We meander down a path surrounded by tropical vegetation on all sides, and as we come to the end, it opens onto a stunning view of the resort and a luminescent lagoon. The resort itself looks like something you’d find in Costa Rica, but far more high-tech. As we enter the main doors into the lobby, we’re greeted at the front desk by an incredibly tall being with pale blue skin and a mane of white feathers that cascades down their back.
“Welcome to GalactiCon Resort,” they say in a soft voice. “I’m Mimcawa, how may I help you?”
“We’re checking in. Genaro reservation,” Kai replies, passing them our Alliance-issued identification.
Mimcawa pulls up our reservation on a holographic screen that floats above the desk and beams at us. “We have the honeymoon suite all prepared for you, Agent Genaro, and congratulations to you both?”
I immediately step closer, all smiles. “Thank you so much. I’m River, by the way, and this is my boo, Kai. I am so excited to be here!”
“We’re delighted to have you.” Their eyes widen and they do a double take as they study my identification closely.
“River… Sullivan? Is it possible that you’re the author whose work is being celebrated at the convention we’re hosting?”
I grin like a fool. “It’s a little embarrassing, but yep, that’s me, River Sullivan, aka KirklovesSpock4eva.”
They immediately open a drawer and pull out a digital booklet. “I’m a huge fan of your work, Mr. Sullivan. Would you mind giving me your autograph?”
“I’d be honored! Am I making it out to you?”
They nod shyly.
I use their special stylus pen to write a short message and sign my name. “Thank you so much for supporting me and my work.”
“We’ve been hosting Tentacular Tales Con here since last year,” they gush. “I had no idea you’d be in attendance. Do the organizers know?”
I hold a finger up to my lips in a quiet gesture. “It’s a bit of a secret. I’m mainly here for my honeymoon, but my hubby-boo and I plan to covertly check out some of the events. I don’t want to steal the organizers’ thunder.”
“Well, I think they would be truly honored to meet you and have you join some of the events, but I understand if you prefer to remain incognito.”
“Like James Bond,” I say, waggling my eyebrows.
Kai chuckles softly.
Mimcawa has us stand in front of them while they use a device to perform a facial scan. “To enter your suite, you may use the facial recognition system mounted on your front door. My colleague, Deltron, will show you to your suite. Please don’thesitate to let him or me know if there’s anything we can do to make your stay here even more enjoyable.” They beam. “And thank you for choosing GalactiCon Resort.”
Deltron, a stocky, muscular alien with four arms, greets us cheerfully and lifts our bags as if they weigh nothing. He leads us to a walkway that meanders around the unusual lagoon I spied earlier and my curiosity is ignited once again.
“How is it glowing like that?” I whisper to Kai.
“Bioluminescent,” he murmurs back.
So freaking cool!
“Is it safe to swim in?”
“Of course.”
I rub my hands together. “Good thing I brought my swim trunks.”
Kai had told me a little bit about where we’d be staying so I could pack accordingly, but I know he’s still keeping some things secret from me, the cutie pie. He’s been adorably invested in making our honeymoon super memorable, and I’m happy to let him. No one has ever loved me or wanted to make me happy as much as Kai. He thinks about me in all that he does and always finds ways to show me just how much he cares. Honestly, he doesn’t need to work that hard, but I love him all the more for the fact that he wants to. He’s definitely not phoning it in as my husband!
Then again, neither am I. I have a few tricks up my sleeve for our honeymoon too, but I’m stepping back and letting Kai take the lead for now.
Deltron takes us through a gate that leads to an outdoor patio and then toward our suite, which overlooks a closed-off end of the lagoon.
I gasp. “Do we have private swimming access here, Deltron?”
He nods. “Indeed. But you’re also welcome to enjoy some of our cabanas out in the public parts of the lagoon if you wish.” He gives us a wink. “This area is accessible only to you.”
