Epilogue #2
She came willingly, melting against me as our lips met in a kiss that spoke of lazy mornings and quiet contentment.
Her mouth was warm and sweet, tasting faintly of the mint tea she’d sipped before bed to keep the nausea at bay.
I savored the familiar softness of her lips, the way she sighed against my mouth as my fingers traced the curve of her cheek.
When we broke apart, she rested her forehead against mine, her breath warm against my skin. “Good morning, my heart,” she whispered, her hand coming up to rest against my chest, right over the steady beat that belonged entirely to her.
I captured her lips again, deeper this time, pouring all the love and gratitude I felt into the pressure of my mouth against hers. Here, in the sanctuary of our bed, with our daughter’s laughter echoing faintly from down the hall and another on the way, I had everything I’d never dared to dream of.
“I love you,” I murmured against her lips, the words as natural as breathing.
“I love you,” Jolie whispered, her voice soft as my hand came to rest protectively over her stomach, fingers splaying wide across the gentle curve where our baby grew.
“I think Lilibet is right. Your belly does seem a little bigger,” I murmured, marveling at the subtle change.
She laughed, but there was something haunted lurking in the depths of her emerald eyes.
I caught her chin between my fingers, tilting her face so she couldn’t escape my gaze. “What is it, my love?”
Jolie worried her lower lip between her teeth, the gesture achingly familiar, but remained silent as stone.
“I can hear you thinking,” I prodded gently.
Her eyes suddenly became liquid pools of vulnerability, shimmering as her trembling hand reached up to press against my chest, directly above the steady rhythm of my heart. “I know you had a meeting with Vraxxan and Merkit yesterday.”
“I did,” I admitted, keeping my voice carefully neutral.
The status of the Eden had been weighing heavily on my mind.
Since we’d returned to Zarpazia, we’d taken a few trips into the stars, venturing out to survey nearby systems and check on various outposts, but nothing that fell within the mission parameters of the Alliance rescue of humans, a calling that I knew burned in the hearts of every crew member.
“I know you probably want to go back aboard the Eden,” Jolie said softly, her words barely above a whisper.
“I love being on the Eden too, but....” Her gaze faltered, guilt flashing across her beautiful features like storm clouds across a clear sky.
“I just don’t think it’s the best place to raise a child. ”
A single tear slipped from her dark lashes, trailing down her cheek, as if she feared her honest words had somehow disappointed me.
“I agree,” I told her. “Which is why I met with Vraxxan and Merkit. I’m stepping down. Vraxxan has officially made Merkit the new captain of the Eden.”
She stared at me, her emerald eyes narrowing as she processed my words, searching my face for any hint of doubt or regret. “You’re giving up captaincy? Just like that?”
“Just like that,” I grinned and kissed her. She pulled back, a mix of surprise and something else—respect, maybe—flickering across her features. “Besides, Vraxxan offered me a new job.”
“What?” Her voice rose with curiosity.
“Right Hand of the King,” I told her, watching her reaction carefully. She seemed shocked at first, but a flash of relief crossed her features.
“Isn’t that Vysar’s job?” Jolie asked, her brow furrowing slightly, creating small creases above her nose.
“It was.” When Vraxxan became king and restored his father from exile, Vysar had chosen not to return as a ruler, but as support for his son, and so the role of Right Hand of the King was established to act as advisor and confidant.
“But since mating with Marcia, Vysar wants to retire and play with his grandchildren.”
Jolie laughed, filling the space between us with warmth. Vysar’s favorite thing was spending time with Lilibet, constantly spoiling her with treats and stories.
“Did you know this before Vraxxan asked me to help set up the clinic for the new human population on Zarpazia?” The king suggested the idea since Zarpazia was fast becoming known as a safe haven for abducted humans.
“Yes,” I admitted sheepishly. “I told Vraxxan shortly after we returned to Zarpazia that I no longer wanted to do anything that would take me away from you and Lilibet.” I stroked my fingers tenderly over her stomach, feeling the gentle curve. “And our new baby.”
“And will we stay in the palace?” Jolie asked, her fingers intertwining with mine, her skin soft and warm against my calloused hands.
“If you want to,” I grinned, pulling her closer until I could feel her heartbeat against my chest. “But we can live anywhere. I’ll even build you a treehouse if you want.”
Jolie laughed but shook her head, hair cascading over her shoulders. “While I think Lilibet would love the idea of a treehouse, I like the idea of staying in the palace, so Lilibet can grow up surrounded by her family.”
Family. The word settled in my heart, glowing and precious.
“Then we’re home,” I murmured, kissing her softly, savoring the moment. The taste of her, the feel of her in my arms—everything I’d ever wanted.
“Home,” she echoed in a whisper. Not just a place, but the people who wrapped around my heart and finally made me whole.