by S. L. Morgan
Reece’s heart swelled with pride as Levi led their daughter to the dance floor. She watched with contentment as her daughter and her husband danced together, knowing she couldn’t ask for a better life than the one she had been given.
Three weeks had passed since they came to Earth, and Reece was completely satisfied spending this vacation with Levi the right way this time. There were no problems with any alien intrusion of any sort. To her surprise, Levi brought her to Scotland first, because he knew it was one of the destinations she had always wanted to visit. They toured the historical castles together, stayed in countryside inns, and to Reece’s humor, Levi even arranged a horseback excursion. To watch Levi try to conceal his frustration while riding a horse that was not Areion was incredibly entertaining.
If the surprise trip to Scotland wasn’t enough, he brought her to Paris and England, where they delighted in all of the historical tours they could manage in the time they had before departing for Greece and Italy. On their last morning in Greece, staying in the same exact room Harrison had previously reserved for them, Reece nestled further into Levi’s embrace.
“Preparing to watch the sunrise?” Levi softly said as he awoke.
Reece interlaced her fingers with Levi’s. “I don’t want to leave.”
She felt Levi softly laugh as he nuzzled his lips into her neck. “I am afraid we cannot spend the rest of our lives vacationing on Earth.”
Reece twisted in his arms, wrapping her body closely into Levi’s. “When do we leave?”
“After we take our breakfast, the helicopter will be here waiting.”
“Shall we make the best of our last morning here?”
“You needn’t ask.”
Once back in Pemdas, Reece gazed around at her surroundings and noticed this was a different vortex they came through than before.
“Okay, you’ve somehow managed to create the greatest vacation any person could have on Earth.” She looked up at Levi, who gazed straight ahead waiting for Areion. “Now what have you planned?”
A small twitch of his lips. “You’ll see.”
Once Areion charged toward their location, Levi swept Reece up into his arms and marched toward the horse. When they were both settled on the stallion, Levi charged out of the cavernous location.
Reece remained quiet and allowed her eyes to adjust to the majestic beauty of Pemdas again. She leaned into Levi as he kept Areion at a comfortable speed. They rode out through tall, sculpted rocks and through a forest away from any roads or civilization. Levi gripped Reece’s hands, which were clasped around his waist, prompting Reece to lean closer into him as Areion ascended the mountainside. Once near the top, she noticed the vivid colors of the sea that she and Levi spent their first vacation near.
Wait! This is the exact location where we spent the night under the stars, Reece thought with excitement as Areion rounded a large tree and revealed the location Levi had arranged on their honeymoon. He stopped the horse and leant Reece his arm to dismount first.
“Everything is the exact same as he had it when we stayed out here before,” she quietly said to herself.
She spun around and covered her mouth when Levi was standing behind her, gripping the reins under Arrow’s chin.
“Let the surprises begin with this one.” He patted Arrow on his shoulder. “Still too young to ride, but I managed to have him brought here this morning and up to this location by the time we arrived this afternoon.”
Reece stood there staring at Levi in astonishment. “I really don’t know what to say. These past weeks have been better than I could have imagined.” She walked toward Arrow and patted him on his shoulder. “And then you bring me to this location, manage to have Arrow here.” She ran her hands along the identical bridal set Levi had once personalized and had crafted for her colt. “Even his bridal is identical to the previous one you had made.”
“It wasn’t all that difficult, love,” Levi said as he caressed her cheek. “I simply used the same design from before and had it crafted by the same individual. The only difficulty I am having is with timing to offer you another gift.”
He took Reece’s hand and walked her over to where lunch was prepared and waiting. They sat on a blanket overlooking the sea and indulged themselves in the fine food before them. Once full, Reece collapsed back into Levi’s arms.
“Care for some more tea or juice?” he asked.
Reece shook her head. “I'm all right.” She softly exhaled.
Feeling the tranquility of the environment they were in, the soft breeze blowing through her hair, and the comfort of leaning back into Levi’s embrace, Reece was close to drifting off when she looked down and saw Levi holding a black velvet box in front of her.
He opened it up. “Perhaps you would like your collection back?”
Reece brushed her fingers across the silver arrow bracelet and the arrow charm that dangled from the necklace as Levi held out her index finger and slipped on the matching arrow ring. A tear slid down Reece’s cheek as she admired her cherished trinkets. She picked up the bracelet, and just like the first time, Levi took it from her hands and clasped it onto her wrist. “They are the exact items you had before we returned to this time period. I ensured they were purchased from the same jeweler.”
Reece twisted in Levi’s arms and kissed him with urgency. Levi gradually reclined back, fully accepting the gesture. Levi gently framed his hands on each side of her cheeks, ending their kiss with a light kiss to each corner of her mouth.
“I would love to stay in this moment for the rest of the day, but I believe that it would be quite enjoyable for us to enjoy swimming in the cavern’s pool of water again.”
Reece studied Levi’s eyes, lit with humor and excitement. “I remember our journey to that very remarkable venue last time,” she started as she narrowed her eyes at him. “However, I’m not sure that I’m necessarily in the mood to come across poisonous snakes again.”
