Page 60 of The Alien Who Saved Christmas
“You are a woman.” He said simply.
“That’salwaysthe answer on this stupid planet.”
“It is the answer on every planet.” He paused. “But if we do this… everyone will know there is a woman on Corono.”
“They already know. I was in that Lego Tavern and at the Christmas market. Everyone heard Elf freaking out.”
“But your presence will be confirmed, and that is dangerous. Vice-Corporal Siganthum-Rycen Lonel Lonel is no doubt looking for you, already. If he knows you took part in a raid on his mine, he will redouble his efforts to find you, and he is a very dangerous man.”
“We’re flying out of here tonight and never coming back. Who cares what the octopus-guy thinks?”
“I care about everything and everyone who might threaten my wife.”
She automatically opened her mouth to say “maybe-wife” …And then didn’t. The words didn’t come. She stayed quiet, letting his claim on her stand, because it seemed kind of exactly right.
Xane glanced over at her, his brow furrowing in confusion when she didn’t correct him.
Sadie cleared her throat. “You’re caring about a lot of stuff all of a sudden.”
“Only ‘stuff’ that impacts you. I believe it’s because I have underestimated the amount of emotions you engender. I have already reached the deepest level of caring for you.”
Sadie’s heart wentboom, as she realized what he meant. “You love me?”
“Yes. But, I am not going to tell you, yet.”
“Oh, it’s okay. You can tell me.” She urged eagerly, hearts in her eyes.
He shook his head. “I want to prove to you that I have listened to your instructions and grown my emotions with much time and self-reflection.”
Shit. Had she really told him that? She was an idiot. “Those are terrible instructions. Ignore them. It’sfineto love me now. I don’t mind a bit.”
“It’s important that you see my commitment.” He insisted stubbornly. “I want to be a good husband to you.”
“You’realreadya good husband to me.”
Xane beamed. It transformed his whole face. “Again.” He ordered in a hopeful tone.
Sadie sighed in frustration. “You’re my husband.” She repeated, because she knew that’s what he meant. At least one of them should hear the words they wanted.
Two of his hands cupped her face, and he gave her a smacking kiss, like she’d made him the happiest guy on PlanetVulcan. “Thank you, Sadie Malone. I will earn this honor. I swear it.”
It was hard to stay irritated with the guy.
Xane gave her another quick kiss, like he just couldn’t help himself, and then reluctantly moved back. “Now, we must refocus on the plan.” He continued, as if this were just an average conversation. “What are your thoughts?”
Sadie struggled to keep up. “Huh?”
“We are debating the merits ofyouusing the intercom.”
“Oh.” She tried to think. It was kind of important that they stay alive, so he could profess his eternal love later. “Well, that moves things along faster, right?”
“In theory.”
“And that gets us back to the ship faster and blasting off faster.” She nodded. “It’s safer, because it gets us away from here. It makes sense.”
He made a face. “I do not dispute the logic. But it is still not my preferred course of action. Inside of me there are,” he tapped his chest. “illogical forces at work.”
“Weakness?”
