Captive (29 page)

Things went quickly once the prime minister's ship was destroyed. Earth gained control of the ground troops and held them until the transport ship arrived to take them away. World leaders were getting together making plans for the rebuilding process as well as ways to get their economy going again.

President Blake finally got to meet his informant and was thrilled with the idea of joining the Galactic Senate. He worked hard over the next few months, convincing the other leaders this was the right thing to do. Once it came time to pick their representatives, it was a unanimous decision that Davis Blake would be the first man from Earth to be appointed to the Galactic Senate. He accepted with gratitude and a good deal of enthusiasm.

The news media were all over the Marcone brothers, spreading the word of their sacrifices, their hard work, and even their private lives. Stefan took it all in stride, trying his best to answer questions and help the world adjust. Taron always close by, ever watchful and lending a hand when needed. Sidious and Mikayla went into hiding, returning to the lake house on Daego. Sidious had had enough and wanted to live the quiet life, far from the prying eyes of the press and the responsibility of the militia.

Thirty days after the final battle, just as the sun was setting on Daego, Mikayla and Sidious were married before a small gathering of friends and family. He had insisted on handling everything himself, once again surprising her with just how romantic he could be.

Her mother at first had been a little reluctant to travel to another planet, but she swallowed her fear. She wasn't about to miss her one and only daughter getting married, and she definitely wanted to be there when her first grandchild was born.

Even Krista was there, standing as Mikayla's maid of honor.

Everyone commented on what a handsome couple the two made. He in his tailored black suit, and she in an ankle-length gown made of cream-colored satin with

the same color lace overlay. It's a good thing they were marrying now, a few more days and the dress wouldn't have fit anymore.

Placing her hand over her stomach, she smiled. These few extra pounds she would carry around with pride.

The ring he placed on her finger during the exchanging of vows took her breath away. “They reminded me of your eyes,” he whispered as he slid the wide gold band encrusted with three large, rectangular-cut emeralds onto her finger.

Looking up at him she smiled, a single tear rolling down her cheek. With his thumb, he wiped the tear away just as the regent said with a smile, “I now pronounce you man and wife, Lord and Lady Marcone. You may now kiss your bride.” Tipping her chin up with his finger, he leaned down to kiss her, but just before he did, he whispered against her lips, “I love you, my lady.”

“I love you, my lord,” she whispered back.

Trista lives in the land of dreams, where alpha men are tender and heroines are strong and sassy. When not there, she visits the mountains of Tennessee. Not a bad place to spend a little spare time when she needs a break from all those voices in her head. Unfortunately they never fail to find her.