The Sam Gunn Omnibus (129 page)

“For once in my life, I don’t
know what to say,” he admitted.

The crowd hooted.

“Well, in the past week
I’ve found a daughter and married the one woman in the solar system who’s
willing to put up with me. I think I’m the luckiest guy on Earth.”

“We’re not on Earth,
Sam!” shouted Spence Johansen, one
arm
tight around Jade’s shoulders.

“That’s right. I stand
corrected.”

“Where’re you going on
your honeymoon?” Melinda Karsh asked. Her teenaged T.J. stood between her and
his father.

Jill looked surprised. “Honeymoon?
We haven’t even thought about that.”

But Sam said, “You know,
I’ve never been to Saturn. It’s supposed to be spectacular, with those rings
and all.”

“There’s a big habitat
out there,” said Professor Solomon Goodman, “with a scientific community of
about ten thousand men and women.”

Sam looked at Jill. “How
about it? Would you like to spend a month or three at Saturn?”

Jill nodded
enthusiastically. “Sounds like fun.”

“Ten thousand men and
women,” Sam mused. “I wonder what they do for entertainment?”

“Now Sam,” said Jill, “we’ll
be going out there for a honeymoon, not for business.”

“Yeah, I know. But
still...”