Chapter Fourteen

One week later.

"Hope! It's so good to see you. How are you? How is the governor-general?" Larth greeted her with a big smile.

"We are doing well," she answered. For all I've seen of him. They'd had no problems, no arguments or disagreements, but he worked such long hours, entire days passed when she didn't see him at all, when she ate dinner alone, and then went to bed and awakened the next morning to find him already gone.

She didn't blame him. He had a very important job and carried the weight of his world on his shoulders. His position couldn't compare to working in a bakery where there were set hours, and, when the shop closed, the workday ended. Krogan couldn't tell the citizens, Sorry, I can't deal with that crisis right now, I must meet my wife for dinner .

That's how she consoled herself, anyway. But insecurities reared their persistent ugly heads. Maybe he regrets kissing me, so he's avoiding me.

The kiss had been magical, hot, and sweet, igniting a little flame of hope that maybe he was developing romantic feelings, and their legal union could turn into a real marriage.

Then…nothing. A week of absences. No peck hello. No kiss good night. And during their very limited conversations, there'd been no mention of the kiss they had shared.

Logically , she knew he wouldn't avoid her because he regretted the kiss. That would be cowardly, and he didn't operate that way. He addressed problems head-on; he didn't hide or play games. However, they'd both been drinking. More than a little tipsy by the time he'd come home, she'd lost her inhibitions and flirted, letting her tunic slip off her shoulder, sitting extra close to him on the sofa. Maybe the alcohol had loosened his inhibitions and caused him to act out of character, too.

Krogan wasn't an impetuous man. Everything about him was controlled and measured. On that basis, maybe he did regret his impulsiveness. He doesn't want to give me the wrong idea .

But her foolish heart hoped that tonight would be a second chance for a little romance. They were going to the Cosmic Mates reception. That was kind of like a date, wasn't it?

"What brings you to the cozi?" Larth asked.

"I had some time to kill, and I thought I'd wander around the market." She had too much time on her hands. Don Juan did everything. She'd cooked a couple more meals, but after Krogan worked late and missed them, she didn't see the point and stopped doing that.

He had given her some suggestions of places to visit, and she'd gone to a few of them, but going solo emphasized her loneliness. She wished she could share those experiences with her husband, but he was tied up at work. So, she'd come to the market today. Other than her husband, Larth was the only person she knew.

"Might I ask you a huge favor, then?" Larth said. "Could you watch my booth for maybe an hour?"

"Um…" She bit her lip. Minding the booth was the least she could do to repay him for rescuing her. "Yeah, I guess I can do that, but what if somebody wishes to buy something? I wouldn't know how much to charge them or how to charge them." She knew embedded program chips were involved, but she barely managed to vap places she knew and get doors to open.

"This is the lull in the day. I don't expect many customers until people start getting off work. If someone comes by, tell him I'll be back by two. Mainly, I need someone to prevent theft. We don't have a big crime problem, but an unattended booth invites trouble."

"Sure. I'd be happy to help." Besides repaying him for his kindness, it would give her something more exciting to do than twiddle her thumbs in the vacant penthouse and watch the birds and aerocruisers fly by.

"Thank you. I am going to visit my wife in the stasis pod. She's unconscious and doesn't know when I visit, but I go as often as I can to talk to her. I like to think she can sense my presence. I don't want her to feel alone. I want her to know I love her." His eyes misted up.

"Oh my gosh, yes. Go! I'll man the booth."

He bounded away, and she watched him leave with an ache in her heart. I want a husband who loves me enough to visit me even when I don't know he's there.

* * * *

Hope was still getting dressed when Krogan arrived home to take her to the reception. He used the time to change his clothing, donning more formal attire. As he left his bedroom suite, she emerged from hers.

She had on the same blue-green dress she'd worn for their wedding. He realized he'd inadvertently chosen the same suit.

" Déjà vu ," she said.

"I don't know what that means," he admitted.

