Page 62 of Her Alien Owner
“Alright,” he concedes reluctantly. “We’ll move forward with the plans.”
I turn to Valen, my heart swelling with pride and gratitude. He meets my gaze with a rare smile that reaches his eyes.
“You did it,” he murmurs.
“We did it,” I correct him softly.
He chuckles and pulls me into a brief but fierce hug. As we step back, I can’t help but feel a surge of hope for Armstrong’s future—and for us.
Together, we face the cheering crowd, ready to build something beautiful out of the ruins of our pasts.
Valen and I linger outside the town hall, watching families play with their small children. The evening sun casts long shadows, and the sound of laughter fills the air. I feel a tug in my heart as I watch a little girl chase after a ball, her giggles infectious.
Ever since I was small, I knew I wanted kids of my own. I wanted to be just like my own mom. But adulthood hit me hard and fast, and in the remnants of war I couldn't see myself bringing new life into this misery. I especially couldn't see myself having a child with Kevin.
But with Valen…
“Ever thought about having kids?” Valen asks suddenly, his tone casual but his eyes serious.
I blink, taken aback by the question. “Yes,” I admit, my voice soft. “I always dreamed of being a mother.”
He nods thoughtfully, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Good to know I’m not alone in that,” he says. “I didn’t have the best role models growing up, but I think I could be a father someday.”
My heart skips a beat at his words. “Really?”
“Really,” he confirms. “Might take some practice, though.”
I laugh, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Well, practice makes perfect, right?”
Valen chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Let’s see what the future holds.”
I watch him for a moment, marveling at how far we’ve come. From the brooding enigma who hosted lavish parties to the man standing beside me now—open, honest, and willing to build a future together.
“I’ve always wanted more than one,” I say quietly.
“More than one what?” he asks with a teasing grin.
“Child,” I clarify with an eye roll. “Though you might have to work on your dad jokes.”
He laughs again, a deep, genuine sound that makes my heart swell. “Duly noted,” he says with mock seriousness.
We fall into a comfortable silence, watching as the families begin to disperse. The little girl with the ball runs back to her mother, who scoops her up in a hug.
“Look at them,” I murmur, my voice filled with wonder.
Valen follows my gaze and nods slowly. “We’ll have that one day,” he says with quiet conviction.
I turn to him, my eyes searching his face for any hint of doubt. But all I see is sincerity and determination.
“We’re building something real here,” he continues. “Not just for us, but for everyone on Armstrong.”
I reach out and take his hand in mine, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine. “Together?”
“Together,” he agrees.
We stand there for a while longer, hand in hand, watching as the last of the families head home. The future feels bright and full of promise—a stark contrast to the ruins we’ve both emerged from.
As we finally turn to leave, I feel content knowing that Valen and I are building something stable and beautiful together—a future filled with love, hope, and endless possibilities.