To Earth and Back: The Afterlife

By William Boardman

The year is 1948—the onset of the of the Arab-Israeli War. A young Jewish-Christian woman has been rescued from her Syrian assailants by an alien crew from a distant civilization. Hours later she awakens aboard a massive starship, complete with mind-numbing technology and an alien crew numbering in excess of four hundred. For thirteen years she has been the case study of the ship’s surgeon and is stunned to find herself the object of his affection. With the loss of her family during the great war, a history of diabetes, and a recent diagnosis of cancer, her future seems bleak. Yet the rescue crew has given a glimmer of hope. Dazed and conflicted, she must weigh two very different courses of action—stay on with her new friends and give love a chance or return to Earth and her own people. Either way, the crew of Earth Research Station 23 will never be the same.

• Language: English
• Publisher: William Boardman
• Release date: Jan 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370326549

William Boardman

William Boardman is the author of the To Earth and Back series (The Mission, The Afterlife). He is a retired US Air Force photojournalist whose career spanned 26 years and took him to locations around the world: Far East, Middle East, Europe, Asia, South Pacific, South America, and North America (46 states plus Canada).After completing photojournalism training at Syracuse University, his work entailed mixing words and imagery to tell the Air Force story. Subject matter included military deployment and conflict, aeronautical research, humanitarian relief, aerial imaging, human interest, etc. His work has been published in military publications and national periodicals.

Book preview

To Earth and Back

The Afterlife

William Boardman

To Earth and Back

The Afterlife

William Boardman

Published by William Boardman

Smashwords Edition

Copyright© 2018 William Boardman

All rights reserved.

Cover by William Boardman and Smattila

To Earth and Back is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Conventions

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Acknowledgements

Cited Works

About the Author

For Nora—My Inspiration

Conventions

All languages are presented in English. Weights and measures are based on Earth standards. Alien institutions, scientific concepts, medical treatments, and plant and animal life are described in terms commonly understood on Earth. References to advanced technology and space travel are based on modern theory and ongoing scientific research. Representations of Earth’s geography are reasonably accurate, and historical references are closely aligned with real-world events.

Prologue

I am presenting To Earth and Back in a two-book series—The Mission (Book 1) and The Afterlife (Book 2). Having the first book under your belt will, I feel, greatly enhance your reading of the second. The following narrative is intended as a refresher.

———————

Near the center of the constellation Cetus is Tau Ceti, a star very similar to our own Sun. Of its five planets, Portho is the only one revolving within the habitable zone. Though Portho is barren, Marcova, one of its two moons, is an earth-like world with a thriving population. The inhabitants are physically, mentally, and emotionally identical to those of Earth, except in stature, where they average six inches taller in their respective genders. Compared to Earth, this benevolent civilization is completely unified, technologically superior, and fully engaged in research and exploration.

Some of their discoveries and advances include space travel at light-speed and beyond, artificial gravity, and object replication—And in the field of genetics: a two-hundred-year lifespan, cell regeneration, and the elimination of nearly all forms of disease.

Since their first interstellar expedition entered Earth orbit in 803 AD, Marcovan explorers have been studying every aspect of our world: plant life, wildlife, geology, history, civilization, and cultures.

This story takes place in the spring of 1948, three years after World War II. At that time, Marcovan Earth Research Station (ERS) 23 and its four-hundred-member crew had been orbiting our planet for over fifteen years, with thirty-five years remaining before returning home.

In an effort to better understand Earth cultures, each crewmember had been tasked to observe a single individual within a specific culture, this made possible by a network of sophisticated observation satellites. These case studies began when the subject was very young and continued throughout ERS 23’s fifty-year mission.

At the onset of the mission, Dr. Ariel (Ari) Stratford, the ship’s senior medical officer, selected the Hebrew culture and had just begun observing his young case study when the child died from an illness. He then requested and was approved to continue on with the family by transferring his study to the boy’s seven-year-old sister, Adina (Adie) Behr.

As the years passed, something unusual happened—Ari found himself becoming emotionally attached to Adie. This became evident when she experienced a traumatic event in the latter stages of the war. Deeply depressed by the incident, Ari sought help from Dr. Walt Maran, a ship’s counselor and close friend.

