Page 64 of Right on Time

Nitiel bowed low in goodbye.

Loe sighed. “It’s true, isn’t it? My hair has managed to get messy even with all the hair spray.”

Nitiel caught the single free curl and ran his fingers along the silky strand. “Not messy. Beautiful.”

“Aww.” She pressed her cheek to his palm. “Thank you.”

“For what, niela? I only spoke the truth.”

“I know.” She put her palm over his chest. “You always speak the truth, and it comes from your hearts.”

He smiled. “Both the upper and the lower. Then you know what I told Mom will happen: we will be wed soon. Don’t worry.”

“Nitiel. We’ve been so busy in the past month, planning a wedding has been the last thing on my mind. And we agreed not to rush it, the way it is usually done for nielas from Earth.”

“It will not be rushed. But I was thinking… we should still hold it on the station. In the Arboretum.”

Loe laughed. “Where you got chomped to near-death? Tell me more.”

She resumed swaying her hips, and he followed. Admittedly, he had forgotten they were on the dance floor. They would soon have to return to socializing with the guests, but he wanted to have Loe to himself just a bit more. Pressed flush against him and in the safety of his wings.

“We could have the altar and the chairs for the guests on a meadow. Not the one next to the cibiris’ enclosure,” he quickly specified.

“Okay?”

“Commander Siriniel could officiate, provided there isn’t an ongoing attack somewhere in the system.”

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “And if there is?”

“We can bring a Terran official along with the guests, as a precaution. Food will be delivered from Terra, in case the guests don’t find the Gaenthian dishes to their liking.”

“I see…”

“Vrixiel told me his niela makes paper flowers and garlands professionally. I am sure she wouldn’t mind making some, to decorate the hall for the wedding party. We could have real flowers as well, but I’m not sure how long they will last after an entire journey from Terra. And the ones in the Arboretum are not to be picked.”

“Um…”

“As for the music, we could have recorded music from Gaenthia and a live band from Terra, like tonight’s. At the end of the party, the two of us could leave by flying away with you in my arms or on Cheyda’s back. She will be really happy to be included in the ceremony in some form.”

“Uh, Nitiel?”

“Yes?” Only now did he notice Loe was giving him a strange look.

“How long have you been researching the wedding traditions of my planet and country?”

“Only while traveling to meetings and back.”

She bit her bottom lip, mirth dancing in her eyes. “For weeks, you mean. I suppose you were also thinking about our wedding during that time?”

Nitiel’s wings fluttered. “Yes. I’ve considered only a few things–”

Both of Loe’s eyebrows shot up. “A few? You have the entire wedding planned, babe!”

He scratched the tip of his ear.

Loe caught his hand mid-scratch. “Stop that, you have nothing to be uncertain about.” She pressed her soft lips to his knuckles. “I love it.”

“You do?”

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