Levi laughed aloud as he sat up. “Would you prefer me to scout out the trails before journeying through the forest?”
“So you want me to wait here and have it come to me while you’re gone? No, thank you.”
Levi stood up and nodded toward where Arrow and Areion were standing, each with one back foot propped up on the tip of its hoof, apparently relaxing.
“Do you not trust the stallions to protect you?” Levi teased.
Reece stood with Levi. “I trust the horses, but I like my chances much better with you.”
Levi took her hand. “After everything you have battled, defeated, and come up against, I am quite confident you can do this.” He smirked.
“Keep talking, and I’ll be making you give me a piggy-back ride,” she said as she poked him in the chest and brushed past him.
As they hiked through the enchanting forest, Reece stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the glittery trails of creatures darting from tree to tree.
“Mozart?” she whispered.
“And you have officially uncovered the surprise that Harrison and I tried to retrieve before our wedding.”
Reece laughed when she looked at Levi’s defeated expression. “How in the world did you convince Harrison to come out here in search of Mozart with you?”
“I lied, of course.”
Reece resumed their walk. “Well, you both should have known that Mozart never liked you.” She lifted her chin.
“Well, then, Mrs. Oxley.” Levi arched a brow. “Please, work your magic and ignite your animal magnetism. We are not necessarily here at the same time period that we were when the critter showed up. It is my hope that he is here.”
“Mine, too,” Reece returned as she studied their surroundings. “Any sign of that snake?”
“No,” Levi laughed. “And we are nearing the caves, too.”
“I’m sure you have our bathing suits in your back pocket?”
Levi shared a knowing glance at Reece as he led her along the rocks to the entrance of the caves. “Would it matter? They didn�
��t last long on our previous visit to the pools.”
“Why, Your Royal Highness, you are most daring and bold indeed!”
“I am merely enjoying adventurous outings with my bride.”
That evening as they sat under the stars, Reece waited and inwardly hoped that Mozart would somehow be in their location and join them. She and Levi indulged themselves in an excellent meal and light conversation. She knew that if the zorflak was around, he had to have heard them by now.
“It appears I must bring you back to this location at the exact time we spent our vacation here.” Levi rubbed Reece’s arm. “I suppose not everything can work to my advantage while ensuring your happiness.”
Reece turned to face Levi and ran her hands along the soft stubble on his face. “With or without Mozart, we have everything we could ever have asked for.” She took Levi’s hand and ran it along her abdomen. “Two babies are on their way, we have Marian, and we have a beautiful home where we will raise all of our children. I couldn’t be happier or more fulfilled.”
Levi massaged her stomach. “Would you care to know the gender of our unborn children, or keep it a secret, as you did with Marian?”
“This time, I think I would love to know. We can surprise Marian with the results when we get back to the palace.”
Levi leaned forward and placed two kisses to Reece’s abdomen and a tender kiss on her lips. “My love, a future princess and prince reside within your womb.”
Reece gripped her stomach with excitement. “A son and another baby girl? I am so excited, I can hardly stand it!”
Levi stood, cradled her in his arms, and led her over to the bed that was created for them. “Shall we celebrate our newest revelation?”
Reece laid back into the pillows, letting Levi’s lips claim her neck. She softly moaned in satisfaction. “You have read my mind.”
As Reece began unbuttoning Levi’s shirt, a shuffling next to their bed forced both Levi and Reece to freeze in place. Levi pressed a finger to Reece’s lips, his expression lethal as he reached for his dagger.
Is it the snake? she impressed into his mind.
Levi slowly rolled off the side of the bed, eyes severe as he studied the atmosphere around them. Reece screamed when something jumped up onto the bed. Then, to her greatest delight, the critter’s wings began illuminating, and he started humming softly.
“Of all the times for that creature to show up,” Levi sighed.
“It’s Mozart! It really is him!” Reece said cheerfully as Mozart hopped into her lap. “Look how tiny he is.”
Levi sheathed his dagger and meandered over to the bed. “Of course it’s Mozart. I can tell by his impeccable timing.”
Reece giggled as Mozart began humming loudly and brought his little paw to her face. “He’s already trying to interrupt you.” She kissed the little zorflak’s hand and looked over at Levi, who was climbing onto the bed. “I’m actually surprised that you wanted to search for this little guy, given how you two get along.”
Levi glanced at the zorflak and ran his hand along Reece’s hair. “My love, one thing you must know and always be certain of when it comes to my love for you,” he started as he kissed her forehead, “I will always be happy to put my selfish desires aside in order to ensure that you are utterly satisfied with everything in your life.”
Reece looked over at Levi, her heart swelling with love. “To realize that I have such an amazing and loving husband,” she offered him a small kiss, “is more than I can comprehend sometimes.”
“It is precisely how I feel about you.” He looked at the zorflak and grinned. “I was prepared to meet with you, little fellow; therefore, I already have your bed and cage waiting for you.”
Reece laughed aloud. “You’re kidding, right?”
Levi took the infant zorflak from Reece. “Nope.” He said triumphantly as he stood from the bed and walked over to where the horses stood. “Areion and Arrow shall enjoy your company. Sleep well, young friend.”
