Page 62 of Swipe Right for Stardust

As we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms beneath the tapestry of stars, I thought about the journey that had brought us to this point. From strangers thrust together in a bizarre dating show to partners, friends, and now, soon-to-be spouses.

“So,” I said, tracing the line of Zarnak’s jaw with my finger. “Where do we go from here?”

Zarnak’s eyes sparkled with excitement and love. “Anywhere you want, my dear. The universe is ours to explore, together.”

EPILOGUE: VANESSA

Igasped as the glittering waterfall cascaded down before us, its droplets shimmering like a million diamonds in the golden sunlight. The lush vegetation of Radiso VI surrounded us, a vibrant tapestry of alien flora in every imaginable hue.

“It’s breathtaking,” I whispered, squeezing Zarnak’s hand.

He pulled me close, his strong arm wrapping around my waist. “Not as breathtaking as you, my love.”

I laughed, playfully shoving him away. “You’re such a sap.”

“Only for you,” Zarnak replied with a grin.

Taffy chirped from its perch on my shoulder, its tentacles swaying in the warm breeze. I reached up to scratch its head, marveling at how far we’d come since that fateful day on the dating show.

“Remember when we first met?” I asked, leaning back against Zarnak’s chest. “I never imagined we’d end up here.”

Zarnak chuckled, the sound rumbling through me. “You mean when that other human thought I was an alien bouncer?”

“Hey, in their defense, you are pretty intimidating at first glance.”

“And yet here you are, Mrs. Kolvari,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple.

My heart fluttered at the sound of my new name. We’d been married for three months now, but it still felt like a dream.

“Come on,” I said, tugging at his hand. “Let’s get a closer look at that waterfall.”

We wandered down the winding path, careful not to disturb the delicate ecosystem around us. Taffy clung tightly to my shoulder, occasionally reaching out to touch a passing leaf or flower.

As we neared the base of the waterfall, the roar of rushing water filled the air. A fine mist cooled my skin, offering relief from the tropical heat.

“Oh, wow,” I breathed, taking in the sight before us. The water cascaded into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by smooth, multi-colored stones. “It’s like something out of a fairy tale.”

Zarnak nodded, his eyes scanning the area. “The geological formations here are fascinating. The way the water has eroded-”

I cut him off with a kiss, laughing against his lips. “I love you, you big nerd, but can we save the science lesson for later?”

He grinned, pulling me closer. “As you wish, my dear.”

We found a comfortable spot on the shore, settling down on the warm stones. Taffy scampered off to explore, its tentacles leaving tiny trails in the sand.

I leaned back, closing my eyes and basking in the moment. The sound of the waterfall, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and Zarnak’s solid presence beside me - it was perfect.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Zarnak asked, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my arm.

I opened my eyes, smiling up at him. “Just thinking about how lucky I am. If you had told me a year ago that I’d be married to an alien scientist and traveling the galaxy, I would have laughed in your face.”

“And if someone had told me I’d fall in love with a human woman who constantly challenges and surprises me, I might not have believed them either,” Zarnak replied, his gaze softening.

I sat up, cupping his face in my hands. “I love you, Zarnak. More than I ever thought possible.”

He leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine. “And I love you, Vanessa. You’ve shown me a side of the universe I never knew existed.”

Our lips met in a tender kiss, filled with all the love and passion we’d built over the past six months. As we broke apart, I laughed.

---