Epilogue

The sun is hot on my skin as I lie back on the lounge chair, my eyes hidden behind my sunglasses, and a fruity drink in my hand. Zoe is next to me, her golden tan skin gleaming in the sunlight.

Sitting comfortably in the lagoon, the water gently caressing our skin, we observe our mates, Zethe and Sage, as they undergo a hair transformation at the hands of Sora and Leona. The Mermaid sisters are skilled in their craft, creating intricate braids and stylish designs, even when they have grumpy males as customers.

Sage, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, turns to Zoe and asks, "How many kisses do I get for my whole head of hair being styled?"

Zoe lifts her sunglasses, giving him a once over. "And how much do you think it's worth?" she challenges, a playful smirk on her face.

From the corner of my eye, I see Zethe chuckling, his deep laugh sending a warm flutter through my stomach. Sage turns his attention toward Zethe, his eyes glinting with mischief. "And what about you, Zethe? Why did you decide to get your hair done?"

Zethe, his eyes twinkling with affection, winks at me and shares, "Rey told me that if we have matching hairstyles, it would be almost like trading wedding rings for humans. It would symbolize our mating."

A gasp escapes from Zoe's lips, her eyes sparkling in delight. She shoots me a thumbs up, her excitement tangible. She turns to Sage, her voice teasing. "What do you say, Sage? Want to have matching hair with me to show off our bond?"

Sage's eyes meet hers, filled with a determination that makes my heart swell. "Absolutely," he declares, his voice unwavering, "I want the world to know I'm mated to the most amazing woman."

"We're setting a new standard on this resort for those who are mated to humans," I declare, laughing as I raise my drink in a toast. "Matching hair pieces are the way to go!"

The Merfolk around us laugh, thoroughly entertained by the antics of our mates. It seems the allure of having their hair styled has made our males more willing to let the Mermaids work their magic.

I turn to Zethe, a playful glimmer in my eyes. I sweep a hand through my hair, drawing attention to the elegant shells nestled in the braids. "Looks like this means we need to go on more treasure hunts and ocean swimming adventures. Our hairpieces need to shine."

A low chuckle rumbles from his chest as a wide grin spreads across his face, lighting up his features. He reaches over, wrapping a warm tentacle around my waist, pulling me closer to him. "I'm looking forward to it," he responds, his voice low and filled with a promise that sends a thrill through me. "They both sound perfect to me."

His eyes hold a spark of mischief that matches my own, a shared secret between us.

"Then it's a date," I reply, raising my glass to clink with his. "To having the best hairpieces on the resort."

Laughter fills the air once more, our friends joining us on the toast. Relaxing into the embrace of Zethe, feeling the love and acceptance of my newfound family surround me like a comforting blanket, I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude and good fortune.

Moments like these make me realize just how lucky I am.

Gazing at the sparkling sea, listening to the laughter of our friends, and feeling Zethe's steady heartbeat, I know this is home.

I came here on a vacation and found something more…

This is where I belong—with Zethe and our new friends— embracing a future filled with love and adventure at Starlight Resort.