“How many times do I have to tell you? Don’t stare directly at the sun!” Ramyx and I are outside, raking leaves under the giant oak tree in our fenced-in yard. He’s still new enough to yard care where he thinks it’s fun, so I’m letting him do most of the heavy lifting. But he occasionally pauses and looks up at the dim yellow globe in the sky.

“It’s too dim to hurt my eyes,” he says.

“Haven’t you ever heard the saying ‘a watched pot never boils?’” I tease.

“Actually, I never have heard that one before,” he says as he turns his attention back to the giant pile of damp leaves at his feet. He mounds then up and starts transferring them to the mulch bag. “You know I can’t help it. I happen to find Earth quite pleasing.”

It’s true. Ramyx has taken to Earth like a fish to water. We’ve experienced so much in the past few months. We’ve spent time watching movies together (Die Hard is his favorite), trying out different restaurants (he loves the Indian lunch buffet on our side of town), and listening to music (turns out I’ve fallen in love with a classic rock fan). So far, his favorite part about Earth was something I hadn’t anticipated: pets. He loves pretty much every type of animal he’s encountered on this planet, and I can’t seem to stop him from bringing home strays. We have two dogs, a cat, three chickens (in the backyard) and a bunny named Frank. I’m going to have to put my foot down soon.

“After everything we went through to save this planet, I want to see her survive.” There’s still hope. We launched the rocket loaded with Eclaydian a few months ago. Now, the scientists at NASA tell us all we can do is watch and wait. So, we do.

“It’s going to work,” I say. “Just wait and see.” I use my rake to mess up his tidy pile of yard waste and he chuckles. As if on cue, there’s a noticeable increase in the light level. I can’t stop a smile from taking over my face. “Don’t look at the sun now,” I say. “You’ll burn your retinas.”

“You did it,” he says as he throws down his tools and comes for me. Two giant steps and I’m gathered in his arms.

“We did it,” I say.

“How do you think the others are doing?” I nod to the heavens with my head. He knows who I mean.

“I think they’re doing just fine.” He picks me up and spins me around. “I mean, they can’t be as happy as we are, but that would be asking too much of anyone.”

***

“PUSH!” Savannah commands as she hold out her hands and moves into position to help ease the child into this world.

“I can’t push anymore,” I say. “I’m too tired.” This labor has gone on forever. I’d give anything for an epidural right now. Or a c section. For the first time, I question my decision to birth my child on a distant planet. I should be tucked in a sterile hospital, surrounded by doctors with the latest technology and draped in white linens. Instead, I’m resting quite uncomfortably in our underground home. Life here has been wonderful, and if you’d asked me 38 hours ago I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Just don’t ask me now.

“I’ve never known you to be a quitter, Diana.” Savannah looks up at my husband. “Have you Mal?”

“No, not my girl,” he says as he dabs my forehead with a cold rag. “She never gives up on anything.”

I’m so not interested in what my husband has to say right now. He may be a famous warrior and respected leader, but he’s about as useful as bear on a bicycle in my current predicament.

My sense of irritation rallies me for one final push. I scream and give it everything I have. My last ounce of strength. I just pray it’s enough.

Savannah cuts the cord and hurries across the room with a quiet bundle. I struggle to sit up, trying to get a better look. “Doc, what’s going on?” I hear the panic in my voice. “Mal?” I look up at him, but his face is the same mask of concern as my own.

The piercing wail that fills the room a moment later is the best sound I’ve ever heard. I could listen to it on a loop all day long.

“That’s a child with a healthy set of lungs,” Mal says as he squeezes my hand. I smile up at him.

Savannah carries the bundle back across the room and I hold out my arms. “Here is your son,” she says as she hands him to me.

“Everything looks good?” I ask. He looks perfect to me.

“Ten fingers, ten toes, and healthy as a horse,” she replies. She looks as happy as I feel. “I’ll give you two some time alone,” she says as she moves slowly towards the door.

“He looks perfect,” Mallyk says as he leans closer and dusts the little forehead with a tender kiss. The sight melts my heart all over again.

“Any thoughts on a name?” I ask.

My giant warrior husband suddenly looks shy. “I had thought of Daryx, after my father, but if you don’t-“

“I love it,” I say as a reach out and take his hand. “It suits him.”

“I’ll let you choose the name for our next child,” he says. I can’t tell if he’s kidding or not. Either way, his timing leaves something to be desired.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, tiger. I think this one is going to be all we can handle for a while.” I hand our little one over to Mallyk while I readjust and settle into my bed. I’m suddenly overwhelmingly tired. “he favors you,” I say as I look at them together. They have the same eyes. And the same bluish swirl on their skin.

“The best of both worlds.” Mallyk cradles our son with a gentleness that makes me fall in love with him all over again. “The future is his.”