Four years later, Adie had immigrated to Israel and was living in a kibbutz (commune) on the country’s northern border. Having become a Messianic Jew en route to Israel, the young woman found herself an outcast among her own people.

Then two things happened in close succession: Adie was diagnosed with cancer, and the neighboring Arab nations finalized plans to attack Israel, placing her in grave danger. For Ari, the first revelation was crippling—the second, devastating. At wit’s end, he petitioned the ship’s council for a rescue mission, intending to move Adie to safety before the attack and treat her cancer in the process.

With the captain’s support, the council approved Ari’s request, and he assembled a small crew of close friends and associates: Merrick Borgan, Landing Craft Pilot; Walt Maran, Ship’s Counselor; Jack Corban, Operations Officer; and Ship’s Nurses Brooke Hayden and Katie Warren. In less than twenty hours they devised a plan, assembled their gear, configured the rescue craft, and launched.

During the mission the crew encountered a number of unforeseen circumstances. First, the initial stage of the rescue was interrupted when Syrian forces unexpectedly attacked Adie’s compound. At the same time, Ari got his first live glimpse of Adie and realized his feelings for her ran much deeper than he thought. Then just as they met, Adie passed out and hit her head. Unarmed and forced to defend Adie with nothing but a few flash capsules and his body armor, Ari was twice wounded by rifle fire while carrying her to the landing craft.

With all of the chaos, the crew didn’t discover Ari’s wounds until they had lifted off from the compound. Even then, Ari refused treatment, professing his love for Adie and insisting that she be allowed to return with them to the ship. Although the ship’s captain took some convincing, he eventually gave his approval, with the condition that Adie come of her own free will. So, when Ari lost consciousness due to his wounds, and Adie revived, it fell to the rescue crew to persuade her to stay and return with them to the ship. In the end, their efforts proved successful, and everyone turned their attention to removing the bullets—one lodged in Ari’s shoulder, the other, deep in his thigh.

A medical scan showed Ari’s blood levels to be dangerously low, so Brooke started transfusing a limited supply of his own blood. Then, when the leg wound proved too challenging for the nurses, Adie stepped in with her battlefield experience and completed both extractions. Following the procedure, Ari was still dangerously low on blood.

With the need to keep Ari’s injuries confidential, it was critical that he be ambulatory upon their return to the ship. Therefore, more blood was essential. A quick check showed that Adie was the only qualified donor among them, and once again she stepped forward. However, so much of her blood was needed that shortly after Ari regained consciousness, Adie passed out and remained unconscious for the duration of the mission.

When the rescue crew returned to the ship, Merrick remained at the landing craft to complete his postflight while Jack returned to his work center. Brooke departed with Ari to care for his wounds, and Katie went to pick up a transfusion kit and some blood for Adie.

As The Mission drew to a close, Walt took possession of Adie, still unconscious on the gurney, and accompanied her to her assigned quarters on the key personnel deck...

And thus begins The Afterlife—

Chapter 1

To Walt, the sight seemed strange, almost shocking. For two years he had passed by the sealed entrance on his way to work. Now it stood open—even inviting. As he walked Adie’s gurney across the foyer and into the living space, his mind went back to earlier days and fond memories of Mrs. Argon’s social gatherings. Looking around, he could see some things had changed since her passing—most likely during the last few hours, he thought, to prepare for Adie. Though, it pleased him to see that the antiquities display and most of the artwork still remained.

Entering the bedroom, he brought Adie’s gurney to a stop, then lifted and carried her to the large circular bed near the center of the room. After making her comfortable, he pulled up a seat and settled in.

Some minutes later, he looked up to see Katie walk in, followed dutifully by a floating med cart. How’s the Doc? he asked concerning Ari.

Doing well, all things considered, Katie said, removing a pouch of Ari’s blood from the cart. His wounds should be fine by morning. After checking Adie’s vital signs, she reached up and suspended the pouch from a disk hovering a few feet above the cart.

Walt noted Katie’s stifled yawn. So, this transfusion...how long will it take?

