I return my attention to Felix. “But in all seriousness, I can understand why you might be concerned, big brother, because I have similar worries. You hooked up with Najar after only knowing him for a few weeks. My situation with Luna is not that different. We’re both basically hitching a ride into unknown territory, both literally and symbolically, but we’ve made thismonumental decision to leave our lives on Earth behind to explore the universe and develop our newfound relationships.” I shrug. “We need to make the most of that, support each other, and trust one another to know what’s in our hearts. Also, and you know I’m right, Nana and Gramps would be cheering us on. They’re the ones who made us sci-fi fans.”
Kheph begins clapping, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Th-that was b-beautiful!”
Sasha reaches an arm around him, holding him close, his expression unguarded and full of love. “You and your big-ass hearts. All three of them.”
My brother gives me an apologetic look. “Sorry, Gemsy. You’re right. I really don’t want you to regret deciding to join us.” He bows his head. “I feel like I forced your hand a bit.”
“Maybe you did, at least a little,” I agree. “But like you, I was stagnating, with no idea where my life was going but wanting… more. I wasn’t finding any answers though. Then the universe threw a curveball at me when you were alien-abducted.” I shake my head. “I don’t know what the future will bring. Hell, I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I’m ready and willing to take a chance and enjoy the ride.” I take hold of Luna’s hand and squeeze it gently. “My relationship with Luna is still in its early stages, but we’ve got mad chemistry and have a whole lot in common. We’ve agreed not to put too much pressure on ourselves and instead focus on continuing to get to know each other better. Even if things don’t work out for us in the long term, I’m confident Luna and I are mature enough that we can part as friends.”
Najar studies Luna. “You’re in agreement with all of this?”
She beams. “One hundred percent. I think Gemma and I could be heading toward an HEA to rival Hallmark. Trying to protect my heart because I’m scared is stupid.”
“Aww,” I coo. “You say the sweetest things.”
“It’s one of my many talents.”
“Well, this is gonna be real fucking interesting,” Sasha drawls. “We’ve got three couples on this ship. I predict a lot of sickeningly sweet behavior ahead.”
“I think it’s wonderful.” Khephren sighs dreamily. “We can all be one big, happy family.”
His words fill me with warmth. I can’t deny I like the idea of having a family on this ship. For far too long, Felix and I have been the only family we have. While I wouldn’t trade him for the world, it’s always been a bit nerve-racking to only have one another to rely on. If something happens to one of us, the other’s pretty fucked. Having more people we can count on would greatly set my mind at ease. And I think I might be able to find that here on the Sleigh Belle, with Luna and her crew.
Khephren shakes several of his tentacles, ringing the bells tied to them. “I call a halt to all serious talk right now. After all, it’s Christmas morning and we need to celebrate this most wonderful holiday together. Now, everyone, go get your gifts and bring them back here so we can exchange them!”
I’m slowly starting to get a mental map of the ship’s layout, but I’m still grateful Luna escorts me back to my quarters. I hunt around in my luggage until I find the bag that has all my gifts, and I tote it along with me back to the Sustenance Bay.
The first thing I pull out is the stocking I prepared for my brother. His eyes soften as I hand it to him.
“You made me a stocking?”
“Of course. It’s our tradition, after all. Besides, I was in on the secret, remember? I knew we’d get to see each other for Christmas.”
He flushes with pleasure, then reaches under the table and holds up an unusual-looking bag that shimmers in the light.
“Great minds think alike. I didn’t know I was going to see you for Christmas, but there was no way I was going to meet upwith you afterward and not have a stocking to share.” Felix grins. “This one is full of some very unusual extraterrestrial items I’ve picked up along the way during our adventures. I hope you like it.”
I take the bag and set it on the table, already looking forward to opening it. Then I hand out smaller stockings to all the others, saving the one for Luna last.
“Since I’m a new member of the Sleigh Belle, I wanted to share Felix’s and my Christmas tradition by making a stocking for each of you. Although they’re really bags rather than a traditional sock style, so I could fit stuff without problems. Anything you don’t want or don’t like in there, let me know. I’m sure we can find a way to repurpose it if need be.”
Luna’s eyes sparkle with excitement. “Can I open mine now?” Her tentacles vibrate around her, not in the sexy-time way but in the kid-at-Christmas kind of way.
So. Damn. Cute!
“Go ahead,” I encourage her.
She doesn’t waste time and starts pulling out items, oohing and aahing at everything, such as the jumbo-sized rainbow candy cane, the chocolate Santa, and several pairs of holiday-themed socks. But what sends her bouncing all over the room is theHallmark Channel Countdown to Christmascoffee table book.
“You have to let me look at it too,” Khephren pleads.
Luna holds the book protectively against her chest. “Maybe one day, but for now, it’s all mine!”
Nervously, I reach into my bag and pull out the green and red winter scarf that I crocheted for her. “This is a little extra something from me to you.”
Her tentacles make a grabby motion and pluck it out of my hands, holding the scarf up in the air. Luna gapes at it in awe.
“You made this… for me?”
