Bride for the Space Cowboy (Match Made in Space #2)

15. Kayden

Chapter Fifteen

KAYDEN

As we fly, my horse, Callister, is as steady as ever. He comes to a landing with the team riding with Asher and me. We stop on an elevated rise outside the town on the other side of the planet.

The town looks quiet. I glance at Asher. “What do you think?”

We collectively scan the area. I see evidence of an outpost just before I start to bring my gaze back toward the town. Some animals are tethered to posts, and the corner of a tent is visible behind some boulders in the distance at the base of a mountain. “Over there,” I say quietly with a nudge of my chin. Asher follows my gaze.

“That must be where they’re meeting,” Hunter offers. He’s a security team lead. “We know they’re not meeting in town. The rumors about the protests indicate they are small. They’re trying to prevent a new election and make noise about the trials for those arrested for the kidnapping of Princess Jane.”

Asher’s eyes narrow. “Let’s avoid the protests for now. We’ll do a regular tour of the towns around the planet to avoid speculation. When we come here, let’s raid the outpost. We’ll start the tour in a month or two.” He brings his attention to me. “I’d like your team to scout the area next week. Let’s confirm it isn’t just some youth camping before we move ahead.”

One week later, Nadine waits for me when I get home. Her eyes are bright, and her cheeks are pink.

“What is it?” I ask.

“I’ve missed my monthly,” she says.

A surge of pride rises inside me, an almost primal sensation. Before I can even ask, she adds, “The doctor already confirmed I’m pregnant.”

She smooths her hand over her belly, and I step close to give her a lingering kiss. When we break apart a moment later, I want her fiercely. My desire for her is ever-present, and the knowledge she is with my child increases its force. Yet she’s as fragile as spun glass now. The sense of protectiveness that rushes through me is unlike anything I’ve experienced.

I cup her cheeks, looking deep into her eyes. “Soon, we’ll be a family.”

She smiles, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I’m so glad you chose me,” she whispers.

“As if there was any choice. The infinity pulse beats between us.”

I’m relieved we’ve confirmed she’s now carrying my child. I can go on my journey with this knowledge. It will make me fight harder if I have to fight.