Page 105

“Eden’s stunning, and it sounds like she’ll keep you on your toes,” Astro said. “You picked well. I’m happy for both of you.”

“Eden’s right for me,” Blaze said. “But are you sure about taking on this role?”

“I’m sure. I’ve been checking out the files Dad sent you. I get to go on dates with tons of gorgeous women and have them vie to get me to marry them.”

“It sounds like that old Earth show, The Bachelor,” Eden said.

“Did it involve a hot guy and lots of gorgeous women?” Astro said.

“Exactly that. It was fun.”

“And that’s what I plan to have,” Astro said. “It’s Blaze’s loss if he doesn’t want to take part in this tradition.”

Blaze shook his head. He hadn’t lost a thing. He’d finally got Eden.

“I won’t forget this,” he said.

“Sure you won’t. You can buy me a huge gift at the matching ceremony. I hope to see you both there,” Astro said.

“Then it’s settled,” his mom said. “Astro will take on your role and will be the next to marry. In the meantime, we’ll arrange a meeting to discuss your matching ceremony with Eden.”

Eden made a strangled sound in the back of her throat.

“Hold on,” Blaze said. “We’re taking this one step at a time. Humans don’t rush into matching ceremonies.”

“What do they do?” his dad asked.

“They go on dates and get to know each other. There’s a build-up before the wedding. Isn’t that right, Eden?”

Eden went to speak, but his mom beat her to it.

“You’ve known each other for almost two years. That’s plenty of time. And I want babies. At least half a dozen. I demand grand babies.”

Eden made that strange sound again.

“Mom, you need to lay off the baby talk, or Eden will change her mind.” He leaned down to her. “Mom’s excited that two of her sons will soon have partners. We don’t have to do the baby thing for a while.”

Eden wrapped an arm around his waist and squeezed before clearing her throat. “Your mom’s right. We have known each other a while. We should talk about a matching ceremony.”

Blaze turned fully to Eden. “You want to match with me? Make this union permanent?”

Her smile filled his heart with joy. “I do. I’ll be your match. You did say forever, right?”

He stared at Eden, almost too stunned to speak. “Of course.”

“Oh! That’s wonderful news,” his mom said. “I’ll send you some details. Apexian unions are incredible. The ceremony lasts for days. Of course, we’ll accommodate any Human traditions. We want this union to be equal.”

“That does sound fun,” Eden said. “I love to party. And as for babies, we’ll let you know. Maybe in a couple of years.”

Blaze pressed Eden to his side, freedom washing over him like chilled water on a blistering hot day. His parents had accepted his decision. Most importantly, they accepted Eden. And she’d accepted them right back, baby talk and all.

His mom continued to quiz Eden about Human marriages, and Blaze took a moment to soak it all in. His family’s support, Eden’s love, and an adventure-filled future in front of them.

Only when the topic of babies came up again did he intervene. “Enough! We aren’t at the baby making stage yet.”

“I bet you’re at the practicing stage,” Astro said.

Eden nudged Blaze. “Some practice sounds like a great idea,” she whispered and slid her hand down to his butt.