Page 25 of Varro's Human Bride

“Come,” Nova said, wrapping an arm around Julie. “It’s time you meet your nephews. In person, that is.”

“I can’t wait. I plan to be the best Auntie ever and spoil them rotten!”

Nova laughed and guided her closer to their husbands and the two little boys.

“Hello, Cammz.” She knelt down to greet the eldest boy. “Looks like you’ve grown since the last time we chatted.”

“Aunt Julie? What are you doing so far from Earth? You said you could never come visit us.”

“Well, I missed your mother and I wanted to meet you and your little brother so much, and your father, too, of course,” she said with a mischievous glance at Zylonn, “that I decided to hop on theZenalliaand come all the way to Tarrkua. I hope you don’t mind me dropping by for a visit.”

To her delight, Cammz grinned and flung himself at her, nearly knocking her over as he gave her a tackle hug. She circled her arms around him, returning his vigorous embrace as she marveled at his strength. Tarrkuan children, it would seem, were a lot sturdier than their human counterparts.

“Not so tight, Cammz, you’re choking Aunt Julie.”

The little boy finally released Julie and returned to clutching his father’s leg, though he wore an ear-to-ear grin. Her heart warmed to see him so excited over meeting her.

Zylonn stepped forward and handed the baby, a heavy nine-month-old, to Julie. She shifted the child onto her hip, unable to support him solely with her arms.

“Hi there, Mazzron. It’s nice to see you in person, too. But oh dear, you’re killing my back.” Julie shot a sympathetic look at Nova, wondering how she managed to pick her son up on a daily basis.

“Here, let me help.” Varro stepped closer and lifted Mazzron from her arms with ease, cradling her littlest nephew and staring down at him. The baby giggled and reached for Varro’s face, trying to grasp onto his nose.

Varro looked at Julie. “We might not be able to have children of our own,” he said in a gentle, comforting tone, “but I think we’ll have our hands plenty full helping to take care of all our nieces and nephews.” His eyes shone bright as the sun as he leaned over to kiss her cheek while still holding a wiggling Mazzron.

“I think you’re right. So far, we have nine nieces and nephews.” She giggled. “Oh man, we’re going to be exhausted.”

Nova cleared her throat and placed a hand on her stomach. “Soon to beten, actually.”

“What?” Julie ran to her sister and gave her another hug. “Oh, sis, congratulations! I’m so happy for you guys.” Once she released Nova, she rushed over to Zylonn and wrapped her arms around him, too.

“Congratulations! It’s nice to finally meet you in person, too, by the way,” she said. “Thank you for taking such good care of my sister all these years.”

“I am glad to see you’re well, Julie,” Zylonn said, with a knowing glance at Varro. “Welcome to Tarrkua.”

Varro approached them and once he reached their side, Mazzron reached for his father and Zylonn took him into his arms once more, holding him as if he weighed nothing. Julie’s back still hurt, and she hadn’t even held him for more than a minute.

“Come on, let’s go inside. Lunch is waiting.” Nova grasped Cammz’s hand as she ushered everyone into the house.

Varro drew Julie close and hugged her to his side.

“You hold my heart,” she whispered, her throat burning.

“And you hold mine, little human. Always.”

~THE END~