Epilogue

            A little over a year later, when Jim and I were both seventeen, the Benbow Inn was finally completed. Jim, Sarah and I had put a lot of hard work into it, and it finally paid off. I’d even broken out of my traditional clothing and worn a dark purple dress for the occasion. That night, there was a huge party, where everyone was dancing and having a good time. BEN came through the kitchen door with five pieces of cake and began passing them out to everyone. I looked over at Dr. Doppler and Amelia to see them holding their four beautiful babies. They had three little girls and one boy. There was one person missing in all the festivities, though.

 

About twenty minutes into the party, the door was thrown open by two robot police. Everyone in the room gasped. The police stepped aside to reveal Jim in a white uniform. He had graduated from the interstellar academy. Everyone cheered for him and the police left. Jim joined his mother in a dance and I even danced with a few people. After a while, I found Jim by the window, looking outside. I walked over to him and took his hand.

 

“What are you up to, Captain Hawkins,” I asked, kissing his cheek.

 

Jim turned me around and pulled me so that my back was pressed up against his chest.

 

“Look up there,” he whispered, pointing out the window.

 

I looked up and saw the clouds in a formation that looked like my father. I gasped and put my hand over my mouth.

 

“He’s watching over us,” I whispered.

 

“You know, once I become that great captain you said I’d become, I’m going to need a first mate,” Jim whispered.

 

I turned in his arms and looked up into his deep blue eyes.

 

“Mr. Hawkins, are you suggesting that I be your first mate,” I asked in false surprise.

 

“Who better for the job?”

 

“Perhaps Amelia or Dr. Doppler. Amelia was a captain herself and Delbert is far more intelligent than me.”

 

“They have to take care of their kittens… and puppy.”

 

“Yeah, don’t ask me how that one worked out,” I said with a chuckle.

 

“So, what do you say,” Jim asked.

 

“I say, ‘sign me up’.”

 

“Can you bark orders like Mr. Arrow?”

 

“Jim, do you remember what my Dad’s old crew was like? If I can manage a bunch of idiots like them with an authority that could get them to work, I think I can handle a few academy students,” I answered while leaning forward to kiss him and Jim placed a finger to my lips.

 

“There’s one more thing I need to ask you,” he said and I gave him a slightly confused look.

 

I looked into Jim’s eyes and saw the emotion in them that Dad had always told me about. They held the same emotion that mine did when Jim was around.

 

“Since you’re going to be my first mate, I have to ask. Will you be my bride,” Jim asked, pulling out a small box and opening it to reveal a beautiful diamond ring.

 

I gasped and then noticed the room had gone completely silent. Everyone was watching, some anticipating my answer, others in shock at Jim’s actions. Sarah was one of the people surprised at Jim.

 

“Yes,” I whispered. “Yes, I will.”

 

Everyone started cheering as Jim slid the engagement ring on my left ring finger. He then leaned forward and kissed me deeply as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I knew that my dad was smiling at us, wherever he was.

Author's Note

Well, that's the end. I hope everyone who took the time to read this enjoyed it. I know I had fun writing it.