Unwrapping Miss Milky Way

by Candace Sams

  He needed to keep her talking. It didn’t matter what she said so long as she kept going. “What did you do for your talent, baby?”

  “I s-sang. Just like Keir Trask sang for the Mr. Interstellar Feller competition. I-I have a fair voice, or so the nuns have always t-told me. I s-sang in the choir from the time I was small.”

  “Then, you’ll have to sing for me some day,” he whispered. “And you’ll have to fix whatever’s wrong in my life. Because…I need some work, Charlie. I’m a bit rough around the edges. But that’s nothing a pro like you can’t handle. I mean, if you can put an Ussarian leader on the ground, you can certainly whip a Valkyrian into line. Can’t you, baby?”

  She finally dropped all her tools, turned to him, and literally launched herself off the floor and at his body. He fell backward. Not because her slight weight made any difference to his seated position. But because she needed this. He just let her lie on top of him and cry. He wrapped his arms around her and murmured endearments.

  She sobbed for the better part of the night.

  He simply held onto her.

  Finally, she lifted her head and gazed down at him. A sudden, brilliant smile spread across her full, lovely lips.

  He almost melted into the floor.

  “I don’t suppose you remember us showering together, do you?” he quietly asked. “I didn’t pull anything cute, Charlie,” he promised when her eyes grew round. “But you were shivering, and I needed a hot shower and didn’t want to leave you for even a second. It seemed like the perfect solution to both our problems.”

  She wiped the tears off her face with the backs of her hands. “I thought I was imagining us in the rain.”

  “And now? What do you think now?” he queried as he pushed her hair off her forehead and planted a soft kiss there. “Do you think you could handle another shower with me? Just a long, warm embrace under the water? Just me holding you?”

  “I guess I’ll have to get used to doing a lot of things with you, wing man. ’Cuz, I don’t ever want to be without you.”

  “I love you, Charlie! I love you to the end of the universe and to the end of time.”

  She started to cry again, but he understood these new tears were born of happiness.

  “God…I get to have you…I get to love you right back!” she sobbed.

  He nuzzled her cheek against his. “We were meant to be together, meteor. It’s in the stars. And what I don’t know about you, I’ll have fun finding out…Miss Milky Way. Unwrapping you will be the greatest pleasure of my life.”

  “I promise to never be boring!”

  He tilted his head back as laughter overwhelmed him.

  And she did exactly what he needed her to. She pressed her lips to his, threw her arms around his neck, and held on tight. He vowed that embrace would be the beginning of the rest of their lives.

  Epilogue

  Eighteen months later

  It took weeks for her to come to grips with being cured. But in the months that followed, life became enchanting. Every day was filled with adventure and love. Charlie lived life the way it was meant to be lived—as each and every day was the last.

  Datron was convinced there were no such things as coincidences.

  There was purpose to each and every detail in the cosmos.

  He and Charlie were meant to be together. She’d been meant to stowaway on the Hyperion, and even come into contact with the crushed mineral that saved her life. What other way was there to explain the sequence of events?

  Miracles existed. He had proof of it in his arms, every day and night.

  Charlie was his. And nothing was ever going to change that. He finally had what he’d been searching for.

  ****

  Datron set the controls of their hovercraft. He then turned to Charlie, looped his hand around the back of her neck, and pulled her closer. To keep his mate warm, he draped his right wing around her tiny body. The image of her singing to little Tyrus earlier in the evening was most prominent in his mind. Keir and Sagan’s little boy had been born the very night Charlie found out she was going to live. Because of this, the toddler had an extra special place in their hearts. He was the child’s Godfather. The esteemed honor would require a constant presence in the boy’s life, a position Datron found most engaging.

  He was happy Clitus and Gilla had been bestowed the honor of Glentra’kars, or uncles as Sagan had defined their position in Earth terms. Electra Galaxy―back from Earth and wrapping up another Mr. Interstellar Feller pageant―was the baby’s Mortra’kar as Oceanuns referred to the person serving as the child’s special, beloved aunt. This meant all of them would remain in contact, no matter where life took them.

