Chapter 7
RICKY
I feel Ginger’s body relax under my own, and I take a deep breath, breathing in a scent that is entirely hers. Just as I had lost all hope, she appeared like a goddess out of thin air. The moment my eyes registered what they were seeing, my legs couldn’t move fast enough.
Others told me that I should consider moving on, but my heart just wouldn’t let go.
There was always that small ray of hope in the back of my mind that one day a miracle would happen, and it did when I least expected it.
I lay here holding her close, my nose tucked into the top of her head, fighting back tears as I realize what a blessing this really is and all the things that had to happen for me to be right here in this perfect moment.
These last months, I’ve dreamed up every horror I could imagine, but never once did I think she was doing the same thing.
When things calm down, I’ll contact ANDI and have him fill me in on where she was, but for now, I’m gonna lie here and enjoy the quiet that was driving me nuts only this morning.
I must have dozed off because a chill has me shooting straight up, yelling. “GINGER?!”
“I’m right here, had to pee, and I didn’t want to wake you up.”
“From now on, wake me up.”
I watch as she walks toward the huge platform that hangs off the cliff. The door slides open as she approaches. Her curly hair glistens as it reflects the many colors of Etherium and the lake that is now melting below.
“Wow, this is stunning.”
Walking up behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her back flush against me.
Habit has my lips kissing the top of her head, something I’ve always done and had taken for granted, but never again.
I look out at the surrounding area, truly seeing it all for the first time. The place really is beautiful.
“I’m assuming that if that’s our couch, this is ours too?”
“Yup, we are one of three on this cliff face. The other pods or homes are closer together and most now have connecting walkways as the pods keep adjusting to each owner’s needs. MeK is their main designer and he’s also one of the Commander’s sons.”
“I heard bits and pieces of his story on Destiny when I learned that EvO and ViN were brothers. Talk about polar opposites in form and personality because those two are it. Someone else said there are like twenty or more of them spread out through the galaxy?”
“Yeah, I don’t know the exact number, but I did hear it was some kind of lottery the Commanders had to participate in if they weren’t mated.”
“I am glad to hear in your voice and tone that I’m not the only one confused.”
“Confused is not a big enough word to explain the crap I’ve seen since waking up.”
“How did you end up all the way out here?”
“I’m not a hundred percent sure to be honest, but from the moment I opened my eyes, the Commander has taken an interest in me.
He treats me more like one of his own than he does the others.
So, when my turn came to get a pod and its location, I mentioned I would like something a little more private.
I was ready to have a place of my own, but I didn’t really care where it was at the time.
Bunking up with Owen wasn’t bad, but his snoring sure made for some long nights.
To say I was shocked when MeK announced that mine was done and brought me here is an understatement.
When I asked him why since I knew these pods were different and more expensive than the others, he told me to ask DaR.
I’ve tried several times, but he simply changes the subject each time. ”
Ginger’s curls float around her head as the wind blows softly. When one gets hooked on my beard, I smile. It’s amazing how such a small thing makes a moment real in my mind now.
“Come on, it’s still chilly out here, and you don’t have enough clothes on. Speaking of clothes, did you bring anything with you? When all the power comes back online, I can have one of the cargo bots retrieve your stuff.”
“I don’t have much. Destiny had several outfits made for all of us girls, but someone called SAGE is supposed to be sending wardrobes for us until Briar, another person I don’t know, opens her boutique.”
“In a few days, you’ll know everyone. There aren’t that many of us.”
“God, I’m so selfish. I never even thought to ask you about any of the others. Did that older couple make it? I can’t think of their names right off.”
“James and Carla? Yeah, they made it and so did Vedece, even though she was stuck out in this storm too, and I haven’t seen her since then.
But someone would have said something if she’d gotten hurt.
Many of the others you don’t know, but thankfully, DaR quickly put a stop to the few troublemakers we did have and for the most part, everyone is working together hard to get his place up and running. ”
“Humans will be human, it seems, no matter the planet.”
“True, we are famous for never being content.”
Ginger turns in my arms, and I lower my head, kissing her lips softly.
I have to fight the urge to throw her over my shoulder and take her straight to bed, but we have plenty of time for that now that she’s home.
She smiles up at me with an ornery little smirk, and my heart hits my throat because it’s so overfilled with love.
“I can’t believe I’ve managed to keep all my clothes on this long. You’ve always preferred me naked.”
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s a struggle, but I’m content holding you. I need your voice and the comfort of you in my arms as much as the rest of it. And I have a feeling that when I finally get you naked, there’ll be no talking for quite some time.”
“What if I’m tired of talking? I think I’m craving some good old-fashioned naked snuggles, but I can’t promise I’ll behave!”