She remembered when it was just the two of them fighting to find enough food and shelter. As difficult as that had been, she missed those simpler times when they spent every day together. She’d shared more about herself with him than she had anyone ever and that was a good feeling. Why had it taken a shipwreck to make her come out and tell him how she felt? Why hadn’t she been bold enough to reach out and connect with him before they’d crashed like she’d always wanted? God, she felt so foolish for wasting all that time.
The shuttles were now picking up the medical equipment and the last of the crew. Digging in the dirt with a stick, she looked up and saw Lawless coming toward her. Behind him, the sky was growing dark. “Why are you hiding back here like a hermit? It’s time to go.”
Morgan shrugged. “I guess I’m just a little sad to leave.”
“Did you go and see the doctor earlier?”
She nodded and tossed the stick.
Lawless sat down next to her, his muscular thigh touching hers. “What did he say?”
She took a deep breath to control her emotions and let it out slowly. “You don’t have to worry,” she said. “I’m not pregnant.”
He nodded grimly. “Wow, that’s too bad. Guess I was really off the mark with my prediction. I’m really sorry, Morgan. I was so sure.”
“What are you trying to say? Did you really want a baby?”
“Of course I did. I didn’t just want a baby. I wanted a baby with you. I told you I loved you, and I meant it. Why do you find that so hard to believe? I was hoping you’d consider making this relationship more permanent. Everything was so good with you, so right. I’d love it if we could get married and try to have a baby together.”
“So you and Penny aren’t . . .”
Lawless frowned and shook his head. “I told you, there is nothing between us and there has never been. We’re just friends. I have a lot of female friends, that doesn’t mean I’m having sex with them.”
“But, Jon, how can we have a life together on a ship? With our different schedules, we might never see each other.”
“The Fleet will accommodate us if we’re married. Lots of people do it. There are nurseries and schools, everything we could need and as good as any you’d find on Earth.” Lawless leaned over and kissed her. “But,” he said and hesitated. “Maybe now that we’re back with the others, you’ve changed your mind about being with me.” He shifted uncomfortably.
Morgan shook her head. “No,” she said after a brief pause. “If I’m going to get married, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be stuck with than you.”
Lawless got up and held his hands out to her. Morgan took them and pulled herself up. They walked hand in hand to the evacuation shuttles. She couldn’t believe how free she felt as the terrible worry lifted from her soul. She squeezed his hand. “I love you, Jon,” she said. “And I’m sorry about everything.”
He gave her a mischievous grin and winked. “I knew you’d come around if I just held on long enough. Now about that baby . . . maybe we could get started on that project tonight.”
She laughed. “Hold your horses, Romeo, I have to get the antidote first. But I have no objection to a practice run.”
“Sounds like a plan to me,” he said, wrapping his arm around her waist.
THE END
About the Author
Michelle has long been a fan of erotic romance, science fiction, and horror. She is a member of the Winter Park Writers Group and has authored many novels and short stories for the Internet. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her family and her evil Irish Terrier, Guiness.
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