New Threat by Nathan Hystad

Author:Nathan Hystad [Hystad, Nathan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Woodbridge Press
Published: 2018-04-01T22:00:00+00:00

TWELVE

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Mary said between big fake smiles.

“Don’t blame me. Blame Magnus. It’s their last night, and he wanted a send-off. Our engagement was the perfect ruse for it,” I said, instantly regretting that phrase.

Instead, she just visibly calmed and slid her hand into mine. That meant all was right in the world. We walked into the hangar, where a couple of the ships had been moved out. It was lightly decorated, and half a dozen folding tables had been placed inside, covered by some obviously borrowed tablecloths from what looked like an Italian restaurant from the seventies. LED lanterns were draped across the room, giving it a cozy backyard patio feel. It was perfect.

Mary was wearing her ring, and the other Earth Defense members flocked around her, asking for a look, and I realized something like this was a great distraction for the whole base. It was an event that could make them forget for a night that Earth had been invaded, and that we were now fighting for our lives.

Even President Patrice Dalhousie was there, with General Heart at her side. Slate, the oversized ED sergeant, loomed beside them. They waved at us, Heart sipping what looked like a Scotch while he stared at us over the edge of the glass.

Natalia walked in wearing a sleek black dress, the skirt slit to the thigh. I let out a low whistle, getting an elbow for my efforts. Nat was smiling widely at the beautiful setting, pointing at the lights and decorations. Magnus stood tall and wide beside her, filling out what could only be a custom tuxedo. I laughed, knowing how much the man hated confining clothing on his large frame.

“Congrats, you two lovebirds,” he said giving us a wink. “Dean, let’s go get a drink.”

“Nat, you look beautiful,” I said, before being pulled away by Magnus. Mary and Nat were hugging and chatting. I hadn’t told Mary about the surprise engagement.

“Change in plans, buddy.” Magnus shifted side to side, either nervous or excited about the proposal.

I didn’t like the sound of that. “What do you mean? Don’t tell me you’re not going through with it. She loves you. You guys are perfect for each other.” I looked back, getting a wave from Mary, who was beaming at all the attention.

“I really hate to do this at your engagement party, but just remember it was all my idea,” he said.

The bartender walked up to us, and I ordered a beer, getting Magnus a double Scotch, and wine for the ladies.

“Spit it out,” I said, tired of the drama.

“I’m not just asking her to marry me.” He paused, a big grin cast over his face. It was infectious, and I was smiling now too. “I’m asking her to marry me tonight.”

“Yeah, that was the plan.”

“No. I’m asking her to marry me, then getting married tonight.” He was almost jumping up and down in joy, and I put my hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him down.

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