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Since when do I feel jealous of a computer?
He shook his head and sighed.
And he hadn’t expected to feel his own heart breaking this morning at the doctor’s news. Technically, he knew itwould have almost been impossible for Olivia to be expecting at this point.
But he already felt so close to her. Close enough to be jealous of her smiles, close enough to mourn the baby that could have been.
“Ready?” she asked, her eyes lit with excitement.
“Terrans love snow,” he said, trying not to be resentful of the center computer all over again.
“Don’t Maltaffians love snow?” she asked.
“It’s cold and inconvenient,” he said, shrugging.
“But it’s fun to play in,” she laughed. “And children get the day off school.”
“Why would they not go to school?” he asked, perplexed.
“I’m not sure,” she admitted. “It’s tradition, I think, from the days before hover vehicles, back on Old Earth.”
“Let’s go,” he said, gesturing to the door.
He noticed that two coats had been hung on hooks, a massive gray one obviously meant for him, and a pretty green one for Olivia.
“He really thinks of everything,” Olivia said, shaking her head as she pulled hers on.
He scowled and pulled his coat on too. But when Olivia opened the door, even Stark had to admit to himself that it was beautiful outside.
Ankle-deep snow now covered the ground. The trees were beautifully frosted and the sky above was gray-blue in spite of the big flakes that were still drifting down.
“No way,” Olivia breathed, eying the sparkling blue sleigh pulled by four beautiful white horses that awaited them.
“Mr. Rawling, do you know how to guide the animals?” Oberon asked.
“I’ll figure it out,” he said.
Olivia was already dashing ahead, her hair lifting slightly as she reached for the beautiful animals, running her hand down their necks and stroking velvety muzzles.
“Does anything scare you?” he asked, approaching.
The big stallion in front was nudging her belly with his nose for more attention.
“They’re in the center,” she said, looking up at him with sparkling eyes. “Nothing here can hurt us.”
He shook his head.
He didn’t want to frighten her, but obviouslysomethinghad happened here to make them want to beef up security.
“Where are we going, Oberon?” Olivia asked excitedly.
Lacy white flakes clung to her bright hair and Stark found that he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“There’s a winter festival going on in the town square,” the AI told her. “I thought the two of you might enjoy a day at the fair.”
“Amazing,” Olivia breathed.
Stark helped her into the carriage, feeling his heart race as her gloved hand wrapped around his.
