Page 23 of Mate for the Space Cowboy

Romi twists her mouth to the side. “I can believe it. They rely on the largesse of so many other planets, supplying food and more. They’re upset over our people here coming up with a smart plan to recruit women to come here. They’re just idiots, but we know that.”

“I hope they will not try to take any of us back to Earth,” Risa says, her eyes flickering with worry.

“I dare them to try,” Romi says, lifting her chin, a dare flashing in her gaze. “I would have fun fighting them. As it is, they’re going to pay a price for this. Any spaceships from Earth that try to visit here and other planets nearby will be subject to search and seizure. I heard they’ve also put a call out to the galaxy and any planets that support them.”

“It’s amazing how much we didn’t know on Earth,” I muse.

“Yeah, we thought the green zone existed because of Earth’s government trying to rebuild. Come to find out, they just hoard the help they get,” Risa says, her tone laced with a hint of bitterness.

We continue talking for a little while until I feel an abrupt pain. It’s intense enough that Romi and Risa notice my wince.

“Oh, is that a contraction?” Romi suddenly looks panicked.

“Maybe?” I shrug, trying to play it cool. “My doctor told me I might feel some contractions days before I go into actual labor,” I explain.

Romi and Risa keep me occupied over the next few hours. I’m so grateful they’re there.

The contractions increase in intensity later that evening. Despite my assurances that this is just a false alarm, I eventuallyadmit I must be in labor. Our daughter is in a rush to enter this world.

I want to contact Hunter first, but Romi looks at me like I’m crazy and calls the medical team. The next few hours pass in a blur.

Although I want to talk with Hunter through the entirety of giving birth, the nurse points out I can’t talk easily, and I should focus on the baby. Romi stays with me through my labor, giving me support and encouragement. Nadine and Jane are also there to help. After the birth is over and our little girl is curled up safe and swaddled in a soft blanket, the medical team sets up a call for me on a screen in the hospital room.

It’s the first time I’ve seen Hunter since he left to travel with the royal team. He looks a little rough around the edges. His hair is rumpled, his bronzed skin looks pale, and his brow is creased with worry.

“Hunter! She’s healthy.” I gesture to our baby girl.

We’ve already selected a name. We’re naming her Emily, after my mother.

His lips curl in a slow smile as his eyes coast over my face. “How are you feeling?” he asks.

“I’m tired, but I’m fine,” I say.

“Your little girl came early,” Romi calls out from the corner of the room where she’s sitting in a chair. “Melody was amazing, and the birth went great.”

Hunter chuckles. “I’m glad to hear it.” He holds my gaze. “I love you.”

“I love you too. I know you’ll be out of the hospital soon. Even though I miss you and I’m sad you’re not right here with us, I want you to be safe and completely healthy.”

His eyes hold mine, and I feel the tug of our connection. “Soon,” he promises me.

Chapter Eighteen

HUNTER

Two months later

I find myself frequently checking on Melody and our baby girl. They are safe, and we are all healthy. Those of us who sustained superficial injuries from the fighting with the visitors from Earth are all healthy. Our medical scientists are studying the bacteria that caused the infections, but thus far, it has caused no further issues.

I’ve been out of the hospital for over two months now and savor every moment with Melody and our baby girl. She is healthy and strong, just like her mother.

We are home one afternoon, and Melody finishes nursing. I can’t help the surge of desire when I look over her. Her breasts are plump and full. She glances my way as she stands, pulling her dress back up over her breasts. Her cheeks turn pink when she sees me watching.

“I’ll be right back,” she says. “I’m going to put Emily down for her nap.”

As she walks down the hallway, I watch the swing of her hips. A few minutes later, she returns to the living room, and I beckon her over to me. She crosses the room to stand in front of me where I’m seated on the couch. I ache for her.

Her eyes lock with mine, and our connection pulses between us, sizzling with the power of our desire. She steps between my knees, and I curl my fingers on the soft, stretchy collar of her dress and tug it down. Her breasts spill out. I lean forward to suck on one nipple, then the other. Her skin flushes pink with passion, and she lets out a little whimper when I lean back.

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