"It means this is a repeat. We've done this before."

"Not exactly the same—you're more ravishing than you were before."

She blushed. "I wouldn't call myself ravishing at all, but thank you."

Compliments made her uncomfortable, so he didn't press the issue, but she did get prettier every time he saw her. When he arrived home late at night, and she was sleeping, he always checked on her. It was the bright spot of his day, the one thing that kept him sane among the pressures and crises erupting around him—watching his wife sleep then kissing her forehead and tiptoeing out of her room.

"Ready?" He offered his arm, and she slipped her hand into the crook .

For practice, he gave her the instructions and let her vap to the reception site.

"Good job!" he said when they arrived safe and sound in the right building.

"I've gotten quite a bit of practice lately. I've been visiting some of the sights you mentioned."

Guilt and regret nipped at him. He'd prefer to show her the planet himself, but he couldn't spare the time. There weren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. If this reception wasn't so important to the future success of Cosmic Mates, he would have been working tonight, too. As it was, the break would cost him. He would be toiling even later tomorrow night to compensate.

"I went to the market today and was a little late getting home. That's why I wasn't dressed and ready to go," she said.

"We're not that late," he assured her. "Besides, as governor-general, I prefer to make an entrance," he joked as he led her to the conference hall.

"That's not true. You're very modest," she said and then gasped as the door opened to a noisy, crowded banquet hall. "I expected a much smaller gathering." She clutched his arm tighter. "Who are all these people? "

"Besides the twenty-five couples, we've invited various government officials and private and public information dissemination organizations. Two hundred invitations went out. I was surprised by the size of the invite list myself, but Vorgol pointed out the purpose is to promote Cosmic Mates."

With a hand to the small of her back, he urged her into the room.

"The décor is beautiful." Her head pivoted to take it all in. "It's like we're outdoors in a park. I love it."

Thousands of twinkling hover lights had turned the ceiling into a starry sky. Potted live shrubbery and flowers transformed indoor space into a lush garden. Holographic birds chirped from the trees. Glowing torches provided gentle illumination along walkways and benches.

Androids mingled among the guests with trays of hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"Thirsty. Dry mouth. I'm a little nervous."

He beckoned to an android.

Hope snagged a glass from the tray and took a drink. She smiled.

"Good?" he asked.

"Alcoholic. Don't worry, I won't overdo it. "

He waved the android off.

A red-eyed silver orb dropped from the ceiling and whooshed around their heads. She gave a little cry and ducked. "What the heck is that?"

"A hologram camera drone.' He spotted Vorgol in the crowd and waved him over.

Krogan slipped his arm around his wife's waist. "Hope, I'd like you meet Vice Governor-General Vorgol. Among his many duties, he manages the Cosmic Mates program. His office organized this reception. "Vorgol, my wife, Hope Bennett."

"It's so nice to meet you," she said.

"It's a great pleasure to meet you," his VGG said. "I'm sorry I had to miss your wedding."

"Well, we had a little snafu," she replied.

"All worked out now, I'm sure."

Hope glanced at Krogan. "Yes. It all worked out."

Another camera drone circled before zipping away.

"Besides our own holocams, the media networks sent some. We should get great publicity," Vorgol said. "In about an hour, I'll announce that you wish to say a few words—" He swore. "We have a gatecrasher."

A mottled-faced man dressed in black had entered the conference hall. An android approached with a tray of drinks, and he took one but didn't drink it, just stood there, studying the people with a narrow-eyed gaze.

"Stervak," Krogan muttered.

The man spotted him, smirked, and saluted with the drink.

"I'll have him escorted out," Vorgol said.

"No. He's seeking a confrontation. Don't give it to him. Let him observe. Maybe he'll learn something."

He and Vorgol laughed at the absurdity. The odds of Stervak learning anything were nil. "Keep an eye on him though. If he starts to cause trouble, then throw him out."

"I'll have a holocam programmed to keep him under surveillance."