  Datron knew Sagan and Keir planned things this way, so that all of them would forever be family according to Oceanus tradition.

  And Charlie?

  She was Aura’kar, or the bringer of light and love. This, of all those present in little Tyrus’ life, was considered a most precious position. From her, Tyrus was to learn the qualities of laughter and joy, the irrepressible spirit only she could bestow. In Earth terms that were so popular nowadays, it was like being named a fairy godmother.

  He couldn’t stop smiling.

  His heart filled as his mate had cuddled the baby. Tyrus’ cute little green face―bearing a blue star on his left cheek like his Oceanus father―had looked up at Charlie with utter trust.

  That was when Datron knew that they must have children of their own.

  Tonight was the time to ask. He held Charlie close and kissed the top of her head.

  She grinned and scooted even closer to him, glad for the protection from the cool night air. “This isn’t the way home. We aren’t anywhere near the garden district. Where are we going?”

  “Remember that little stretch of beach where we first made love?”

  “You romantic angel! What made you think of going there?”

  “Tonight’s a celebration. That’s the reason Sagan and Keir invited everyone over for dinner. It’s been eighteen months…or had you forgotten.”

  She ran her hand across his bare chest. “No, I hadn’t. Nobody seemed keen on mentioning I should have died by now. I think they thought it’d upset you, wing man.”

  “It would have when we were first mated. But not anymore,” he affirmed. “Every eighteen-month interval from now on, I intend for us to do something special. It’ll be a reminder of how good life is and to enjoy it to the fullest.” He kissed her forehead and hugged her close before turning his attention back to the flight controls.

  Soon his destination came into view. The sun was about to set on the beach, just as it had on the evening they first made love. He wanted to watch every nuance of the lovely sight with her. It was the perfect place for a celebration.

  “I’m so glad you brought me here,” she murmured as she nuzzled her cheek against his arm.

  He set the controls of their craft to land then slid his left hand under the seat. He brought out a long package that had been extravagantly wrapped in silver paper.

  “Happy Life Day, Charlie!”

  She immediately launched herself off the padded seat next to him and straight into his arms.

  Every hour of his life, this beautiful, intelligent creature made him happy.

  It was normal now to meet her at the airfield gate each day, where she’d won contract after contract to service enforcer vessels. He’d finish his shift on the Valiant and they’d go home, to their lovely airy dwelling in the woodlands. It was situated on five landscaped acres of the most beautiful garden-scape anyone could imagine.

  In the evening hours, they strolled through paths and watched the stars come out. At night, they made love like there was no tomorrow, full of passion and experimentation.

  This was his life and he cherished every precious second.

  “Go on, open it,” he encouraged as she stared down at the package.

  Charlie laughingly tore into the wrapping. Then she opened the box and gazed down a
t the object therein.

  “Oh… my…God! A micro inversion turbo pneumatic pressure sensitive corbidium wrench…with an ergonomic grip! And it’s blue!”

  He laughingly watched her hug the object to her chest as though it was priceless.

  “Terribly romantic!” he joked.

  Charlie shook her head in denial of his sarcasm. “You knew I wanted this. Oh, thank you, baby!”

  It was easy to accept her heartfelt embrace. He could have picked up a shell off the beach and given it to her, Charlie would have had the exact same response.

  It was her pleasure in the smallest things that made life so fantastic. His little mate could look at a flower and see the universe in its bright petals. Because of that, he saw the future in a new way.

  Instead of wondering if he’d ever find someone who could make his soul sing, he found it eternally resonating with bliss.

  He took the wrench from her and slid it back under the seat. “That was the practical gift. This one…well…it’s just because I love you so much.”

  He pulled a small black box from the left hip pocket of his uniform trousers.

