Page 50 of Roping the Alien Cowboy

I smiled and squeezed her hand. “Then home you’ll go. I’ll make the call tonight.”

True to my word, that night I activated the comm device.I recorded a message explaining I had a group of former captives rescued from Ziron raiders who needed transport back to their planets.

Within a day, I received a response from a freighter ship called the Cassia that agreed to assist. They were passing through a nearby system and could make the detour within a week.

I shared the news with Jessie and the others. Most seemed eager to depart this strange world, though a few asked to remain behind, welcoming the Surlons’ offer of refuge. I assured them we would provide safe passage whenever they wished to leave.

The morning the Cassia arrived, I accompanied the group ready to depart, including Jessie, out to the desert landing site. I hugged each one and wished them well.

When it came time to say goodbye to Jessie, neither of us could find words. We embraced fiercely, two humans finding and losing each other in the infinite void of space.

Jessie gave a small, sad smile. “Thank you for everything, Kate. I’ll never forget it.”

Jessie joined the end of the line to board the ship, but when her turn came, she did something unexpected. Jessie shook her head “no” to the man trying to help her board. Instead, she turned and walked back over to me and Kian.

“You said I could stay if I want?” she asked me meekly.

“Of course,” I said and pulled her into a hug. “I am so happy you’ve decided to stay.”

* * *

The village buzzed with excitement as we all gathered in the central clearing for the celebration feast. Twinkling lanterns were strung between the dwellings, and the smells of roasting meats and fresh bread filled the air. I sat at the head table beside Kian, one hand resting on my rounded belly as our unborn daughter stirred within.

Kian stood and raised his hands for silence. All eyes turned to our sheriff. “My friends, tonight we celebrate a great victory over the Ziron raiders. Their band will terrorize this land no more.”

Cheers erupted, along with the clanging of mugs. Kian waited for the noise to die down before continuing. “This triumph would not have been possible without the aid of my wife, Kate. Her skills were invaluable in tracking the Zirons to their lair and freeing their captives.”

He turned to me, pride shining in his azure eyes. “Though born of another world, Kate has proven herself in spirit and deeds to be one of us. Without her cunning and courage, the Zirons might still roam free.”

More raucous applause. I flushed, embarrassed but deeply moved by Kian’s words. He took my hand and raised it high. “To Kate, daughter of Surlon!”

“To Kate! To Kate!” the crowd chorused. Their acceptance meant everything to me. I had found a home here.

Kian pulled me close. “Come, there is more I would say to you.” We slipped away as the feasting continued. Hand in hand, we walked to a moonlit ridge beyond the village. The stars blazed overhead as Kian drew me into his arms.

“My love, you have my deepest gratitude. Your bravery amazes me.” He cupped my cheek tenderly. “I once thought you an outsider, but now you are a Surlon to your core. Our daughter will be blessed to have you as her mother.”

I blinked back tears, overcome with emotion. “You and this village are my home now, Kian. I never dreamed I could find such belonging.”

We kissed beneath the shimmering nebulae. In this place, under these stars, I had discovered my purpose. With Kian as my husband and guide, our future stretched bright before us.

Arm in arm, we returned to the celebration and danced late into the night with our people. Tomorrow would bring new adventures, but tonight, all was joy.

***

I gasped as Turok reverently lifted the gleaming silver crown from its wrapping. Intricate etchings of Surlon symbols and creatures adorned the band. Two curving prongs resembled sirocco horns, encrusted with glittering gems.

“Kate, come forward,” Turok beckoned. I approached, pulse racing. Was this truly happening? After so much conflict between us, so much doubt over my belonging, Turok himself now offered this crown—the ultimate emblem of acceptance into his people.

Kian gave my hand an encouraging squeeze before I stepped up to face the village elder. Turok’s lined face was solemn yet warm as he held the crown aloft.

“With this crown, I acknowledge you as one of us, bound to our tribe by blood and spirit,” he proclaimed. “You have proven yourself worthy many times over.”

My vision blurred with tears as he lowered the crown onto my head. The silver band was cool against my hair. I had never felt such a sense of belonging.

Turok clasped my hands in his weathered ones. “Welcome, daughter of Surlon,” he said gruffly.

“I don’t know how to thank you for this honor,” I managed, choking back a sob.

---