"Perfect. Carry on." He clapped Vorgol's shoulder and then ushered Hope into the crowd.

"Who was that man?" she asked.

"My political opponent in the last election. He was a bit of a sore loser. He's been harboring a grudge." He downplayed the situation. Stervak hated him, had vowed to do whatever it took to have him booted from office.

She bit her lip. "Maybe you should kick him out. "

"Malcontents crave confrontation. It fills their need for attention and gives them something to complain about. The best way to annoy him is to ignore him."

"Don't feed the trolls?"

"Exactly."

"Hope!" A human woman waved and then grabbed her husband's hand and pulled him over. "I'm so glad I got to see you again." She and Hope hugged.

"Becky, this is my husband, Governor-General Krogan." With a big smile on her face, Hope introduced him.

"And this is Corson," Becky said.

"Thank you so much, Governor-General. Until Becky arrived, I didn't think I'd ever have a wife," Corson said. "I thought I'd be alone for my entire life."

"I'm thrilled you joined the program. It was a big unknown for everyone. Your willingness to take a risk will bring new life to Caradonia." He glanced at Becky. "Thank you for giving us a chance."

They exchanged a few more words, the women suggesting a future get-together, and then he and Hope excused themselves. The Caradonian men and the human women had taken a leap of faith—something he'd been unwilling to do until Vorgol had reminded him of his duty. He was so thankful he'd conceded. I couldn't have asked for a better wife.

"I'm glad you came," he said.

"Of course. The reception is important to the program."

"I mean, I'm glad you're here on Caradonia with me." Knowing she was home waiting for him—even though she was usually asleep—gave him something to look forward to.

She wet her lips, and his attention strayed to her luscious mouth. He ached to kiss her. Would it cause a scandal if he did?

"I'm glad I'm here, too." Her inviting gaze melted into his. Crowd be damned—he leaned in, and a whirling holocam streaked between them. Getting numerous good holographs was a necessity, but he'd failed to anticipate how annoying the flying cameras would be.

"I guess we'd better mingle some more," he growled.

She giggled and nodded.

He introduced his wife to government officials and dignitaries. They did a few quick interviews with the media. She introduced him to the women from Terra Nova. Brides and grooms alike enthused about Cosmic Mates. Together, as a team, they worked the room, eliciting feedback and promoting the program. Despite her initial nervousness, Hope handled herself with great aplomb. A natural conversationalist, she connected with everyone she met. His heart swelled with pride. This is my wife. What a great partner she is.

Everyone loved her—except for Stervak. On several occasions, he caught his nemesis glowering at them from across the room. He'd assumed the animosity was directed at himself, until he and Hope were separated, talking to different people, and he'd caught his nemesis scowling at her.

He signaled Vorgol. "Get Stervak out of here."

Three men from security surrounded him and walked him out the door. Krogan joined Hope, and she seemed none the wiser.

Finally, Vorgol stepped onto a riser and called for everyone's attention. "Thank you all for coming and sharing your time with us. I am thrilled to see all of you—every single inaugural Cosmic Mate couple is here tonight!"

The guests responded with thunderous foot-stomping applause. The human women, clapping their hands, eyed the men with astonishment. A few shrugged.

When the noise subsided, Vorgol continued, "The governor-general needs no introduction, but what some of you may not know is that he conceived the idea of Cosmic Mates. You have him to thank for your marriages."

Loud applause ensued, with the women mimicking the foot-stomping. To his surprise, Hope stamped her feet with great alacrity.

"Krogan?" Vorgol motioned to him.

Clasping Hope's hand, he gave a little tug to indicate she should join him on the stage, and together, they stepped up and faced the guests.

"While I got the brainstorm to go off-planet, one of the things I do best is delegate."

The people laughed.

"I handed Cosmic Mates to Vice General-Governor Vorgol who has done a fantastic job bringing an idea to fruition. Please give him a round of applause." Krogan led the foot stomping.

