Page 14 of Mate for the Space Cowboy

As she does frequently, Jane has invited us over. The table encircled by the couch has an array of snacks and drinks.

I feel my cheeks getting hot as I smile. “It was amazing.” I look around, adding, “Honestly, it’s better than I could’ve imagined. Hunter is so good to me.”

Nadine’s eyes twinkle with warmth. “I’m so glad. I’m sure you’re already pregnant,” she says.

“After just a week? Do you really think so?” Hannah asks.

“It’s hard to believe or imagine, but women from Earth become much more fertile once we’re on this planet,” Jane chimes in. “The scientists here think it’s something to do with the environment. They also believe the strain of living on Earth affects our fertility there. It’s highly likely that Melody is already pregnant.”

“I won’t know until I miss my monthly time,” I say. “Now, we wait. Hunter is traveling for work this week, and I’m so impatient for him to be back. “

“Asher’s and his security team are traveling the planet and visiting all the different towns. I will join him for part of the journey later this week. It’s kind of funny.” Jane’s lips curl in a smile when she pauses. “Asher told me I have to make sure to post about it on GalaxyCosmo. I’ve forgotten all about that since I’ve been here. It’s such a big deal on Earth because it’s all they have for news and information. Since I’ve been living here, actual life is so much more interesting. I don’t even wonder what anybody’s doing online.” She rolls her eyes a little. “Asher tells me it’s important. I can’t help but think maybe I should look upmy ex-fiancé, the one who screwed around with my best friend. They never did post if they were officially a couple when I was still on Earth.”

“I rarely had access to a phone when I was on Earth because I didn’t have a regular office job,” I tell them.

“We’ll get you one here if you want,” Jane offers. “Those phones were about the only thing that the government on Earth made sure we had.”

“Probably because that was the only way we got some of the most basic supplies,” Risa says. “I still can’t believe I’m here. Everything is so nice and beautiful. Honestly—” She looks toward me. “I’m glad you mated with someone where you can experience this pulse thing I keep hearing about, but I just want to be safe. I don’t care about anything else.”

I contemplate my week with Hunter, reflecting on how I felt before meeting him. “I totally understand,” I tell her, “but if you meet someone and experience the pulse, I promise it will feel amazing.”

Our conversation moves along. Jane plans to host another gathering for the women from Earth to meet possible mates, and we answer an array of questions from the new arrivals.

“Where did you meet Hunter?” Risa asks.

“At one of those gatherings,” I reply, thinking back to that night and how quickly I recognized our connection.

“We should talk about work options,” Jane says. “Nadine works at the local coffee shop and loves it.”

“And I work at the floral shop across the street from the café and love it. Romi works out at the stables, and you love your job too, right?” I look toward Romi.

Romi nods vigorously. Her dark hair is pulled up in a ponytail and bounces with the motion. “I worked at the stables on Earth as well. Obviously, it’s very different here. The horses here are amazing. Speaking of—” She glances toward me. “Oneof the men I work with told me that when Hunter is back, he’ll bring you out to ride.”

“Nadine has started a support group too,” Jane adds. “It’s a great opportunity for support and to learn what it’s like to live here because it is so very different from Earth.”

As I look around the group, it strikes me how quickly I have adjusted to living here. Oh, there’s no doubt I’m still overwhelmed with my new life and with so many changes in such a short time. I suppose I’ll always carry anxiety and fears, and even scars, from growing up the way I did. It’s easier to become accustomed to a new life when the place is such a vast improvement. The new women who arrived have the shell-shocked expression I must’ve had when I got here. Jenny exclaims over the taste of the lemonade while Hannah marvels at the selection of fruit.

Out of nowhere, a giggle slips out of me, and Romi slides her gaze to mind, asking, “What’s so funny?”

“It’s just crazy. We’ve been here for months, and I still can’t believe it. It’s almost funny.” I shrug.

Nadine smiles between us. “I still get happy nervous moments. Life here is something truly beyond what we could’ve imagined on Earth,” she says.

The following day, I’m at work. My boss has sent me to the farm where we grow our flowers. We have a small garden immediately behind the florist shop, but there’s a much bigger one a few blocks away.

I’m walking down the street when I hear the whooshing sound in the air from what I recognize as the sound of the horses. I glance over to see a beautiful small one, gliding lowacross the ground. She’s so pretty, shimmering almost pink. As she goes by, I could swear she catches my eye, a glint of warmth in her dark eye.

“But that’s crazy,” I say to myself.

Instinctively, I smooth my hand over my belly. I’m not sure if I’m pregnant yet, but I hope I am. On Earth, the last thing I wanted was to be pregnant. My goal on Earth had been to end my family’s lineage with me. I’d hoped my brother never even found someone to mate with. It feels so different here. I cannot wait to have a baby and create a family with Hunter.

I could swear there’s a tingling sensation inside me as if a life is burgeoning. I reach the flower farm and jingle the little bell on the gate. The elderly orc, the primary gardener, lifts his head and smiles at me.

“Melody, hello, my dear,” he says as he approaches.

My eyes rise up and up and up as I tilt my head back. He’s tall, as all orcs tend to be. “Hi, Harold,” I say. “I’m here to gather some flowers for the shop.”

He dips his chin, gesturing with his large hand toward a row of buckets. “I already have them ready for you.”

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