She didn’t mind. She was healthy, pregnant, and in love.
Mother helped her to dress, and she slid into the material with ease. The straps of the dress were so thin and the neckline plunged, showing a great deal of cleavage, and there was no way to wear a bra as it curved around the base of her back, only just hiding her ass from view. She wondered what Dhiro would think when he saw it.
The time ticked down, and it wasn’t long for them to get her hair pinned into place. Then she was being taken to the main town square. This was a huge event. A human and a man from Trenu Zel coming together.
Hope was once again amongst the people.
Mother grabbed her hand. “You are a beautiful woman, Ella. Thank you so much for giving my son happiness, and for granting me the joy to live to see my grandchild.”
She cupped Mother’s hand and smiled at her, feeling tears in her eyes. “Thank you for giving me a place to truly call home.”
Back on Earth, she had been so alone. She hadn’t realized how much she was until she got the chance to be with Dhiro, to feel at home. His family was hers. Trenu Zel was home. She was no longer an outsider or an outcast. She was part of them.
The door opened, and she looked up to see Dhiro standing there waiting for her. This was the only part of the tradition to change. With his dad’s passing, no one was allowed to give her to Dhiro, but he was to take her.
With her hand in his, he pulled her in close. “You are here to tempt me.”
“Mother picked my dress. She said it would make you go wild.” Her laughter turned to a gasp as his hand touched her back. Just one touch from him was enough to make her melt. They hadn’t seen each other all night, as per tradition.
Now she wanted a room alone with him.
“How is our baby?”
“Safe and well,” she said, feeling the heat build inside her.
“Good.”
“Ella, will you marry me?” he asked.
She frowned, tilting her head back. “We’re going to get mated today.”
“I know but after talking with Bronn and Kaleen, they told me of your traditions, and I want you to have everything your heart desired. All you ever have to do, Ella, is ask, and I will give it to you. You have given our planet peace, you have given me love, and agreeing to be mine, you have given me my soulmate.”
“You’re going to make me cry.”
“Happy tears?”
She laughed. “Yes. So happy.”
He chuckled. “Will you? Marry me?”
“Yes, all the yeses in the world and then more.” She cupped his face and kissed his lips. Ella didn’t care about tradition. This was love. This was happiness.
Dhiro held her tightly against him.
His mother tutted, finally drawing them apart. “You two. There will be plenty of time for that later. For now, let’s get this mating ritual complete.”
She smiled, and Dhiro took her hand. Together, they turned toward the crowd. There were so many people, and she watched in amazement as one by one, they all bowed down to her.
“What’s happening?” she asked.
“They are thanking you, Ella. You have given us hope. You have given us all peace. They know how valuable you are. How precious. You will be forever loved and treated like a princess.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“I love you, Dhiro, with all my heart.”
He kissed her, and she felt the love he had for her. This was only the beginning of their life together.
He placed a hand on her stomach, and she felt complete.
The End