big, blue eyes. “I’ll enjoy setting up the new CDC office. Nabbing the directorship was a big career move for me, and Hunt gave me a great recommendation. I owe him.”
Dan nodded. “It’ll be nice to have you close to me.” He reached for her hand.
She squeezed it and uttered the four words men dreaded. “Let’s talk about us.”
He fed her a spoonful of vanilla ice cream, effectively keeping her mouth occupied. She swallowed. “Dan, please. I’m serious.”
He stroked her hand, but she withdrew it. She waited.
“Things are a bit crazy at the rocket ranch right now. I need to head back to Alabama in the morning, but I’ll be back next weekend.” He cocked his head. “Why are you frowning?”
“Tired, I guess. I’ve been at a dead run for the last two weeks—training another scientist to replace me, saying good-bye to so many friends, packing.” And wanting your undivided attention. Would she ever have it?
Dan smiled. “Well, you’re here now. That’s all that matters to me.”
Is it?
“I’m on the short list for the moon mission.”
“That’s wonderful.” Her heart screamed that it was anything but.
55
“I” Plus Sixty-seven Days
Dan sighed as Hildi snuggled into his shoulder. Warm sand tickled his toes as they sat on a blanket, admiring a pumpkin-colored moon rising from the sea. Stars twinkled their welcome. The surf shooshed in a comforting rhythm. Ahh…
Picnic on the beach with his favorite person. A week away from her was too long. The perfect setting for that special question. And this time, Dan wouldn’t let it go to waste.
He wrapped protective arms around her, inhaling the citrusy scent of her hair. He pointed. “Full moon.”
“Nice.” Disappointment tinged Hildi’s voice.
“That’s not where I’m going.”
“Huh?” She swiveled her head.
Dan dropped his arm and held her hands between his. “I talked to the NASA director today. He wants me to take over as CAPCOM when Pete retires.”
“I’m so sorry.” Hildi touched his cheek. “I know how much the moon mission meant to you.”
Too much. “It’s OK. I asked for the job.”
Her brow furrowed. “Why?”
“I like being CAPCOM. I like working with Steve and the rest of the personnel at Mission Control. I’d planned to do it after I finished my astronaut work, but now…”
Time to take the plunge. Dan scooted to face her. “On the space station, I almost lost you. I can’t go through that again. I can’t lose you.” Dan drew in a deep breath and gazed into her beautiful green eyes. “I…” His tongue knotted.
She smiled. “I love you, too.”
He placed a cube the size of a softball in her hand, wrapped in NASA paper from the souvenir shop. Her face fell, but she seemed to put up a brave front. Maybe hoping for something else? His heart thudded to a halt.
She tore off the paper and held up his gift. The clear cube glinted in the moonlight. “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s a paperweight.” I’m really blowing this. “The image inside was actually laser engraved right through the glass.”
“Of the moon.” Her flat voice conveyed no emotion. She turned it in her hands.
“Take a good look. It’s really detailed.” This is not going well.
She did, but the thin line of her lovely lips was beginning to assume anger mode.
“You see that spot right there? That’s the Sea of Tranquility.”
“Uh-huh.” Hildi squinted. “There’s something on the surface.” She peered more closely. “It looks like writing.”
Dan faked a puzzled frown. “Where?”
“There. Can’t you see it?” She deciphered the words. “I…love…you?” She gazed up at him.
“Well, you did say you wanted it in writing.” His mouth quirked. He pulled a black velvet box from his pocket and opened it.
Hildi gasped.
Dan rose to one knee, ignoring the tears pooling in his eyes. “Will you marry me?”
“Yes.” She dropped the paperweight and launched herself at him. They kissed and laughed and added more saltwater to the sand.
He placed the ring on her finger. A moonstone surrounded by diamonds flashed in the waning light. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into his embrace. For the first time in his life, Dan felt content. Complete. He held her a long time.
Lifting his head, Dan admired the moon’s reflection on the glass cube, on the foaming waves, and on the precious stones of Hildi’s ring.
Hildi shifted on the towel. “Talked to Frank lately?”
Dan chuckled. His girl—fiancée—had picked up her mother’s funny habit of changing subjects at the speed of reentry. “He’s dating a reporter named Nancy. I think she’s good for him.” And you’re good for me.
Hildi’s expression turned wistful. Did she still have feelings for Frank? Return-to-him feelings? Worry pricked at Dan’s happiness balloon. Then she grinned at him, and all his nettlesome doubts shriveled like thorns in a flame.
He squeezed her close. “He’s training hard, waiting for the next mission.”
“Think he’ll get the moon?”
He pointed at the orb rising in the dusk. “He’s welcome to that one.” He picked up the moon cube and placed it in her hands. “This one is yours.”
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