by S. E. Smith
“Forget the exploding yard lines. It’s the damn glitter balloons. They’re keeping us from being able to fly,” Mandra growled. “I’m coated in the sparkly mess!”
“Well, I think it almost levels the playing field,” Vox retorted as he spun the football in his hand.
“Level this,” Creon said, tackling Vox from behind.
“Foul!” Ariel roared. “You can’t tackle someone during a timeout!”
“Viper, look out! Leo is after the ball again,” Tina cried.
“And there go Sacha and Pearl,” Riley said, throwing her hands up in the air. “Vox, the girls are on the loose again.”
“Trelon, don’t look… up,” Cara warned a fraction of a second too late. “I think Amber and Jade are teaching James some of their bad habits,” she said with a sigh.
Abby laughed. “You have to admit he has great balance,” she observed.
Cara grinned. “He does, doesn’t he?”
Spring slowed to a walk as she neared the field. She hugged the potted plant against her chest. Phoenix turned and gave her a questioning look. She smiled and nodded.
“Well, I guess we know what Amber and Jade were up to,” Roam said in a slightly winded voice as he slowed to walk beside her. “You were right. They are creating some really cool stuff.”
“We have the best holiday get-togethers ever,” she said, reaching down to hold his hand.
“So, does this mean you forgive me for pulling your hair and stuff?” he asked.
Spring nodded. “At least until you do the next thing that makes me mad,” she retorted with a playful elbow.
He leaned closer and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Like giving you a kiss?” he teased.
“Ew! Roam kissed Spring!” James crowed.
“Off with his head!” Morah demanded, waving her gold wand with a large red heart on the end of it.
“What?” Creon said, sliding to a stop and spinning around.
“Spring’s gots glitter on her lips,” Hope giggled.
“Okay, I think the game is over. Who wants ice cream?” Carmen called, raising an eyebrow at Creon who was still holding Vox around the throat.
“I’m starving, do you want some ice cream?” Roam asked.
Spring nodded. In seconds, the other kids swarmed around them. It wasn’t until they were sitting down that she remembered the card he had given her. She placed the potted plant on the table and carefully opened the card. A small, secretive smile curved her lips as she read what he had written.
I would give you clouds of hearts if you would Be Mine! Happy Valentine’s Day, from Roam.
With shimmering eyes, she looked across the table at the lanky, cat-shifter. Roam turned to look at her and he smiled back.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Roam,” she mouthed.
At the table where the adults were sitting, Ha’ven leaned back in his chair. He nodded to Vox when the man sat beside him.
“Did you leave any ice cream for the rest of us?” Ha’ven dryly inquired.
Vox grinned. “There are some Earth habits that should be a daily celebration. Ice cream is one of them. Do you have any idea of the endless flavors Cara has programmed into the replicator?” he said, holding up an ice cream cone in each hand. “Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and something called Rocky Road.”
Ha’ven rolled his eyes and shook his head. He turned his attention back to the kids. Bálint and Alice were sitting on a blanket under the tree.
“Are you still worried about Bálint?” Vox asked.
Ha’ven thought about the question for a moment before he shook his head. “No, no, I’m not,” he slowly replied. “What about you? Are you worried about Roam and Spring?”
Vox blinked in surprise and looked over to where his oldest son was sitting next to Jabir. They were animatedly about something—probably some new pet Jabir had acquired.
“Why should I worry about Roam and Spring?” he asked.
Ha’ven stared at Vox for a moment before he shook his head. “I hope your son is more aware of things than you are,” he dryly replied.
He looked up over his shoulder when Emma stepped up behind him and pressed a kiss to his brow. Vox was right about one thing. There were some Earth celebrations that should be daily. One of them was Valentine’s Day.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Ha’ven,” Emma murmured near his ear. “I love you.”
“Hey, look!” Riley called out.
Up high in the sky, the clouds formed a series of perfect hearts—thanks to a certain Goddess, and a special wish from a young tiger named Roam.
Bonus
Never forget the coat! Trace and color the moment. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Additional Books
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Recommended Reading Order Lists:
http://sesmithfl.com/reading-list-by-events/
http://sesmithfl.com/reading-list-by-series/
The Series
Science Fiction / Romance
Dragon Lords of Valdier Series
It all started with a king who crashed on Earth, desperately hurt. He inadvertently discovered a species that would save his own.
Curizan Warrior Series
The Curizans have a secret, kept even from their closest allies, but even they are not immune to the draw of a little known species from an isolated planet called Earth.
Marastin Dow Warriors Series
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Sarafin Warriors Series
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Dragonlings of Valdier Novellas
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Cosmos’ Gateway Series
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The Alliance Series
When Earth received its first visitors from space, the planet was thrown into a panicked chaos. The Trivators came to bring Earth into the Alliance of Star Systems, but now they must take control to prevent the humans from destroying themselves. No one was prepared for how the humans will affect the Trivators, though, starting with a family of three sisters….
Lords of Kassis Series
It began with a random abduction and a stowaway, and yet, somehow, the Kassisans knew the humans were coming long before now. The fate of more than one world hangs in the balance, and time is not always linear….
Zion Warriors Series
Time travel, epic heroics, and love beyond measure. Sci-fi adventures with heart and soul, laughter, and awe-inspiring discovery…
Paranormal / Fantasy / Romance
Magic, New Mexico Series
Within New Mexico is a small town named Magic, an… unusual town, to say the least. With no beginning and no end, spanning genres, authors, and universes, hilarity and drama combine to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Spirit Pass Series
There is a physical connection between two times. Follow the stories of those who travel back and forth. These westerns are as wild as they come!
Second Chance Series
Stand-alone worlds featuring a woman who remembers her own death. Fiery and mysterious, these books will steal your heart.
More Than Human Series
Long ago t
here was a war on Earth between shifters and humans. Humans lost, and today they know they will become extinct if something is not done….
The Fairy Tale Series
A twist on your favorite fairy tales!
A Seven Kingdoms Tale
Long ago, a strange entity came to the Seven Kingdoms to conquer and feed on their life force. It found a host, and she battled it within her body for centuries while destruction and devastation surrounded her. Our story begins when the end is near, and a portal is opened….
Epic Science Fiction / Action Adventure
Project Gliese 581G Series
An international team leave Earth to investigate a mysterious object in our solar system that was clearly made by someone, someone who isn’t from Earth. Discover new worlds and conflicts in a sci-fi adventure sure to become your favorite!
New Adult / Young Adult
Breaking Free Series
A journey that will challenge everything she has ever believed about herself as danger reveals itself in sudden, heart-stopping moments.
The Dust Series
Fragments of a comet hit Earth, and Dust wakes to discover the world as he knew it is gone. It isn’t the only thing that has changed, though, so has Dust…
About the Author
S.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into new worlds.
