38. Alyssa

I wipe the sweat from my brow, squinting against the golden light of New Verdan's twin suns. The fields stretch out before me, a sea of swaying green stalks heavy with ripe grain. A gentle breeze carries the earthy scent of our farm, mingling with the sweet aroma of the nearby orchard.

"Laar! Raaj! Time to come in for lunch!" I call out, cupping my hands around my mouth.

Two small figures emerge from between the rows, racing towards me. Laar, now seven, sprints ahead of his younger brother, his Vakutan features a perfect blend of Maar and me.

"I win!" Laar shouts, skidding to a stop at my feet.

Raaj, only four, toddles up behind him, pouting. "No fair! Your legs are longer!"

I chuckle, ruffling both their hair. "You're both winners in my book. Now, go wash up. Papa's made something special."

As they scamper inside, I hear Maar's deep voice from the kitchen. "Is that my little farm hands I hear?"

I step into our cozy farmhouse, the cool air a welcome respite from the midday heat. Maar stands at the counter, his broad back to me as he puts the finishing touches on lunch.

"Smells amazing in here," I say, wrapping my arms around his waist. "What's the occasion?"

He turns, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Can't a man surprise his beautiful wife without an interrogation?"

I raise an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. "A man, sure. You? Never without an ulterior motive. I've known you long enough to recognize that glint in your eye, Maar."

Maar laughs, his deep chuckle reverberating through his chest as he pulls me close for a kiss. The familiar scent of him - a mix of earthy spices and something uniquely Maar - envelops me. "You wound me, my love," he says, feigning hurt. "Perhaps I just wanted to celebrate another bountiful harvest. After all, our little farm has flourished beyond our wildest dreams this season."

"Mhm," I murmur against his lips, savoring the warmth of his embrace. "And the fact that it's our anniversary has nothing to do with it? You're not nearly as sneaky as you think, dear husband."

He grins, caught out but not the least bit ashamed. "Busted. Happy five years, Alyssa." His eyes soften, and for a moment, I'm transported back to that fateful day when our lives became forever entwined.

Before I can respond, the boys burst back into the kitchen, their hands still damp from washing. The patter of their feet against the worn wooden floor fills the room with a familiar, comforting rhythm. Laar, ever the curious one, climbs onto a stool, his eyes wide as he peers at the spread on the counter. "Is that grolnak stew?" he asks, his voice tinged with excitement. "With real meat?"

Maar nods, and I can hear the pride evident in his voice as he answers, "Sure is, kiddo. Straight from our own herd." He ruffles Laar's hair affectionately, and I'm struck once again by how natural he is with the boys, how seamlessly he's settled into this life we've built together.

Raaj tugs at my sleeve, his eyes wide. "Mama, can we have dessert too?"

I laugh, scooping him up. "Let's tackle lunch first, little one. Then we'll see about those jinka berries Papa's been hiding in the cellar."

As we settle around the table, I can't help but marvel at the life we've built. From the chaos of our beginnings to this peaceful existence, every moment has been worth it. Maar catches my eye across the table, and I know he's thinking the same thing.

"What do you say we take a trip to the lake this weekend?" Maar suggests, ladling out generous portions of stew. The rich aroma of spices and tender meat fills the air, reminding me of the comfort and stability we've found here. "The weather's perfect for camping."

The boys erupt in cheers, already planning their adventures. Raaj's eyes sparkle with excitement, while Laar starts listing all the gear we'll need. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and I feel my own anticipation building.

I smile, feeling a warmth that has nothing to do with the New Verdan suns. It's a warmth born of love, family, and the life we've built together against all odds. My gaze lingers on Maar, marveling at how far we've come from those tumultuous days on Horus IV.

"Sounds perfect," I say, reaching for Maar's hand across the table. His fingers intertwine with mine, strong and reassuring. "Absolutely perfect." The words carry more weight than just agreeing to a camping trip. They encompass everything we've become, everything we are. As I squeeze his hand, I silently thank whatever twist of fate brought us together, grateful for every moment, even the difficult ones that led us here.

I look at the stars.

We came from such a galaxy on fire.

But here, we have found our peace. I have found my happiness.

And I will keep it forever.