by Donna Raider
“Bro, tell me you haven’t done what I think.” Rachel searched her brother’s face for an explanation.
“Rach.” Jacob’s eyes pleaded for his sister’s understanding. “This is Raíña-Kaya. She will be joining us for dinner tonight.”
“Is Mom expecting her?”
“No. We just arrived here,” Jacob said. “Would you let her know there will be one more for dinner?”
Rachel nodded. “Raíña-Kaya, I look forward to dinning with you tonight.”
Jacob closed the door behind his sister. When he turned around, Raíña-Kaya was standing close to him.
“I liked kissing.” Raíña-Kaya smiled as she rose on her tiptoes to kiss him.
He was careful to keep his hands at his side but pressed his lips desperately against hers. He moaned as she slid her arms around his neck and pulled his lips harder against hers.
“We really need to go,” he gasped as he pulled away from her. “Queen Mommy doesn’t like stragglers for dinner.”
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Jacob parked his Jeep in the courtyard. The presence of Sara and Adam’s Jeeps told him all his siblings were in the hacienda.
“This is amazing.” Raíña-Kaya stared at the hacienda in awe. “This is Queen Mommy’s castle?”
“One could say that.” Jacob bit his bottom lip. He opened the door and ushered the blonde beauty into the great room.
Sounds of approval went around the room as his siblings admired Raíña-Kaya. Jacob knew she was breathtaking. Apparently, his brothers and sisters agreed.
“Wow! Bro,” Adam exclaimed, “where have you been keeping this beauty?”
Raíña-Kaya had observed the older children during their visit to her planet. She grinned at the younger children as Jacob introduced everyone to her. Like the children of her planet, they were indescribably beautiful. The dark ones fascinated her.
The door swung open and Queen Mommy swept into the room with Mika in tow. Raíña-Kaya watched Leah as she surveyed her children, her eyes coming to rest on the newcomer.
“Mom, Mika,” Jacob cupped Raíña-Kaya’s elbow in his hand as he introduced her, “I would like you to meet Raíña-Kaya.”
Raíña-Kaya bowed to Leah.
The dark-haired beauty did something her children had never seen her do before. She bowed to Raíña-Kaya.
“Welcome to our home, Raíña-Kaya.” Leah smiled. “I hope everything meets your approval.”
“It does, Your Highness.” Raíña-Kaya nodded.
Both women knew they were in the presence of royalty.
Leah offered Raíña-Kaya her arm as they walked to the dining room.
Everyone went out of their way to make Jacob’s friend feel at home. The food was delightful, and something called wine made Raíña-Kaya relax.
As the family moved into the great room, Raíña-Kaya noticed it was dark outside. “I really must be leaving,” she whispered to Jacob. “Grax will be worried.”
“We are going to say goodnight,” Jacob informed his family. “I have to get Raíña-Kaya home.”
Leah and Mika walked the couple to Jacob’s Jeep. “I trust we will see you later tonight, Son,” Mika said.
“Yes, ma’am.” Jacob avoided his mother’s eyes.
Once they were alone, Jacob caught Raíña-Kaya’s hand in his and transported them toRegina Madre.
“I had a wonderful time, Jacob. I am fascinated by your family.”
“You won their hearts.”
“May I have your jacket?” She smiled up at him.
“Are you cold?”
“No, I like the scent of you that is on your jacket.”
He slipped his jacket around her shoulders. “Do you want me to change you back to your clothes?”
“Yes, please. These clothes are too warm for my planet. Can all the beings in your world make things appear and disappear?”
“No.” He laughed. “Only my family. God made us special. He has been so good to us. He has plans for us. That is why I must not disappoint Him.”
“Will I see you again?” Her eyes held the same pleading look as the last time he had left her.
“If God approves, you can send for me.” He nodded. He slowly pulled her into his arms and kissed her. It was a slow, heartfelt kiss. It was filled with all the longing and hurt they had been living with for the past few months.
“I will ask Him,” she promised. She kissed him again, and then he was gone.
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