When he had their attention again, he said, "I tried to meet as many people as I could tonight, but I probably missed a few, so allow me to present my wife, Hope Bennett. "

They applauded, and she smiled and waved.

"All of you—our Caradonian men and the women from Terra Nova—have my heartfelt gratitude for your openness and willingness to cross the galactic divide and give Cosmic Mates a try. This planet has experienced a tragic loss of life that will impact us for generations. We had to take drastic steps to save our civilization. You all have contributed to the solution, so tonight we celebrate you.

"It is my sincere wish that you have found your forever mates and at the end of the provisional year, you will make your marriages permanent."

His gliteri tingled with heightened emotion as realization struck. I don't want Hope to leave. I want to make my marriage permanent.

But that wasn't what he'd promised.

His chest tight, he snuck a peek at her face. She was smiling at the audience.

To lose millions of young women was the worst tragedy his planet had ever experienced. To lose Hope would be the worst personal tragedy to befall him.

He uttered a few closing remarks, then they stepped off the stage.

For appearance' sake, they continued to mingle, but the epiphany left him reeling, and he had to force himself to pay attention and comment appropriately. He was hyperconscious of her every move, her smiles, her scent, her laughter, her voice. When he determined he'd satisfied proprieties, they made a round of farewells and then slipped away.

* * * *

"I enjoyed that," she said when they arrived home. "I loved reconnecting with the women from the ship, meeting their husbands, talking with people."

People had been curious to meet her. As usual, Vorgol's instincts had been spot on. Having the governor-general participate in the program had given it great credibility. After hologram clips were disseminated to the public, he expected another surge in sign-ups.

"You did really well. You were a tremendous asset," he said. "We made a great team."

"We did, didn't we?" She smiled. "I never thought of myself as a politician's wife. I've always considered myself a wallflower, but I liked talking with everyone. Maybe because I feel like I'm doing something good."

"There will be other social work-related events if you wish to attend…"

"I would love to!" Her eyes lit up .

Love. How easily she used that word. She had loved talking to people, had loved the decorations, loved the prospect of attending more social events. But could she ever love him?

He was not easy to love. His own mother had left him, and he'd grown into a cold, emotionless man who shielded himself with ambition. Now, when he would discard the shield, life-or-death responsibilities demanded a total commitment leaving little time for nurturing a marriage. He knew little about how a husband should behave but assumed he should be present some of the time.

"Good," he said, his throat thick. "I'm glad."

"Good night, Krogan," she said and turned to leave.

He couldn't let her go yet. He needed… He caught her hand. "Hope?"

She turned, a question in her eyes.

He lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers.

She melted against him, her arms going around his neck, kissing him back without hesitation. A groan of satisfaction and relief vibrated in his chest. Her avid response had to mean something, didn't it? Could she be developing feelings for him? He tightened his arms around her, holding her closer to his thudding, hopeful heart.

He had never envisioned his life could offer more than ambition, duty, and work. Never desired anything more—until now.

The citizens depended on him, respected him, counted on him to be the hero who would save them. He longed to be Hope's hero.

What can I do so you'll desire to stay with me?

He rubbed his lips over hers in a gentle caress. Their breaths mingled. She peered at him through her lashes with a soft, bemused expression. Words didn't exist to express the intensity of the feeling blooming in his chest. He swallowed. Could he become the man she deserved? "I want to be a good husband to you."

She cupped his cheek. "You already are."

He shook his head. Not yet. But he vowed to try. He would do everything in his power to make her wish to stay when the year was up.

He clasped her hand, pressed his lips to the inside of her wrist. "I'll come home earlier tomorrow. Maybe you'd like to go somewhere? I can show you some of the sights you haven't seen."

Her face lit up. "I would love that. "

He felt himself grinning. "Then that's what we'll do." He kissed the inside of her wrist, again. "Good night."

She stood on tiptoe and brushed her lips against his. "Good night, Krogan."