  “Wh-what is it?” she breathlessly asked.

  “You’ll never know until you open it.”

  Her fingers trembled as she opened the small black box.

  When a flash of blue-green and white sparkled in the setting sun’s brilliant light, she glanced up at him, then back down at the five-carat aquamarine, pear-shaped stone surrounded by Oceanus blue diamonds. The entire thing was set in Earth platinum.

  “Datron! It’s…it’s…I don’t…it’s…”

  He chuckled. “Creator’s blood! This is a first. For once you have nothing to say. I should record this moment for posterity.”

  He took the ring from the box and slid it onto the third finger of her left hand. “I think it’s traditional for Earth women to wear these on this finger. Yes?”

  He quit laughing when he saw tears fall down her cheeks, and his little love kept staring at the jewel with her heart in her eyes. All the thanks he needed was in her tearful, but brilliant smile. His mirth doubled when she finally admired the fit and the shimmer of the piece by holding her little hand up, into the sun’s setting light.

  Then she turned to him, placed her hands on his cheeks, and tilted her head to accept his deep, warm kiss.

  His lover finally slid her lips up his jaw and to his left cheek.

  “The color of the blue stones reminded me of your eyes,” he softly told her as they nuzzled. “I wanted you to have the ring so you could look down at it and think of me when we’re not together.”

  “I think of you with every breath I take,” she whispered back. “Datron, I-I don’t have anything for you. At least nothing that’s wrapped.”

  He pulled slightly away, so he could see the way the sunset shimmered in her eyes. “I don’t need more than what I have at this moment, Charlie. This night is to celebrate life—your life.” He touched the tip of her nose with his index finger and briefly pressed his lips on that same spot. “Did you know you have the most exquisite voice I’ve ever heard? It’s clear as crystal and perfect.”

  She shook her head in confusion. “Wh-what?”

  “You were singing to Tyrus as you held him tonight. I finally got to hear you sing.”

  “I didn’t realize anyone was listening.”

  “What was the name of the song?” he asked. “There was something in the lyrics about stars and dreaming. I was so mesmerized by the quality of your voice that I can’t remember the exact words.”

  “It was the same song I performed when I won the Miss Milky Way title. It’s called, ‘Dream A Little Dream of Me’. It’s very old.”

  He sighed at the lovely sight she made. The breeze lifted her hair softly and strands of it wafted over his wing. “I was as transfixed by your voice as the baby. It’s just one more thing about you I’ve yet to explore, little meteor.”

  “You love Tyrus, don’t you? I mean you seem to be very good with babies.”

  He ran his hands through her long hair and watched the way the setting sun glistened off the tawny strands. “Of course I love Tyrus. Valkyrian men are almost obsessed with protecting their offspring. As my Godson, Tyrus would be no different. And you know…I believe I’d make a great father in my own right. What do you think?”

  She grinned. “I think you’d better hold onto your wing feathers!”

  “Pardon?”

  She chewed on her lower lip. “I was waiting for the right time to tell you. I just found out for sure this morning. Y-you see, our birth control meds must have worn off in all the excitement of the past few months.”

  He moved toward her until her back was pressed against the door on her side of the vehicle. “Charlie…what are you trying to tell me?”

  “I told you I didn’t have anything for you that was wrapped. I meant it wasn’t wrapped in paper.”

  He put his hands on her shoulders and took a deep breath. “Meteor! Say it…just say it,” he breathlessly demanded as a surge of pure energy and uncontrollable happiness flew through him.

  “You know how you sometimes get into the competition mode when it comes to Keir Trask?”

  “What’s this got to do with Keir?” he blurted. “Charlie, just tell me!”

  She held up four fingers. “The doctor says we’re having three boys and one little girl.”

  He actually felt oxygen leave his lungs. All he could do was sit and stare in utter disbelief. The sunset, the ocean, and the entire universe ceased to exist. All he could see was her lovely face.

