Page 109 of The Admiral's Daughter

I know I need to get us back to the flight deck soon, but a few more minutes can’t hurt.

“Weneed to get back, Cleo,” River finally says. “I can’t wait to do this at home, but I’ve still got another hour until I’m officially dismissed.”

Sighing, I nod. “You’re right, and you should spend some time with the crew. They’re going to miss you.”

“Babe,” she croaks. A tear falls down her cheek and I catch it with my thumb. River is no longer a woman who hides or runs away from her feelings. She’s quite the opposite.

“Come on, Lieutenant Commander.”

A quick glance at my watch shows we’ve been absent for nearly fifteen minutes, which is plenty of time for my mum to get everyone organised.

As we approach the hatch which leads to the flight deck, I notice River’s eyebrows furrow. Understandable considering the noticeable silence.

My heart clenches when I see the crew lined up, giving River a well-deserved salute. Turning, I grab her hand and guide her along the deck towards Captain Pierce, who is standing with my father and Admiral Morley on one side, with Kit and Boot on the other.

“Cleo?” she whispers to me as I pull her along.

I stop us in front of the captain and turn to face her. She’s looking at everyone, utterly confused.

“I thought this would be appropriate,” I begin.

“Appropriate?” she echoes.

“You’re still a member of this crew for a little while longer,” Pierce chimes in.

“And there really isn’t a more suited place for it,” Admiral Morley adds.

“What?” River asks, looking at me. “Cleo, what’s going on?”

“Well, Lieutenant Commander Dawson, I thought your final act aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth should be marrying me.”

A choked laugh escapes her, and it makes me smile so hard my face hurts. She looks at Pierce, who is grinning widely. It’s quite handy that a ship’s captain has the authority to perform a wedding, don’t you think?

“It is pretty apt, isn’t it?” she finally replies, looking back at me.

There wasn’t anywhere I could think more perfect for either of us to make vows than on the ship that brought us together, and with the people who love us the most.

“So?” I ask, reaching up to straighten her cap. “Ready?”

“To marry the Admiral’s Daughter?”

“Yeah.” I laugh because even though my dad isn’t the acting admiral, that’s how River will always refer to me.

“Try and stop me.”

I don’t.