baby. It’s not over.”
“It is. My parents disconnected without even bothering to answer you.”
He suddenly smiled. “Did they?”
She glanced at his hand holding the recorder, and he waved it. Then he winked at her and his smile widened. “Wait for it. The signal was still live. Big would be angry if he knew I stayed on a few minutes longer than planned, but we can find another emergency relay station on another planet if the signal is tracked. I’ll do―”
“Stone?” That was her father.
She jerked her head up, staring at the recorder.
“Yes, sir?”
“Do you really love our daughter? Do you treat her well?”
“She’s everything to me, and I would do anything and everything to protect her from all harm.” Blade’s voice was steeped in sincerity.
“My wife says if you’re Stone to our Hailey, then we’re coming. Our pumpkin is our priority. We can get other jobs and friends, but we only have one daughter. What do we need to do again?”
“Funds will be transferred into your name. Use them to buy tickets and freight space for your belongings on a transport heading to Kellerton Station. You want to check in at Bill’s Hotel. My coworker will meet you there and bring you to us. Thank you.” Blade’s voice cracked. “She’s going to be so happy.”
“That’s all that matters. We’re packing. You tell our daughter we’re coming.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ll get right on sending you those funds. You should see them within hours.”
Blade tapped the recorder and tossed it on the bed. “You heard him. They’re coming. We don’t have to ever be apart.”
“Blade!” She yanked him closer and kissed him. “I love you so much. Thank you!”
“I hope you can still say that once they’ve arrive. How do you think they’re going to take it when they find out I’m a clone?”
“I doubt they’d even know unless you told them. They’re going to insist that we get married. Is that okay?”
“I want to be your husband, and you to be my wife. It won’t be legal because I’m not data-imprinted, but we could have a ceremony. It will be real in every other way. Will you marry me?”
“Yes! A million times yes!”
“I’ll have a nice cabin prepared for them with a Magna.”
“My mom is going to love that.” She hesitated. “We should tell my parents that you’re a clone. I’ve always been honest with them, and I’m sure that once they get to know you, they won’t care. You’re a million times better than anyone they ever invited to dinner. It will also prevent them from harassing us about getting pregnant. It’s best to just break it to them fast.”
“About that…”
She waited.
“Gemma mentioned something, and I asked Rod if he knew of any decent humans who were healthy, and possibly shared any physical traits with me.” He reached up and touched his black hair. “I explained what I needed, and why. He said it shouldn’t be a problem to obtain and freeze for transport. Have you heard of a sperm donor?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“I refuse to remove the option of you becoming a mother just because you’re with me. It would be an honor for me to be a father to any baby you carry, if you choose to have one. Or as many as you wish.”
She felt overcome with emotion, and she threw herself at him. “You are my hero!”
Blade hugged her tight. “You inspire me, baby. We’re going to be happy and get everything we want. I’ll make sure of it.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
About the Author
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
I'm a full-time wife, mother, and author. I've been lucky enough to have spent over two decades with the love of my life and look forward to many, many more years with Mr. Laurann. I'm addicted to iced coffee, the occasional candy bar (or two), and trying to get at least five hours of sleep at night.
I love to write all kinds of stories. I think the best part about writing is the fact that real life is always uncertain, always tossing things at us that we have no control over, but when writing you can make sure there's always a happy ending. I love that about being an author. My favorite part is when I sit down at my computer desk, put on my headphones to listen to loud music to block out everything around me, so I can create worlds in front of me.
For the most up to date information, please visit my website. www.LaurannDohner.com