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“Good,” I said, standing up and wiping my palms on my dress. “How about we try to enjoy the rest of the evening without any more pranks?”
Saya and Sono exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. We spent the rest of the night playing games and telling stories, the tension between us dissipating like mist under the morning sun.
As I lay in bed later that night, I thought about Zorak and his nephews. My heart ached at the thought of them losing their beloved uncle, and I wondered if I could genuinely be a part of this family without causing them pain. But as I drifted off to sleep, I clung to the hope that love could bridge the gap between our worlds, binding us together in a way that transcended distance and time.
The next night, Zorak suggested we go for a walk. He seemed uptight and nervous. I thought he must be having trouble at work – we’ve all been there, I thought.
The night sky above Orkaris was a breathtaking canvas of twinkling stars, the cool air brushing against my cheeks like a lover’s caress. Zorak and I stood on the balcony outside his family home, gazing into the heavens as if searching for answers among the constellations.
“Vanessa,” Zorak began, his voice soft and respectful, “I have something important to ask you.”
“Go ahead,” I replied, my heart pounding in anticipation. I could feel the weight of his words, each carrying the promise of a shared future.
“Would you... Marry me?” he asked, his eyes full of vulnerability and hope. He gently took my hand in his, the warmth of his touch coursing through me like a lifeline.
A mixture of joy and fear surged within me, threatening to overwhelm my senses. This was everything I wanted, but the memory of Saya’s and Sono’s sorrowful faces tore at my heart.
“Zorak,” I hesitated, my voice barely more than a whisper, “are you sure about this? What about your family? Your nephews?”
He smiled tenderly, his fingers tracing reassuring circles on the back of my hand. “I love you, Vanessa, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. As for my family, I think we can find a way to make it work.”
“Really?” I asked, trying to quell the uncertainty gnawing at my soul.
“Yes,” he confirmed, his conviction shining brightly in his eyes. “In fact, I’ve spoken to the diplomatic corps about a permanent position on T’rra. That way, we can build a life together on your home planet while staying connected to my family here.”
My heart swelled with gratitude and affection, yet I couldn’t silence the nagging doubts lingering in my mind. As I glanced into Zorak’s hopeful eyes, torn between the love I felt for him and the responsibility toward his nephews, I knew that whatever decision we made would alter the course of our lives forever.
“I need time to think about it,” I said slowly, weighing each word carefully.
“Of course,” he replied, his voice tinged with disappointment but understanding. “Take all the time you need. I’ll be here, waiting for you.”
As we stood together on the balcony, wrapped in the silence of the night, I couldn’t help but wonder if the stars above held the answers we so desperately sought. For now, however, they remained as elusive as ever, their secrets locked away beyond our reach.
Chapter 28
Zorak
My heart sank as Vanessa gazed at me with sadness in her emerald eyes. “Zorak, I’ve been thinking hard and...I don’t think I can live on T’rra right now. My life is here.” She squeezed my hands, her voice soft but sure. “Can I stay on Orkaris with you instead?”
For a moment I was stunned speechless. I had been prepared to make yet another sacrifice for Vanessa’s sake, leaving behind my homeland and family to be with her. Now she was willing to give up her work on T’rra for me?
Joy swelled in my chest, so sudden and sharp it stole my breath. “Vanessa, my love...you would do that?” I asked in wonder.
She nodded, blinking back tears. “I know what it means for you to leave your brother and nephews. I can’t let you make that choice for my sake, not after you’ve already given up so much for me.” She touched my cheek tenderly. “If you’ll allow it, I want to make Orkaris my home too.”
Overcome with emotion, I crushed Vanessa to my chest in a fierce embrace. “Allow it?” I murmured gruffly. “It’s all I’ve dreamed of since we found each other again.”
She hugged me tightly, relief rolling off her in waves. “Truly?”
“Truly,” I assured her, drawing back to meet her shining gaze. “As long as we’re together, I am home.”
Vanessa smiled then, bright as Orkaris’ suns. “Then here is where I’ll stay.”
We sealed our promise with a kiss that left us both flushed and breathless. Hand in hand, we went to give Dakor the joyous news. He whooped loudly, grabbing us both in a crushing hug.
“Saya and Sono will be thrilled!” he exclaimed. “We must celebrate tonight.”
He was right. Once the children were told Vanessa was staying, they danced around the room in delight before barreling into her arms.