  She sheepishly lifted one shoulder. “Happy Life Day, sweetie! You’ve done something even the famous Keir Trask couldn’t manage.”

  He put his hand to his throat, trying to force a sound. “What? H-how could such a thing happen?”

  She tilted her head and stared up at him. “Really? I thought you knew how it worked.”

  He reached for her, held her tightly, and trembled. Once again―with nothing more than a few words―the woman who’d walked across that ballroom floor had transformed his life.

  First as his lover, then his rescuer. And now Charlie would be the mother of his children…all four of them.

  Sure the stupid smirk on his face would never wear off, he held onto her for all he was worth.

  “I love you. I love you,” he repeated over and over.

  Charlie held him back. “I love you, too, wing man!”

  ****

  Many months later, Datron gazed down into the incubation pods holding his three sons and one tiny daughter. All but the first-born son had wings. The boys had his coloring, but the little girl―who’d been born last and was the smallest―had Charlie’s blue-green eyes. He triple-checked the temperature in each of the floating, white anti-gravity pods to make sure the infants would be warm enough for the night. Then he impishly shrugged and opened the pods again.

  “Since bringing the babies home two weeks ago, you haven’t left them alone,” Charlie said from her seated position in bed. “They’ll be just fine. You don’t have to watch them every single minute, sweetie. Now come to bed. It’s late.”

  “I want to check on them before we turn out the lights,” he declared as he picked each one up and cuddled them, in order of birth.

  “Talon, you’re going to be the biggest enforcer Oceanus has ever seen. You’ll be in charge of an entire squadron one day. Mark my words!” he promised.

  Charlie rolled her eyes. “He may be destined for greatness, but if you don’t get some rest, you’ll be destined to picking carpet out of your face when you pass out from weariness. You need some sleep.”

  He joyfully ignored her and put his first son down, only to pick up the next of his new brood.

  “Hawk, my little warrior…you’ll be a heartbreaker. Women are going to drop in the street when you stride by.”

  He put the second son back in his incubation pod, then picked up the third.

  “Lukar, you’ll be the one who stea
dies your brothers and sister. In you, they’ll find wisdom and honor. You’ll be the rock. I think we’ll all depend on you one day.”

  Finally, after putting down the third-born son, he picked up the little girl and kissed her forehead ever-so-gently.

  “And you, little Hope…you’re Daddy’s princess and always will be.”

  “And what’ll happen in the future when a man comes to the door to take Daddy’s little princess away?” Charlie playfully asked.

  He frowned. “I have a shovel and lots of land—”

  “Datron!” Charlie laughingly chastised. “Put her back in her pod and come to bed.”

  He checked the temperature in the pods again and smilingly did as she asked.

  Once in bed, he stretched out his left wing for her. This, for all time, was where she’d sleep. Nearest his heart.

  Charlie passed her hand over the control unit nearest her side of the bed, and the lights filtered off.

  “If anyone had told me two years ago I’d have a husband, a home and a family, I’d have never believed them,” she softly confirmed.

  Datron kissed her forehead then slowly savored her lips with as much tenderness and care as he could muster.

  As part of their nightly tradition, he lifted her left hand, kissed the ring she wore and sighed in contentment.

  “Thank you for walking across that ballroom to put me in my place, meteor. The Creator was looking down on me that evening.”

  “He wanted me to have you,” she said as she sighed in contentment. “Love you, Datron. Goodnight, baby.”

  “I love you, too. Goodnight,” he whispered back and felt her cuddle close.

  He closed his eyes, gave way to exhaustion and dreamt of a beautiful life. Everything he ever wanted was his. Now, it would be his children’s turn to find and follow their dreams.

  What adventures might they engage?

  In his dreams, he saw his three strong, virile sons standing next to his godson, Tyrus. They were all magnificent in their enforcer uniforms, fighting infamy wherever it existed. Of course, women flung themselves at the young men. That only made sense.