Katie uncoiled a length of tubing from the pouch. Her system is a little more delicate than ours—up to six hours, I’d say.

My word...are you going to make it? I thought I’d go back to the office, but perhaps I should stay.

No, no, that’s okay. But maybe you wouldn’t mind picking up some flowers down on Deck 8? I think she would like that.

Perfect, Walt said, heading for the door. Be right back.

———————

A half-hour later, Walt returned with a cart of flower-filled vases.

"Oh my, those are lovely, Katie said. Thank you."

Walt stayed on for a short time before heading in to work.

Heavy-eyed and weary, Katie fought drowsiness by arranging flowers on the long counter behind Adie’s bed. Then, standing back to survey her work, she felt her com-link vibrate and glanced down at the miniature display. It was Merrick, alert and smiling.

Hey, you look beat, he said. Are you with Adie?

Uh-huh, she answered, a little groggy.

Postflight’s done... Like some company?

Uh-huh.

You going to be awake when I get there?

Uh-huh....

Oh, brother...I’ll be right up.

Leaving the landing craft, Merrick moved briskly across the launch bay and entered the lift. Deck 3—Boost. A red light flickered on the annunciator panel, and the lift surged upward. Within seconds he was out and moving down the corridor. Finding Adie’s entrance open, he crossed the living space and entered the bedroom where he found Katie sitting on the sofa, dazed and exhausted.

You should have called someone, he complained, grabbing a pillow. "Here, why don’t you lie down? I can keep an eye on things." He sat down beside her, put the pillow on his lap, and gave her a gentle tug.

Thank you for coming, she said, her head finding the pillow.

Merrick gave her shoulder a pat and softly brushed the hair from her face. Everything’s fine now. I have this....

———————

When Ari walked in three hours later, Katie was still sleeping.

Hey Doc, Merrick whispered, surprised to see him. How’s the healing coming?

Ari gave his leg a subtle flex. Still a bit sensitive, he said, taking in the scene. How are the girls?

Resting comfortably...this one’s been out for some time. I think she just ran out of steam.

Ari took a moment to change out the depleted pouch of blood. Wasn’t exactly a vacation, was it? he said of the rescue.

"Not how I’d describe it, Merrick replied, smiling. Though you must admit, it was fruitful."

Ari pulled the desk seat up beside the bed. Probably best to let them sleep, he said, taking Adie’s hand.

With Merrick’s nod, the room fell silent.

Chapter 2

Adie lingered on for a moment between sleep and awake, mildly confused, but comfortable...hesitant to leave the dream. But voices were beckoning—little voices, and close—very close.

She has an owie, Claire whispered, on her stomach inches away.

The words registered, and Adie’s mind began to clear... Then, remembering everything, yet feeling secure, she decided to remain motionless and listen to the sweet conversation.

Yes, Jennie whispered, rubbing shoulders with her sister. I wonder what happened.

I think I should kiss it, Claire whispered back.

No, silly, you’ll wake her....

Claire looked Adie over carefully. Do you think she’s an angel?

Jennie gave the question some thought. I’ve never seen an angel with one eye before.

Claire smiled. I don’t think God cares if you only have one eye... He’s nice like that.

She’s so beautiful, Jennie observed. Don’t you think she’s beautiful?

Uh-huh—and she smells nice too, Claire said in a slightly raised voice.

Shhh, you’ll wake her up.

Without opening her eyes and in a soft voice, Adie offered her first words.

Can’t a girl get any sleep around here?

Jennie bumped Claire. See, you woke her...

Claire covered her mouth to muffle a giggle. Rise and Sh-i-ne...Rise and sh-i-ne, she sang in a sweetly innocent voice.

Adie rolled her head to the side for a look. Oh my...how adorable, she said of their little faces. "And who do you belong to?"

Him, Claire said, pointing to Ari who was leaning against the threshold.

Good morning, sunshine, he said warmly.

Adie propped herself up on both elbows. I assumed you weren’t married, she said, clearly troubled.

Heartened by her apparent disappointment, Ari said, And you assumed correctly... Adie Behr, it is my pleasure to introduce Claire and Jennie Stratford, my little sisters.

