Page 15 of Mate for the Space Cowboy

“Did she call ahead?” I ask.

He waggles his brows as his mouth kicks into a half smile. “Of course, she did. I’ll help you load them up.”

I eye the row of buckets of flowers. “That would be very helpful,” I say.

I could load them myself, but I know Harold likes to do it. He has a hovercraft that he keeps on-site. It’s programmed to carry me right back to the floral shop and come back to him on its own. In short order, he has everything loaded on the platform on the back for me. He gallantly gestures, swinging his arms. “Your chariot awaits,” he teases.

As I stop beside him, I smile up at him. “Thank you for being so kind to me, Harold.”

“Melody, why would I be anything other than kind? I might not be from this planet either, but I came here for a reason. It is safe and peaceful. I’m glad you’re here as well,” he says, his eyes warm.

Tears sting the backs of my eyes. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the genuine kindness here. But then, I suppose it’s easier for people to be kind when they know they are cared for and matter.

Harold helps me up into the hovercraft, and I thank him again before hovering my way back to the floral shop. The rest of the day passes quickly as we’re very busy. A local family is hosting a gathering to celebrate the grandparents, who have been married for seventy years. That’s a shocking number to me, if only because, on Earth, most people don’t even live past fifty. In contrast, this planet is renowned for the health of its people and the medical care here.

One of the granddaughters, who’s not much younger than me, stops by the store to pick up the flowers they’ve ordered. “Melody!” she exclaims as her gaze sweeps across the table where the flowers are all waiting to be picked up. “These look beautiful!”

“Thank you, Verbena,” I say. “I am honestly amazed at how long your grandparents have been married and wanted to honor their union. Coming from Earth, it’s just, well, extremely unusual for something like this to happen.”

She nods in understanding. “That’s what I hear. My grandparents have the infinity pulse, and—” Her lips quirk at the corners with her smile. “They just love each other so much. I hope you and Hunter find the same happiness. I’m so glad you’re married.”

My heart feels like hands clapping with joy when it pounds in response. “I hope so too. No matter what, I feel lucky to have found Hunter, and I hope we have a family.”

I help her load the flowers on the back of her hovercraft and assure her I will see her that evening for the celebration. Princess Jane has already arranged for us all to attend, including the new women. She described it as “An excellent opportunity for them to meet new people.”

Chapter Twelve

MELODY

When I return home after work, I instantly miss Hunter when I walk inside. It’s disconcerting, but his absence is a physical experience for me. My heart feels as if something is tugging on it. Nadine has explained to me that, because of the infinity pulse bonding us, there will be times I can experience a physical pull toward wherever Hunter is located, even if it’s on the other side of the planet. She has experienced that whenever Kayden travels.

I place my palm above my heart, feeling comforted to miss him and feel that pull. It reminds me of all we share. I pause for a moment and spin in a slow circle. I imagine I will marvel at having a house like this for the rest of my life.

My parents had a small home on Earth, and I’d felt lucky. Just as I had when I got my own apartment after I got my job. It might’ve been dingy and in a crowded building and a single small room, but it had been mine.

The home I share with Hunter here feels beyond luxurious. I like that the people on this planet focus on simplicity. Hunter and I have space for us and the family we will create, and that’s enough. Beyond our bedroom are two other bedrooms for thechildren I hope will come soon. Our pretty garden feels like almost too much extravagance to enjoy outside.

My little communicator beeps, and I hear Nadine’s voice coming through. “I’ll meet you at your gate and walk with you to the celebration if you’d like.”

I tap the communicator, replying, “Of course! I’m getting changed right now. I’ll see you soon.”

I hurry into our bedroom and quickly take a shower. I love how the sunlight streams through the windows above the shower. Most of us reached a point on Earth where we tried to avoid the sun because it was so hot and dry there. Here, I love that I can enjoy it. The light is softer, and it makes everything sparkle.

I’m refreshed and feel ready for the night after my shower. The dress I selected tonight is a bright blue color that Hunter tells me brings out my eyes. I wish he were here. I know he’ll be home soon, but the ache of missing him is visceral.

Romi stands at my side at the gathering, holding a glass of a fizzy drink they make here. I understand it’s like alcohol, which was extremely rare on Earth. I’m abstaining from anything like that right now, in case I’m pregnant.

She takes a swallow and lets out a happy little sigh. “This stuff is so good.” She smiles at me, her eyes bright. “I’m nervous,” she blurts out.

“You’re nervous?” I’m surprised at this. Romi comes across as bold and confident to me.

She sets her glass down on the table beside us and smooths her hands over the front of her dress. “Yes. I’m kind of a tomboy. I’m not as beautiful as you, Jane, and Nadine.”

I turn to face my friend, reaching for her hands and squeezing them before I release them. “Romi, you’re stunning. To me, you’re like a powerful goddess.”

She is quite a bit taller than me. I look up at her, studying her angled cheekbones, her straight nose with her dark brows, and her glossy dark hair. Romi has a fierceness to her that originally intimidated me, but now I know her to be kind and deeply protective of those she cares about.

Uncertainty flickers in her eyes. “I don’t need to experience the infinity pulse.” She waves a hand dismissively. “I just want to mate with someone. I worry if I don’t find someone soon that I won’t be able to stay here.”

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