Romi reaches for her, and I watch, mesmerized, as she adjusts our daughter against her, guiding her to latch. It’s the most intimate, powerful thing I’ve ever witnessed. The love I feel in this moment is bigger than I can even contain in my heart.
“Do you have any questions before I leave you two?” the doctor asks.
I try to focus, taking a shaky, unsteady breath. “I—uh, I hope not. Is there anything I need to know about feeding her or anything like that?”
“She’s nursing well, as you can see,” the doctor assures me. “My main advice is to make sure Mama gets plenty of rest. Within the week, the support nanny agency will reach out to help keep the house clean, take care of errands—anything needed so Mama and baby can rest and stay healthy.”
She checks in with Romi as I stare down at our little girl. Her tiny eyes blink open, and my heart lurches.
The doctor leaves, and Romi asks, “How are you?”
I glance at her, feeling the sting of tears in my eyes. “Just glad you’re okay. Thatshe’sokay. I can’t believe she’s here.”
“Are you ready to go home?” Romi asks.
“Whenever you are,” I say. Then, softer, I admit, “I’m nervous.”
The responsibility of caring for an actual child suddenly slams into me. However, I remain calm. We have a week together to adjust to it, and then we can decide how much support we want from the nannies.
Standing beside the bed, I’m looking down when our little girl’s eyes open. My chest is suddenly tight again as she stares at me. Her gaze is solemn and intent, just as Romi’s is.
Watching Romi with our daughter is nearly overwhelming. I couldn’t have imagined it before, but somehow, our infinity pulse feels even stronger.
Chapter Eighteen
THORNE
The following day
Romi is curled up on the couch, cradling our baby in her arms. I walk over and hand her a cup of her favorite tea, the warmth of our home surrounding us. The sense of completion I feel is staggering. I have a family now.Weare a family now.
The medical team has already checked in on Romi and our baby. A nanny arrived earlier to introduce himself and discuss scheduling options.
Romi sighs. “I love our baby, but I already miss work. I miss my horses.”
I chuckle, wrapping my arms around her shoulders and pressing a kiss to her temple. “You think?”
She tilts her head, smirking. “A day or two a week, I can handle. But after that, I’ll be stir-crazy.”
“Whatever you want, I’ll support,” I say simply.
Her lips curl as she leans up to kiss me. “I’m so glad I’m here,” she whispers.
I hold her close, our daughter resting peacefully in her arms. “You were meant to be here. It was our fate.”
Chapter Nineteen
ROMI
One Year Later
I’m standing in the aisle between the stalls for the horses from Earth. I knew these horses well before they were transported to this new planet. Even though we don’t speak the same language, I know they love it here. They have fresh water, ample feed, and more space to roam. In a way, my experience is a lot like theirs. For the first time in my entire life, I’m not scrambling to simply live with fear and threats barely held at bay. More than that, I feel loved and fulfilled in a way I could never have imagined when I lived on Earth.
It’s late afternoon and almost time for me to leave work. One thing that hasn’t changed since I moved here is that my job doesn’t really feel like a job. I loved my job there, and I love it here. Here, I have the joy of learning how to deal with hybrid horses descended from ancient dragons and Earth horses. They are mostly like horses—if a bit more stubborn and a little snooty.
I take one last look around, pleased to see all the horses happily eating their evening supply of hay and milling about quietly. I was recently promoted to managing the stables and the grounds here, and I have a young woman who comes in the evenings to let them out for the night.
As I turn to leave, I glance down reflexively at my round belly. I’m pregnant with our second baby. Our baby’s not due for another month. My doctor shortened her estimate this time because she thinks I will deliver early again.
