After Dagen left, Reia just stood in the empty space for a few precious, silent, seconds. Her life had been going at about warp 8 for quite some time and now it had just kicked into warp 9, or beyond. She had plans of taking Dagen home to meet her grandparents someday but never dreamed that his parents would be popping up for a random visit. Perhaps she should have waited and just asked the Captain to marry them at the Christmas party. But would it make a difference if Dagen’s parents met his new wife, or his fiance?

Glancing aorund she busied herself with a few needless chores, a new blanket for the couch, a large bouquet of flowers for the table, etcetera, before dashing out the door in order to take care of her last project.

In truth, Reia had not idea if Dagen would even wear a wedding ring.

• Reia