Sons of Amber: Michael (14 page)

    She sipped her tea in the silence that followed.

    “I honestly don’t know what to say, ma’am.”

    Leah looked worried though. “But what if—?”

    “I thought you might worry.” Adelaide leaned forward and tossed Leah a data pad she’d had hidden under a pillow at her side. “I commed Amber a few days ago and asked her if there would be any complications. This is what she sent back.”

    Leah scanned the pad and her eyes widened, but she didn’t speak. A moment later, she handed the datapad to him. Michael read the words, amazed by what he was seeing. Dr. Amber had run an analysis of his DNA against a sample of Leah’s obtained from her service file. The bottom line conclusion was that they’d have healthy, happy offspring and weren’t a close enough genetic match to make any difference.

    Amber had also included a private message at the bottom for Michael, wishing them well.

    “Now that’s out of the way,” Adelaide went on, “I’m pleased to welcome you to the family, Michael, and to the tribe.”

    Leah grasped his hand, squeezing tightly. “Thank you, grandmother.”

    A week later, they were married in an elaborate ceremony and Michael was officially inducted into the tribe. A huge party followed at which he was astounded to find not only his superior officers, but Dr. Amber Waithe and the Leader of the Governing Council herself, Mathilde Gray. It was a high honor that such important women would come to witness their marriage.

    They took a few minutes out of the party to present both bride and groom with Distinguished Service Medals for their work in busting up the piracy ring in Smithson’s sector. Leader Gray spoke glowing words about them both, much to the crowd’s delight. Most of the tribe came to the wedding from planets near and far, summoned by the elders to witness what they were touting as the rebirth of their people. It was a heavy load to bear, but Leah handled it well. Michael was used to the pressure of having most of humanity depend on him for one thing or another, but this was slightly different. This was somehow more intimate. He was no longer just another of the Sons, but Michael Amber, husband to Leah Blackfoot-Amber, the first male to marry into the tribe since the virus struck.

    It was a new beginning in many different ways.

    “To the newlyweds,” Leader Gray toasted them as they gathered for dinner in the formal dining hall that had been decorated by the tribal community in garlands and shimmering beadwork tapestries. “May they live long, healthy, fruitful lives, serving both the Blackfoot people and all of humanity.”

    A chorus of answering wishes rose from the assembly as they raised their glasses over and over. Michael rose, taking the occasion to put into words the feelings he’d never been good at discussing. Now was the time to let the women in his life know what he felt. Plus, the alcohol he’d already consumed helped loosen his tongue.

    “I’d like to thank Dr. Amber Waithe.” Michael spoke into the silence, raising his glass toward the scientist who’d designed him. “We call ourselves her Sons, but in every way that really matters, she truly is our mother. Thank you for being here to witness my marriage. Your presence means more than you can know.” The woman teared up, smiling lovingly at Michael as he paused to recognize her.

    “Thanks also to Leader Gray and those members of the Governing Council and the chain of command who came all this way to join our celebration. Leah and I have lived much of our lives in the service. The military is our family as well and we’re proud to have you here and have your blessing as we join our lives together.” Murmurs of agreement sounded as the many uniformed officers and politicians in stylish suits bowed their heads or nodded and smiled in approval of his heartfelt words. But Michael wasn’t finished.

    “And thanks to my new wife, my heart, Leah.” He turned to her, seated beside him, looking up with love in her eyes. She’d declared her love for him, but he hadn’t reciprocated. Not in so many words. “I didn’t know love until I met you, Leah. You’ve taught me so much I never imagined about being human. I value you as my best friend, the other half of my soul and the best damn Executive Officer I’ve ever had.” The crowd chuckled as he’d intended. He reached down and raised Leah by one hand until she stood at his side, gazing up at him. “I love you, Leah, with all my heart and forevermore.”

    He tugged on her hand until she was in his arms, his lips on hers as the crowd sighed. He kissed her with all the love in his heart, glad to finally be able to articulate at least some of the amazing feelings coursing through him. He tasted the salt of Leah’s tears and broke off, folding one of her hands against his heart as he gazed into her weepy eyes.

    “I’m glad you said that, Michael, because I love you too.” She breathed deep to try to control her tears, but the smile on her face was full of joy. “And I have something to tell everyone too.” A little devil of mischief entered her twinkling eyes. She squeezed his hand, holding his gaze as she spoke outward in a strong voice, to the assembly. “I’m pregnant.”

    Cheers erupted along with a flurry of congratulations. Everyone drank to the toast, but Leah’s crystal flute of champagne was quickly replaced with a glass of water as she laughed at the fuss everyone made. Michael couldn’t let go of her hand. He’d made many women pregnant, but never his chosen lifemate, the miraculous woman who’d brought him into her family, her tribe, her life. He’d never belonged before—not the way he belonged now. Michael felt as if he’d finally found his place in the human race. He’d found a family to belong to, and suddenly the future generations seemed much closer than they had before. Michael looked forward to raising this child, and any others they might have together.

    The soldier Son of Amber had finally found a home.

    The End