Epilogue Vanessa

I gasped as the glittering waterfall cascaded down before us, its droplets shimmering like a million diamonds in the golden sunlight. The lush vegetation of Radiso VI surrounded us, a vibrant tapestry of alien flora in every imaginable hue.

"It's breathtaking," I whispered, squeezing Zarnak's hand.

He pulled me close, his strong arm wrapping around my waist. "Not as breathtaking as you, my love."

I laughed, playfully shoving him away. "You're such a sap."

"Only for you," Zarnak replied with a grin.

Taffy chirped from its perch on my shoulder, its tentacles swaying in the warm breeze. I reached up to scratch its head, marveling at how far we'd come since that fateful day on the dating show.

"Remember when we first met?" I asked, leaning back against Zarnak's chest. "I never imagined we'd end up here."

Zarnak chuckled, the sound rumbling through me. "You mean when that other human thought I was an alien bouncer?"

"Hey, in their defense, you are pretty intimidating at first glance."

"And yet here you are, Mrs. Kolvari," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple.

My heart fluttered at the sound of my new name. We'd been married for three months now, but it still felt like a dream.

"Come on," I said, tugging at his hand. "Let's get a closer look at that waterfall."

We wandered down the winding path, careful not to disturb the delicate ecosystem around us. Taffy clung tightly to my shoulder, occasionally reaching out to touch a passing leaf or flower.

As we neared the base of the waterfall, the roar of rushing water filled the air. A fine mist cooled my skin, offering relief from the tropical heat.

"Oh, wow," I breathed, taking in the sight before us. The water cascaded into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by smooth, multi-colored stones. "It's like something out of a fairy tale."

Zarnak nodded, his eyes scanning the area. "The geological formations here are fascinating. The way the water has eroded-"

I cut him off with a kiss, laughing against his lips. "I love you, you big nerd, but can we save the science lesson for later?"

He grinned, pulling me closer. "As you wish, my dear."

We found a comfortable spot on the shore, settling down on the warm stones. Taffy scampered off to explore, its tentacles leaving tiny trails in the sand.

I leaned back, closing my eyes and basking in the moment. The sound of the waterfall, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and Zarnak's solid presence beside me - it was perfect.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Zarnak asked, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my arm.

I opened my eyes, smiling up at him. "Just thinking about how lucky I am. If you had told me a year ago that I'd be married to an alien scientist and traveling the galaxy, I would have laughed in your face."

"And if someone had told me I'd fall in love with a human woman who constantly challenges and surprises me, I might not have believed them either," Zarnak replied, his gaze softening.

I sat up, cupping his face in my hands. "I love you, Zarnak. More than I ever thought possible."

He leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine. "And I love you, Vanessa. You've shown me a side of the universe I never knew existed."

Our lips met in a tender kiss, filled with all the love and passion we'd built over the past six months. As we broke apart, I laughed.

"What's so funny?" Zarnak asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing, just... we're so disgustingly in love. It's like we're living in some kind of cheesy rom-com."

Zarnak tilted his head, confusion crossing his features. "Rom-com?"

"Romantic comedy," I explained. "You know, those movies where two people meet, fall in love, overcome some obstacles, and live happily ever after?"

"Ah, I see," he nodded. "And is that what we're doing? Living happily ever after?"

I pretended to consider it. "Well, let's see. We met under bizarre circumstances, fell in love despite our differences, overcame challenges together, and now we're exploring the galaxy as newlyweds. Yeah, I'd say we're pretty much living the dream."

Zarnak laughed, pulling me into his lap. "I couldn't agree more."

As we sat there, I marveled at how perfectly we fit together. Despite our physical differences, it felt like we were made for each other.

Taffy returned from its exploration, chirping excitedly as it lea climbed up Zarnak's arm to settle between us. We both laughed, making room for our little companion.

"You know," I said, stroking Taffy's head, "I never thought I'd be co-parenting an alien creature with my alien husband, but here we are."

Zarnak's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Life is full of surprises, my dear. Speaking of which..."

He reached into his pack, pulling out a small, ornate box.

"What's this?" I asked, my fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the lid.

"Open it and see," Zarnak urged.

I carefully lifted the lid, gasping at what I found inside. Nestled on a bed of soft fabric was a delicate necklace, its pendant a swirling galaxy of iridescent stones.

"Zarnak, it's beautiful," I breathed, lifting the necklace from the box.

He took it from my hands, gently fastening it around my neck. "I had it made from the crystals we found in that cave on Nexus Prime. I wanted you to have a reminder of where our journey began."

Tears pricked at my eyes as I touched the pendant, feeling the smooth, cool stones against my skin. "I love it. Thank you."

I fingered the pendant, a wry smile playing on my lips. "You know, when I first signed up for that crazy show, I was dreaming of winning that all-expenses-paid vacation to Elysium Prime. Who would have thought we'd end up creating our own paradise right here?"

Zarnak chuckled, pulling me closer. "Indeed. I'd say we've found something far more valuable than any resort planet could offer."

I leaned into his embrace, watching Taffy play by the shimmering waterfall. "Absolutely. Though I wouldn't say no to a beach of diamond sand someday," I teased.

"Perhaps for our anniversary," Zarnak mused.

Our love story might have started as an unexpected adventure, but it had blossomed into something more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

And with Zarnak by my side and Taffy as our faithful companion, I couldn't wait to see what the rest of our happily ever after would bring.

Don't miss the rest of the Stardust Souls Trilogy - they can be read in any order!

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I thought I'd seen it all in the wedding biz, but when a summons arrives from a wealthy alien family, I'm whisked away to the dazzling world of Teloril. Amidst soaring crystal spires and lush floating gardens, I'm tasked with crafting the most extraordinary wedding the galaxy has ever seen.

The catch?

My dashing alien guide, Ryon, is making my heart do somersaults faster than a hyperjump. As forbidden sparks fly, I'm torn between my earthly sensibilities and the allure of a love that transcends the stars.

Can I navigate this intergalactic affair without losing my head... or my heart?

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Torn between my growing feelings for Doanor and the life I left behind on Earth, I find myself facing an impossible choice. When a crisis threatens the ship, Doanor and I must risk everything for each other and the beings in our care. Can our love defy the stars, or will the vastness of the galaxy tear us apart?