Megan and Jaspert were watching the stars on the rooftop, sitting on a blanket, when he said it. He didn't mean to; it sort of slipped out.
"We could get married, you know."
"What?"
"Get married. When my contract with the Service is up, we could move to our own little flat." Megan arched an eyebrow.
"Is this some terrible attempt at a marriage proposal?" She tried to sound sarcastic, but her eyes glowed.
He turned to face her, taking her hands earnestly. Her hair blew about her face, like a firey halo.
"Damn it, I think it is."
"Yes, then."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Great." A grin spread across his face.
She fiercely mopped at her eyes with her sleeve.
"I have money, from sewing."
"And my contract is up in two years."
Quite suddenly, they were in each other's arms, laughing shakily. Jaspert gently kissed her forehead.
They decided to tell Deryn first.
.
.
.
Dylan quickly read the letter his cousin had sent him, his smile growing more and more pronounced. Finally, Alek asked.
"What is it?"
"Read it." He handed him the letter.
Dear D,
How are you? How is everything working out? Well, I suppose- the Leviathan's all the news at home.
Here is the reason I'm writing to you- I'm engaged to Meg! You remember her, don't you? I should hope so.
We've decided we want children. First one is Deryn or Brandon.
Yours, Jaspert
"Oh, that's nice."
"And they want to name the daughter after m- my cousin! Jaspert's sister. Deryn is my cousin."
"You don't talk much about her."
"No? I was always closer to Jaspert, you see."
"Because she's a girl?"
"Aye, me and Jaspert, you know, as we're both boys and all that."
"What's she like?"
"Our age," she said. "And strikingly beautiful."