Space Beauty Tames the Tough Officer
[Alternate-era + Ancient-to-Modern Time-Travel + Pocket Space + Military Marriage + Gourmet Foraging & Sea-Harvest + Double-Virgin Favoritism]
After three years of mourning, Josephine Sullivan returned, her late mother’s dying wish in hand, and set off for the military district to seek out her father and brothers—ready to honor the betrothal arranged since childhood.
Before she could even steady her footing, her stepmother’s daughter had already swaggered into her fiancé’s courtyard under her name.
Her grandfather couldn’t stomach it and gave her two choices: “Stay in the compound and I’ll find you a better match, or go to the island where your real brother is stationed and pick whichever officer catches your fancy.”
Josephine arched a brow and laughed—was there even a choice?
While her father was still wracked with guilt, she briskly raided his private stash, demanding ration tickets and supplies until her stepmother’s face turned green, then hopped straight onto the train bound for the island.
At the same moment, far away on the island, Sebastian Ashford received his grandfather’s telegram: “Your sister is coming—see her properly wed.”
He brimmed with joy at the thought of his little sister’s arrival, but a mission injury had him flat on his back. He could only ask his best friend, Jonathan Thornton, to meet her.
On the platform, Josephine spotted the man holding a sign with her name and her eyes lit up. She launched herself at him in a bear hug. “Big brother—”
Her voice was honey-sweet, her whole body clinging to him, long hair brushing his neck.
Jonathan froze, his mind replaying his buddy’s words—“my sis is a chubky little dumpling.”
Yet the girl in his arms was snow-white skin, a waist slender as willow, and eyes like a startled deer brimming with water—heart-stoppingly delicate.
His tongue pressed to the roof of his mouth; his Adam’s apple bobbed.
Liar of a dumpling.
That “big brother” dripped sugar straight into his bones. He allowed her closeness, even coveted the thrill.
Until she asked softly, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”
He lowered his head, eyes dark, voice husky: “Little girl… do you even know who you’re teasing?”
Marriage
5