Chapter 2

Some days later, Amelia finally was allowed to go where she wanted to. One of the first places she went to see was the construction of the new Benbow Inn. There she said hello to Jim, his pet, Morph, as well as the android, B.E.N. She was also very pleased to get to know Jim's mother, Sarah Hawkins.

Amelia was gratified to hear that Jim had applied to the Interstellar Academy. After she became a bit tired, she made her way back to Delbert's home. Having nothing to occupy her time at the moment, she found herself looking up at the crescent-shaped spaceport. Seeing that familiar sight caused her to begin to think. If I hadn't gotten hurt, I wouldn't be here right now. I would be out on some other adventure or another...

When she made her way inside the house, she saw Delbert was in front of the mirror trying her tri-corner hat. Somehow, she managed not to laugh.

"I suppose you'd care try on the rest of my uniform, Doctor?" she laughed.

Doppler grinned sheepishly. "No, I think not. Captain, I'm afraid that your boots far too feminine in style for me, the gloves just aren't my size, and I simply wouldn't dare touch your coat. And, well, even you would have to admit that I simply haven't the physique to even attempt to try on the trousers," he answered with a laugh, though his face was somewhat pink.

Amelia smiled, and shook her head. "Well, Doctor, at least you're honest. Delightfully foolish, perhaps, but honest," she said.

Doppler smiled, and gave Amelia her hat. He looked at her thoughtfully a moment, then said, "Captain, I have been thinking," he said.

"Oh? About what, Doctor?" she asked, as she fit the tri-corner hat on her head.

"About what you said while we in what Ben loosely termed a house," Doppler added, though a bit reluctant now. "You know…back on Treasure Planet."

Amelia was puzzled with where this conversation was going. "Yes, that. Which part, exactly, might I ask?" she asked.

"Well, if you'll pardon me saying, Captain…that 'Doctor, you have wonderful eyes' part," Delbert said, his cheeks blazing.

He wasn't the only one that blushed, and Amelia turned away to hide her pink cheeks and ears.

Delbert swallowed hard, but still forced himself to continue. "The question I have is…did you say that to me because you meant it? Or, was it merely that you were not yourself and a bit delusional?" His brown eyes were guarded, but a hint of hope showed.

Amelia looked back at him after a moment. Her eyes, however, didn't meet his. "Well, Doctor, as much as it would be convenient to pass it off as delusional ravings on my part, I'm afraid I have to admit that I said it because I actually meant it," she said. She now looked into his warm brown eyes, and added, "You do have wonderful eyes, you know."

He smiled and said, "You are wonderful too, Amelia," he said. He then blushed deeper and said in a tremendous rush, "Wouldyoubemybride?"

"Pardon me, Doctor, but what exactly did you just say?" demanded a most startled Amelia.

"I apologize, Captain. Do give me a moment, please, " he sighed hugely and then said much more slowly, "I said, Would you be my bride? Oh, Amelia, will you marry me?" Then to show her just how serious he truly was, he pulled a golden ring from his vest pocket and held it out to her.

She looked at him, her green eyes wide in astonishment. Then, her eyes softened, and she regarded the nervous Doctor, giving him a look that spoke volumes on just how much she loved this kind, unassuming astrophysicist. "Oh, yes! Yes, I will, Delbert!" Then, much to Delbert's surprise, Amelia threw her arms about his neck and kissed him rather soundly.

Montressor knew their Doctor Doppler, and they thought it high time he found someone to watch after him. Much to their delight and surprise, six months after the Doppler's honeymoon, the odd, but much loved couple were blessed with four healthy children: three felinid girls, and a single canid boy.

At the rededication of the new Benbow Inn, Amelia wore her old Captain's uniform, which surprisingly enough, it still fit, since it had been a year since the trip had ended. Later, during the party, while she and Delbert danced, Morph watched the children. Now that Amelia was completely recovered from her injuries, she was able to dance with her new husband to her heart's content, without a bit of trouble. Taking a breather after a particularly enjoyable but tiring dance, she had a chance to think. This is my new life, she mused. I may never go on another adventure on my ship…but what the hell, this is much better!

"Amelia?" Delbert then asked her. "Would you care to dance?"

"Why, yes, darling," she told him, reaching up to touch his cheek fondly. "I'd love to!"

Amelia had a new life…and she wasn't complaining! Not one bit!

The End