Adie was astonished. My goodness! How old are your parents?

Ari looked down at the floor, calculating. Sixty-two, I believe.

Confused, Adie said, But, isn’t that a little old to be having children?

Her comment drew a smile. Not when your lifespan is two hundred years.

"Two hundred! Gracious! That’s why you look so young, Adie said, picking up a scent in the room. What’s that lovely smell?"

I think it’s what you’re wearing, Claire suggested. You smell so good.

You mean those? Ari said, pointing to the flowers behind her.

Adie turned and took a quick breath. Oh, how lovely.

Ari moved forward. Listen...the girls and I want to show you something. Do you mind?

Of course not, Adie replied, curious.

Well, it may sound a little strange, but we’re all going to have to lie down on our backs.

Adie offered a quizzical expression.

Don’t worry, the girls will protect you, he said. I believe you will be impressed... He put the twins on either side of her and, with a subtle groan, sat and carefully maneuvered over next to Claire. First, we have to name the interface for your quarters?

Adie glanced at Ari. Like Conrad, on the little spaceship?

"My, you do catch on fast, Ari said. Yes, like Conrad."

How about Mary?

Nice name, but we have several Mary’s on the ship. You might want to pick something a little less common.

Leah, then.

Ari paused for a moment. Leah it is.

He assigned the name and instructed Leah to make the room dark.

Oh my, Adie said, amazed at the complete blackness.

Come on, Ari, Jennie pleaded. I want to see what she says.

Patience, little one. We have to give our eyes a little time to adjust.

But I don’t think we’ll ever adjust to this, will we? Adie asked.

Oh, believe me, it has nothing to do with the dark, Ari said, stretching the conversation for a few minutes more.

Okay, I think that’s probably long enough, he said, turning toward Adie and coming up on one elbow. Adie, why don’t you ask Leah to clear the window?

Leah’s response was immediate, and for Adie, breathtaking. My word, what a sight! she exclaimed as the cosmos lit up the room. How bright everything is.

See anything familiar? Ari asked.

Adie pointed... That’s Orion, isn’t it?

Uh-huh.

What’s that on the side of his belt? she asked as Ari reached up for her hand. It looks like— Adie temporarily lost concentration. It looks like a blue cloud? Her voice softened as their hands came to rest on Claire’s knee.

Claire grinned and glanced at Adie. You’re holding hands, she whispered. That’s nice.

Overhearing her sister, Jennie took hold of Adie’s other hand.

The simple gesture stirred Adie’s emotions, and she pondered the events of the past day. What an amazing thing life is, she said, reflecting. One day the world is falling out from under you...the next, you feel secure and content.

Claire turned her head toward Adie. I like the little bears on your pajamas.

Me too, Jennie said. I think they’re cute.

Chapter 3

Ari initiated a gradual increase in room lighting and moved to the edge of the bed. Well, little ones, I’m afraid Miss Adie and I need to have a little grown-up talk. It’s probably time you head on home.

Oh, Ari, Jennie complained, do we have to?

Sympathizing, Adie looked at Ari and stuck out her lower lip.

I’ll tell you what, Ari said. Why don’t you two go and tell mom to start breakfast? We’ll be along in about thirty minutes.

Cheered by the news, the twins exchanged wide-eyed grins and sped out of the room.

They are so cute, Adie said, watching the barrier close behind them.

Ari gave a nod. I love them to death.

Well, who wouldn’t? Adie said, scooting over to put her feet on the floor. She pounded lightly on the mattress. This is some bed...and this room...do you mind if I look around?

Feel free, Ari said with a grand gesture.

The bed was nearly eight feet in diameter and surrounded by a variety of seating, a dresser, and cabinets. The bathroom was on the opposite side of a spacious walk-in closet.

Adie wandered into the bathroom. Oh, my, this apartment is lovely.

It belonged to the captain’s mother, Ari said, ...a wonderful soul. She passed away a few years ago.

Oh, how sad.

"Truly...we all miss her. She was not unlike your mother...loved to entertain...treated everyone as her equal—everyone."

She sounds sweet, Adie said, returning.

Ari motioned toward the couch. Why don’t we sit down for a moment?

