Page 28 of All You Need is Alien Love
“Good choices, babe. You know me so well.”
He smiles sweetly. “I’m glad you like everything. When I take you to Iyara one day, you’ll get to see where they come from.”
My heart flutters, and I struggle to hold back a squee. Traveling to outer space and visiting Kai’s home world are high on my bucket list.
Before I can push him to commit to a timeline for that, Ellie stands up, glass in hand.
“Thank you all for coming tonight. Maddox and I are so thrilled to be hosting this event. Our version of the rehearsal dinner is an important part of our Iyaran cultural traditions. It’s a time for the happy couple’s families to break bread together and cement bonds between them that will last a lifetime.” She turns a bright-eyed gaze full of so much love on me that I start to choke up a little. “River came into our lives with all the unexpectedness and overwhelming force of a tsunami, and we were instantly swept away by his vivacious energy, captivating charm, and surprisingly keen intellect.”
I pout. “Hey! There’s nothing surprising about my brilliance.”
Everyone laughs.
Ellie winks at me and clears her throat. “From the get-go, we’ve all loved and admired River for the truly remarkable man he is. He’s proven himself to be a crucial part of our team, as well as the Alliance as a whole.” Her voice hoarsens as she continues. “But even more than that, he’s become another son to me, and I adore him more than mere words can convey. River, you will always be a cherished member of the Genaro family.”
I sniffle and whisper, “Oh, Mama-in-Law. You got me right in the motherfucking feels!”
She turns her gaze on Kai, her features softening. “My eldest son has always been mature and responsible beyond his years.” Her lips twitch. “He didn’t get that from me, by the way.”
Everyone laughs again.
Ellie jerks a thumb at Maddox, whose lips twitch with amusement. “It’s all his father. And I couldn’t be prouder of Kai, but because he was always so serious, I longed for the day that he would find a partner who could bring out his softer side, make him experience the beauty and depth of true love. It’s something I want for all of my children, because I’ve been fortunate enough to have found it myself.” With a shaky breath, she takes hold of Maddox’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “May my children know the same kind of joy that I have.”
I lean into Kai’s side.
Ellie continues. “River was able to open Kai’s hearts in ways even his family couldn’t. In the short time you’ve been together, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing my son get in touch with aspects of himself none of us ever knew he had, including himself.” Everyone chuckles at that, including my boo. “Thank you, my dearest and most lovable son-in-law. I’m certain the two of you will have the same kind of never-ending joy and happiness Maddox and I have. You’re perfect partners and I wish you both a lifetime of mutual love.”
My bottom lip trembles as I fight back tears. “Dammit, Ellie. If you say one more mushy word, I’m gonna become a blubbering mess.”
She chuckles wetly and wipes at her eyes. “Fuck, me too. Enough with all the sappy shit.” She raises her glass in the air. “A toast to the happy couple and uniting our families!”
Everyone raises their glasses and congratulates us enthusiastically. Kai puts an arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him.
When Ellie sits down, my mother stands up from where she’s seated next to my father and across from me and Kai.
“I, too, would like to express my congratulations to the happy couple. I know I haven’t been a… present part of my son’s life for far too long, but I intend to spend the rest of my time in this universe making up for that. River’s forgiveness and his acceptance of Chris and me back into his life means so much to us both. All we’ve ever wanted is for him to be safe, healthy, and happy. River has such a loving and generous heart, and we’re thrilled that he’s found the perfect partner who values him and showers him with plenty of love in return. My son gives so much to those he cares about that sometimes he doesn’t put himself first when he needs to. But even in the short time I’ve seen them together, I can tell that Kai puts River first in all that he does. Thank you, Kai. Chris and I are delighted to have you as part of our family, and we wish you both a lifetime of happiness.”
More cheers follow.
I plate up our dessert, mostly focusing on Kai’s plate so I can feed him goodies. The pleasure he gets from all the sugar and chocolate is more than enough to satisfy me.
And make me a little horny, dammit.
When everyone’s stuffed to the brim and feeling pretty mellow from the Iyaran champagne, which is a hell of a lotstronger than the Earth-made variety, my father and Uncle Benji stand up to start the gift exchange portion of this event.
Seeing my dad and his brother, side by side, hits me right in the motherfucking feels. They’ve been apart for so long, but now they’re rebuilding their relationship and it’s beautiful to see.
Benji tucks some hair behind his ear and clutches a package to his chest. “Hi, everyone. I’m Benji, River’s uncle. Family’s a beautiful thing, man. And bringing our two families together is gonna be wicked awesome.” He beams at Kai. “I thought about bringing some of my magic brownies as my gift tonight?—”
Kai groans next to me, his cheeks flushing.
“—but we all know what happened the last time I shared some with Kai!”
I snort and my hubby-boo gives me a mock scowl.
So stinkin’ cute!
“I went with something a bit more deep in the end. A keepsake to cherish for a lifetime.” Benji hands Kai the wrapped square package he’s been holding. “I thought a lot about what would be meaningful to you. Hope you enjoy it, my man. Welcome to the family.”