When Levi returned to the bed, Reece couldn’t restrain her laughter. “You are too much.”
Levi nodded toward Mozart. “That creature is too much.” He seductively started kissing along her shoulders. “Now, let us resume our previous engagement.”
Reece stopped Levi by bringing his face up to meet hers.
“Is there something wrong?” Levi questioned.
“This is going to sound so cliché, but I really don’t care.” She cocked her head to the side, studying Levi’s flawless face, her mind reeling with everything he’d done for her and the life they would finally share in normalcy together.
“What is it?” Levi broke the silence.
She sighed. “After everything we have been through together, and all that I have been through even before meeting you, I want you to know how sharing a life with you has truly changed who I am. When I think about how my life was after my father died, I was so focused on trying to distract myself from my grief that I stopped living. I had no passion for anything.”
Levi’s fingers ran across her forehead. “You did an excellent job of concealing that. You always seemed quite determined and positive in your time on Earth.”
“I felt that way at the time, but this new life, this life I have with you—” She traced his lips with her fingertips. “Our love is somewhat like a fairytale, right down to the selfless, thoughtful, loving prince.”
Levi grinned. “Is this the part in the fairytale of our lives where we say—”
“And they lived happily ever after,” Reece interrupted Levi with a laugh.
Levi took Reece’s arm and began kissing along the inside of it. “I would love to say our lives are a fairytale,” he kissed her palm and gazed directly into her eyes, “but I must disagree. We are two very real individuals, and it is not imaginary, as I believe the term fairytale means.” He smiled and kissed her forehead. “Although I could be wrong, I must admit that I feel our love is stronger than anything documented in such a way.”
Reece wrapped her arms around Levi’s neck, bringing him closer to her. “I would never argue with you on that point. Now,” she kissed his neck, “let us indulge in that love for a while.”
“Let us.”
The sun’s rays shone up from the ocean’s horizon in an array of different hues. The sapphire sky had beams of magentas, orange, and gold tints spreading across it, illuminating the land so vividly that Reece lay in Levi’s arms in awe of the brilliance before her.
She felt Levi’s embrace tighten around her. “Good morning,” she said as she interlaced her fingers with his long ones.
Levi responded by pressing his lips into the back of her neck with a sigh of contentment. Reece grinned, utterly fulfilled with every part of her life.
She twisted in his arms, thinking Levi was still trying to get a last few minutes of sleep before the sun rose up from behind the horizon. To her surprise, his sapphire eyes were opened and glistening, just as the sparkling sea was.
He kissed her nose. “I must say, seeing you smile at me like this every morning for the rest of our lives would leave me wanting for nothing.”
“I feel the same.” She brought her hands to his face. “What are our plans for the day?”
“First of all—”
A high-pitched sound came from where the horses were, alerting them that Mozart was wide awake and apparently finding his new role in this life he had been given with Reece and Levi.
Levi pursed his lips and glanced back to where both stallions were nosing the cage holding the zorflak.
“You know, I should just let those horses teach that critter a lesson.”
Reece laughed. “He’s probably hungry.”
Levi gave Reece an unsympathetic look. “You and I both know that is not the case with your friend.” Levi got out of bed and immediately started dressing for the day.
“Getting out of bed already?” Reece said seductively to him.
“I am most definitely not going to listen to that little monster w
hine. Either way, we have quite the interesting journey to make today.” He reached over to a basket and set riding boots and the exact riding outfit he had fashioned for Reece. “Would you care to have your riding outfit back?”
Reece sat up happily. “But of course I would,” she responded excitedly as she held up the exact replica of the riding outfit Levi had given her.
“I am thrilled you approve.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Dress quickly. I am confident you shall enjoy our journey home!”
Once she was fully dressed, Reece pulled on her tall riding boots, snatched Mozart out of his cage, and walked over to where Levi had finished saddling Areion.
“Give me a few moments to prepare Arrow, and we will leave,” he said as he walked over to the tack and gear and started strapping it onto Arrow’s back.
Reece ran her fingers down the center of Mozart’s head, his ears glistening in an array of colors while he hummed a soft violin tune. More than once, Levi glanced back, eyeing the baby zorflak while continuing to work with Arrow.
“Since when did Arrow become a pack mule?” Reece asked in amusement. “I hope this isn’t your way of trying to humble him.”
Levi tightened another strap, securing Mozart’s cage, a blanket, and a large basket on the stallion’s back. “Arrow was taken from his training early. He still needs work with weight on his back while he travels,” he stated.
Yeah, right! Reece thought with a smile.
“One last thing, and we are ready to leave,” Levi said as he turned back to Reece.
“A kiss?” Reece answered as Levi walked toward her.
He reached for Mozart. “Ready to ride?” he said as Reece handed the zorflak to Levi.
“I think he’ll enjoy this,” Reece said as she walked over to Areion, expecting Levi to be directly behind her to help her on the massive horse. To her surprise, he wasn’t. She walked around Areion and covered her mouth with both hands when she saw what Levi was doing.