Adie took a seat, and he followed, wincing slightly as he settled in beside her.

You’re still hurting, she said. Shouldn’t you rest?

I’m fine. It’s you I’m worried about. Your whole world is altered. I can’t imagine what you’re thinking....

Adie offered an appreciative smile.

After a brief silence, Ari said, During the mission last night, while I was unconscious, I assume you spoke with Doc Maran and the others.

Oh, yes.

Then you must have formed some impression of our culture... I think it might help to know what you think of us—I mean, as a people.

Adie gave the question some thought. Well, for one thing, you place a high value on honesty.

Yes, we do; as do you.

Everyone is very tall...healthy...strong—really quite beautiful.

"As are you."

Adie gave his hand a pat. Stop, I’m trying to think... Let me see...you believe in the rule of law, equality, and the rights of others. You are loyal...thoughtful...kind, and a little humorous.

Nicely said, and believe me, we try to be all of those things—but remember...above all, we are human, and therefore, not perfect.

Who is? Adie conceded.

Ari’s voice took on a more serious tone. Please understand, nothing is more important to me than your happiness. The last thing I want is for you to feel uncomfortable. So you can rest assured, as long as you are with us, no one will ever force or coerce you to do anything against your will. Do you understand?

Yes.

I’m sorry, but I must ask: Do you feel you have been abducted or that you are being held here against your will?

I do not, Adie said with conviction.

And do you understand that you are free to go at any time—that we will return you to the surface within a matter of hours should you wish to leave?

A frown formed on Adie’s brow. But aren’t you afraid I’ll tell someone where I’ve been?

The question drew a smile. Do you think they would believe you?

Adie considered for a moment and returned his smile.

...Our feeling as well. Now then...is it your wish to stay on with us for a while? Dear Lord, please say ‘yes.’

Still smiling, Adie stretched up and kissed him on the cheek.

That would be a yes, Ari said, clearly pleased. And now for a little math and science.

Adie drew back with a curious expression.

As it turns out, our home, Marcova, is a little larger than Earth—twenty percent more mass to be exact. You weigh about 140 pounds, right? (Adie appeared surprised.) "A perfect weight for you, I might add... Anyway, on Marcova, you would weigh about 175.

Now, if you look at the decking, or flooring of this ship, you will see it is divided into panels, each one, 10-foot square. They control the gravity, which is usually set to what we are accustomed to on Marcova. So do you feel any heavier than normal?

Not really.

And you shouldn’t, because the panel under you has been set to adjust automatically to Earth gravity, and as you go throughout the ship moving from panel to panel, the gravity will adjust instantaneously. I say this because when you meet people, you may see an odd expression from time to time. Most of them aren’t used to gravity change, so just remember, it’s not you—it’s the gravity.

I understand...but isn’t there something I can do to adjust?

Ari gave a nod. Two things: exercise and a slow increase in gravity—maybe adding a pound every few days. Are you okay with that?

Oh yes.

Good. Katie can help with the exercise if you like. I’ll have some equipment brought to your quarters.

Adie looked around. Do you think it will fit?

I’m sure it will... So would you like to see the rest?

Of the ship?

No, the rest of your quarters.

"But I thought these were my quarters."

Well, yes, but... Ari eased off the couch and escorted her to the door. There’s this, he said and dismissed the barrier.

Oh, my word! Adie said, dumbfounded. Unbelievable!

———————

The main living space was completely open and expansive—seventy-five feet to the far wall and sixty feet wide, the only quarters on the ship specifically designed for entertaining. A long, serpentine sofa wove its way through the center of the room with four small tables and seating just beyond. The ceiling, which started high to Adie’s left, formed a graceful arc down to the right, following the lines of the ship’s outer hull. The lowest row of panels were clear, offering a stunning view of the heavens.

At the far end of the room on the right was the kitchen, which included a large curved bar, a cyclic, and other appliances.

To Adie’s left was an impressive still-image display, followed by the main entrance with its lavish foyer enhanced by three marble-like pillars. Just beyond the foyer was a semicircular room, housing the main display.

