Page 88 of All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino but an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead

“I guess I will have to take your word for it, won’t I?” He chuffs. “I still don’t really understand the whole tree indoors or home intruders wearing red…but if you say it’s magical, I’ll believe you.”

“Oh it is, and believe me, you’re going to love how over the top you can make the holiday. I have no doubt that you’ll be a real Mariah Carey about this whole experience.”

If anyone is going to be as gaudy as the self-proclaimed Queen of Christmas, it’s going to be my mate.

“Since I have no idea who that woman is, I’ll take it as a compliment.”

I laugh and roll from the bed, making my way over the window.

“Have I told you how much I love this place?” I say as I crack open the real, non bio-jelly, window and feel the breeze on my face. The tower that holds ou bedroom is still connected to the rest of the estate under the waves, but Raf’ere wanted to make sure I had somewhere at home above the surface. “It’s just nice to be able to bask in the sunshine again.”

“I’m glad,” he says, joining me. He cranes his neck over my shoulder and looks down. “It’s a little unnerving being this high up, but you know I’d do anything to make you happy.”

“It’s only like twenty feet above sea level—Raf’ere are you afraid of heights?”

“I’m not afraid, it just seems a bit unnatural is all,” He backs up and pulls me with him. “And if you’re going to be carrying our baby, maybe we stop leaning out of the tower window?”

“Oh Raf’ere, if I wanted to tightrope walk nine months pregnant, I don’t think you could stop me.” I smile.

“Nine months? Opal was only pregnant for four months, you know, and that’s even longer than the normal three…”

My smile drops. “Three months? That’s not enough time. You’re telling me I could be as big as Opal in three months?” I’m spiraling.

But he knows just what to do. Raf’ere kisses me sweetly and brings me back from my anxieties.

“Don’t stress. Even if you’re pregnant for nine months…or if we never have kids at all, it’ll be the perfect timing. No coincidences, remember?”

“No coincidences,” I agree with a curt nod.

I grab our jewelry from the bedside table, throwing on my stunning emerald cornicello. I pass him the updated version of my old one. He’s strung the broken bead on a simple metal chain.

It’s almost like we hold a piece of each other around our necks.

“Next time, you should wear your horn. It’s for virility as well as luck, you know.” I wink.

“I’m plenty virile,” he goads. “In fact, let’s enjoy round two before the Christmas Eve guests arrive? I’m sure the kitchen would appreciate you not micromanaging the Seven Fishes Feast more than you already have.”

I roll my eyes in protest. “The food is important!” I yelp as he throws me over his shoulder and head toward the bed again.

“More important than pleasing my mate?” He dips low next to the bedside table, pulling out a new toy I’m sure I’ll love. “I doubt it.”

Flopping me down onto the soft blankets, I laugh with my whole body. The sunlight streams onto his gray skin, and I gaze up at him with pure joy.

“You will always be worth the wait.”