I’d let Marissa rest for a day, but when the sun rose the next day, I had hope in my heart and the quest for new beginnings in my mind. I was ready to prove to her that Alpazon was the best home for her and that she should be with me.

“Good morning,” I said as I watched her come into the kitchen, where I’d prepared a big meal for her.

She greeted me with a kiss on the cheek that warmed my belly.

“Good morning,” she said and sat at the table. “What’s all this?” She pointed to the array of food.

“This is breakfast. You need to get some energy fuel for the day I have planned for us.”

“Oh yeah?” Her expression sparked with curiosity.

“That’s right; we have tons of activities planned. I’m going to show you what a day is like on Alpazon,” I said proudly as I served her a giant plate of food.

“Oh, that sounds awesome.” She smiled and took the plate gratefully. “I don’t know what half of the stuff is on this plate, but I’m willing to try it.”

“That’s the spirit,” I said and patted her back as she ate happily. I was so attracted to her, but I tried to contain the growing bulge in my pants that I was wearing for her. I couldn’t freak her out again, not when I was trying to convince her to stay with me.

After we ate, we got dressed and she tossed her long hair over her shoulder. She looked eager to go sightseeing, which brought me immense relief.

“Well, I thought I’d take you on a tour of a nearby village.” I smiled as I opened the gates to the Darailtar stables.

“Oh, that sounds like fun.” She clapped her hands and pushed up on top of the animal.

“It’s not a far ride,” I called to her behind my shoulder as we flew off into the air. Luckily, it was a beautiful day.

The air was perfect and the sun was shining warmly on my skin. A gently breeze tickled my cheeks as the mighty Darailtar pushed us through the air with its powerful wings.

A few minutes later, we gently landed in the village and I tied my animal to a station where other Alpazonian’s kept their Darailtars.

“Where should we go first?” Marissa looked around with inquisitive eyes, soaking it all in.

“Let’s go into this pottery shop.” I gestured for her to follow me as I led the way. “There is an artisan here who makes astoundingly beautiful pieces. Mostly cups, plates, bowls. You know, that type of thing.”

Marissa nodded, intrigued. “Sounds great to me.”

Marissa saw a beautiful handcrafted and hand painted jar she just couldn’t live without. It had mosaic tile on the front of it that was green and white. “Green is my favorite color,” she said as she rubbed the jar admiringly.

“Do you want me to buy it for you?” I asked.

“Would you mind?” Marissa looked hopeful.

I was desperately trying to please her and show her how nurturing and accommodating I could be. “Of course, I’ll get you anything you desire.” I smiled.

Marissa beamed. “Yes, please, I’d love to have this one.” She picked up the jar.

“Then it’s yours,” I said and paid for the item.

When we walked out of the store, I noticed there was a lovely grocery market with a variety of foods to choose from.

“Let’s go over here,” I suggested, pointing in its direction.

Marissa followed and I showed her all kinds of exotic fruits and vegetables. She handled them with curiosity. “Can we bring some home to eat later?” She looked up at me.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I’m running low on these fruits, so that works out really well,” I admitted as I placed some in our basket for purchase.

I was having a great time with Marissa and, judging by her body language and expression, she was having a great time, too. This pleased me enormously. I was making progress with her, one step at a time.

“You know, I understand your fear,” I said as we strolled along, window shopping.

“You do?” She brushed the hair off her cheek and looked up at me.

“Yes. If I had to go to your planet, where everything was unfamiliar and I didn’t know anyone, I would probably be scared, too.”

“No, you wouldn’t.” She playfully hit my arm. “You are strong and manly. I’m just a dainty little flower,” she joked.

I gazed at her, completely starry-eyed. “You are a beautiful flower,” I admitted.

“Thank you.” She glowed from the compliment.

“You’re welcome.” I smiled and took her hand in mine. “Shall we get some lunch? Then afterwards I can take you to one of our local zoos. There are some amazing animals and plants there.”

“That sounds perfect,” she squealed with delight.

After we’d filled our bellies with succulent treats at a nearby restaurant, we walked to the zoo on the edge of town. It was crowded and hot, but every time I worriedly looked over at Marissa, she seemed to be taking it all in stride.

She asked me a million questions about the plants and animals contained within. Her eyes lit up as she watched the animals of every vivid color of the rainbow strolling around behind the fences of their mock natural habitats.

Her face lit up as she watched an Arublitang swing through the trees. She was wowed by its bright purple color. “Those would be called monkeys back on Earth,” she stated.

“I love learning about your planet, too,” I said. I was elated that, for the first time since she’d arrived on Alpazon, she seemed truly interested in her surroundings.

“You must love animals,” I said as we stood next to the enclosure for the Lurkins, what she referred to as a tiger back on Earth.

“I do.” She gazed dreamily at the creature.

I wanted to kiss her, but I was nervous about her reaction. “There’s one last stop I’d like to take you on our tour,” I said hesitantly.

“Where?” She smiled brightly.

“Um, it’s the women’s hut. It’s where the babies are born.”

“Kadic, I—”

“Just hear me out,” I interrupted her. “It might help make your decision easier.”

She pondered this thoughtfully. “Oh, what the hell,” she agreed. “I’ll go for it.”

“Thank you.” I hugged her.

We left the zoo and made our way to the women’s hut. Just as we were entering the building, I saw Antai, the midwife, walking by at the perfect time. I knew that Marissa would be in good hands with her.