———————

These quarters are one of the two largest on the ship. The other belongs to the captain, Ari said, pointing across the room, behind that far wall and to the left. At the moment, we’re standing on the forwardmost section of Deck 4—right side. That’s why the room has this curved shape.

Adie walked over and looked up through the clear panels, admiring the view. I don’t understand...why doesn’t someone else live here?

Well...when Mrs. Argon passed, it just stayed vacant. No one wanted to mention it for fear of hurting the captain.

But someone must have brought it up, or I wouldn’t be here.

...and that ‘someone’ was the captain. All we asked was where they wanted you to stay. I guess Capt. Argon overheard and, according to Jack, his response was immediate and wholehearted.

Well, he sounds like a very nice man.

Ari nodded. Truly, the best of men, and well loved by all.

So how many apartments are there? Adie asked, once again sizing up the room.

Nearly five-hundred.

For goodness sake! Then, how big is this ship?

Ari thought for a moment. Well, it’s kind of almond-shaped: maybe 1,500 feet long, almost a thousand feet wide, and about 200 feet high. We have 11 decks.

Adie stood motionless, trying to come to terms with the scale.

I can see I’ve got your wheels turning in there, Ari said, lightly touching her forehead. Why don’t we put this on hold and go to breakfast? I’ll introduce you to my parents.

Adie’s face brightened. Oh, that sounds delightful. Show me the way.

Ari glanced at her nightgown and smiled. But don’t you want to change first?

Oh, good heavens! They both laughed. Do I have time for a shower?

Absolutely, just tell Leah how warm you want the water. I think Katie put your outfit in the top right compartment of the long cabinet. Just let me know if you need any help.

Adie reached up and gave his cheek a pat. I think I can manage.

I was going to call Katie, Ari said, mildly embarrassed.

Uh-huh, Adie said, withdrawing to the bedroom. Leah, you can close the door, please. She stepped into the bathroom for a closer look at the shower. Leah, can you help me with this?

Yes, Miss Adie, Leah responded in a calming voice.

Adie found the VIP uniform and carried it into the bathroom, placing it on the sink. The shower stood in the far corner, a floor-to-ceiling semi-transparent cylinder, four feet in diameter. The apparatus contained a myriad of water and air jets spaced at close intervals throughout the smooth interior. How does this thing work? Adie asked, removing her nightgown.

A transparent barrier on the glassy cylinder disappeared, creating an entrance.

Just step inside, and we’ll get started, Leah instructed.

Adie moved cautiously into the center of the shower, and the barrier closed behind her. Sensors determined her height and skin temperature and adjusted several settings. Warm air filled the chamber, and hundreds of water jets came to life. A soft soaking rinse enveloped her body from the neck down.

This is just water, Leah said. I’ll add soap and turn on more water for your hair and face when you are ready. And if you prefer the water cooler or warmer, softer or harder, just let me know.

As Adie stood surrounded in warmth and luxury, her mind began to replay the events of the past day—the horrors, the challenges, the kindnesses, the pleasures. Around and around they went in an endless looping procession until she finished her rinse, and the soft spray of the jets ceased. Before she could ask for a towel, torrents of warm, dry air swirled around her, leaving her completely dry in a matter of seconds. Sensors took note of her calloused hands.

Your hands seem dry, Leah said. Would you like some lotion?

Oh, yes, thank you.

Leah directed Adie’s attention to a small flush-mounted panel on the shower wall. A blue annunciator light flashed once, and a miniature faucet extended, dispensing a small amount of lotion into Adie’s hand. The shower barrier opened, and she stepped out to get dressed.

———————

Ari was standing just outside when she emerged from the bedroom.

A little flashy don’t you think? she said, looking down at her uniform. I mean the gold and all; aren’t I overdressed?

Ari cleared his throat. "Been a while since I’ve seen a VIP outfit. That looks...really nice on you. Anyway, you are a VIP; the only one we’ve had in fifteen years. I think it’s perfectly appropriate—even expected. He paused. So how was your shower?"

Oh, that was divine...but I couldn’t find a hairbrush, she said, half asking, at least, not in the bedroom.

Leah can help with that.

Adie looked up. Leah, where can I find a hairbrush?