Page 65 of Prize for the Alien Grumpus

A warm hand engulfs mine. I look up to find Krampus watching me, his disguised features softened with an emotion that makes my breath catch. His thumb traces circles on my palm.

The love in his eyes steals my words away. My heart swells until I think it might burst. How did this creature from across the galaxy become everything I never knew I needed?

Dad leans back in his armchair, coffee cup balanced on his knee. "So, Kevin, tell me more about your time as quarterback for the Patriots."

My stomach drops. We never discussed a cover story.

"And you mentioned earlier you were a doctor?" Dad's eyes narrow behind his reading glasses. "And a lawyer?"

Krampus sets his coffee down. "Actually, I lied. I am none of those things."

"Ha!" Dad's triumphant bark makes me flinch. "I knew it. Too good to be true. No one's that accomplished."

"You're right." Krampus reaches for his wrist. "I should be honest with my future in-laws."

The image inducer clicks off. Blue fur ripples into view, horns sprouting from his head. My parents freeze, coffee cups suspended halfway to their mouths.

"I am actually an alien from the future," Krampus announces. "Since you're going to be my father-in-law, it's far more convenient for you to know the truth."

My brain screeches to a halt. "Wait a minute." I spring up from the couch. "I don't remember you asking me to marry you."

The silence stretches as everyone stares at me. Even Sam stops playing with her new dollhouse to watch.

"Well?" I plant my hands on my hips. "When exactly were you planning to discuss this with me?"

"We discussed this when we first met." Krampus crosses his massive arms. "You are my mate."

"That's not how this works." My cheeks burn under everyone's stares. "You can't just declare someone your mate and expect them to go along with it. That's not a marriage proposal."

"What more do you require?" His brow furrows. "I have proven my devotion through combat and provided sustenance."

"Do you even have a ring?" The words burst out before I can stop them.

Tiny feet patter across the floor as Sam races to Krampus' side. She tugs on his fur until he bends down, then presses something into his massive palm.

My heart stutters as I recognize the plastic princess ring from her dress-up box. The tiny pink heart gleams under the Christmas lights.

"There, now you've got a ring to give Mommy." Sam beams up at him. "Please will you marry Krampus, Mom? Please? You both love each other an awful lot and I want him to be my Daddy."

The room spins. My daughter's hopeful face, my parents' shocked expressions, and Krampus holding that ridiculous plastic ring blur together. This can't be happening. Not like this. Not with everyone watching.

"Samantha," Krampus says. "Don't you want to meet your real Daddy before you decide?"

"No, you ARE my real Daddy," Sam says. "My space daddy."

"Yes." The word slips out before I can stop it.

"What?" Krampus' blue fur bristles in surprise.

My heart pounds against my ribs, but I stand my ground. "Yes, I'll marry you."

Sam squeals with delight as Krampus sweeps me into his arms. His lips crash into mine, and the world falls away. The plastic princess ring digs into my palm where he's still holding my hand, but I don't care. All that matters is this moment, this kiss, this impossible love that crossed galaxies to find me.

A thud snaps me back to reality.

Oh God. My parents.

I break away from Krampus just in time to see Mom slump sideways in her chair. Dad's already sprawled on the floor, his coffee cup rolling across the carpet.

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